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Vampires are one of the most popular movies, but their "cousin", the werewolf, always takes a backseat when it comes to movie monsters. There have been a few great werewolf films over the years, with the occasional hidden gem in-between. Now, late 2024, the film simply titled WEREWOLVES (2024) appeared at theaters.From IMDB: "Two scientists try to stop a mutation that turns people into werewolves after being touched by a super-moon the year before."WEREWOLVES was directed by Steven C. Miller, and written for the screen by Matthew Kennedy. The movie stars Frank Grillo, Lou Diamond Phillips, Katrina Law, among others. It was released by Briarcliff Entertainment on December 6, 2024. Receiving mixed reviews, the film was evenly split. We take a look at the movie and give our thoughts.

It's our 650th episode. Over 13 years of podcasting. But even so, we usually don't hit the classics. Yet when we do hit each 50th episode, we do decide to do one. As usual, we put up a poll on our Facebook page, Dark Discussions Podcast, and let you, the listeners and contributors to the Facebook group make the decision. The winner of our poll was 28 DAYS LATER from 2002.From IMDB: "Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the United Kingdom, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary." The film was directed by Danny Boyle, written by Alex Garland, and starred Cillian Murphy.Listen to us discuss this classic for one of our most important episodes, the 650th one.

New Year's resolutions are a big thing for folks. Some want to lose weight, find a spouse, get a new job, work towards completing something; others have goals that they strive for. Co-host Mike said that there are a lot of genre films he hasn't seen that he wants to get to, so as a New Year's resolution, why not ask all the co-hosts to see some film they always wanted to see and then discuss. Another year doing so, each co-host chose a genre movie that they had never seen and decided to watch it and give their opinions.Films we discuss are Lucio Fulci's 1981 Lovecraftian film THE BEYOND, the 1974 film known as DAN CURTIS' DRACULA starring Jack Palance, Dennis Hopper's neo-noir thriller THE HOT SPOT (1990), and Hammer horror film TO THE DEVIL A DAUGHTER (1976). A wide variety of films they are, but also some important ones too that one of your co-hosts finally got to see.With all that, Dark Discussions would like to say happy 2025 to all of our listeners and extra mention to our Patreon supporters, both new and old, and hope to hear about some of the films you folks have never seen and plan to in this new year. Email us at darkdiscussions@aol.com and let us know.

The new Indian film, SHAITAAN (2024), the Hindi word for demon, follows the home invasion film, but with a twist. The movie is a remake of a 2023 film entitled VASH, oddly starring the same actress Janki Bodiwala. Netflix picked this new version up and released it in March.When a family of four head to their rural vacation home, they stop at a rest area to grab some food. When the counter clerk can't take cash, a friendly man in line pays for their meal. Unfortunately the friendly stranger has his eyes upon the teenage daughter. And his kindness soon turns into a nefarious plot.SHAITAAN stars Janki Bodiwala along with Ajay Devgn, Anngad Raaj, Jyothika, and R. Madhavan as the stranger. The movie has received mixed to low reviews by both critics and audiences alike. However, it has gotten a bit of buzz from horror audiences looking for something different upon an old story line. Your cohosts take a look at this recently released film and gives their thoughts.

Art the clown shocked audiences with the first film in the franchise, TERRIFIER (2018). With its sequel, adding a true “final girl”, and giving Art a back story, the sequel TERRIFIER 2 (2022) became an instant money grosser. Now 2024, TERRIFIER 3, following our hero and villain from the second film, was released in October for the Halloween season.Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) has been released from a mental health hospital after the trauma of facing Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) and surviving. She has moved in with her aunt, uncle, and cousin while her brother Jonathan (Elliott Fullam) has gone of to college. When true crime podcaster Mia (Alexa Blair Robertson) tries to get interviews with the two, the past comes crashing back leaving no one safe.Director and writer Damien Leone is back with the latest in the franchise. Costing only $2M USD to make, the film went on to gross $63.9M USD and became one of the highest grossing films that have been released as unrated. The film, with its great reviews, has solidified Art the Clown as a new horror icon. Your cohosts track to the theater and take a look at the new film and give their thoughts.

In this day and age, not all that surprising, there are sequels to multiple films. One of them that was just released is SMILE 2, the sequel to the 2022 original. SMILE was a bigger success than the studio had expected and so they signed director/writer Parker Finn to a film deal and the first to be produced is SMILE 2.Pop singer Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) is about to go on tour. Its a new beginning for her after a car accident that injured her back and left her boyfriend and actor Paul Hudson (Ray Nicholson) dead. Recovering from drug abuse, no doctor will prescribe her painkillers for her back pain. When she meets up with a drug dealer, he begins freaking out that some sort of entity is following her.Picking up right where the prior film ended, SMILE 2 follows the same antagonist from the original. Receiving fairly good reviews from critics and audiences alike, the movie almost tripled its $28M USD budget with a profit of close to $110M USD. You cohosts head to the theaters and decide to review the film giving their thoughts.

1975 was the release of Stephen King's second novel, ‘SALEM'S LOT. It was a huge success. Shortly after the novel was turned into a classic television mini-series (1979), and a sequel (1987), plus a further remake (2004). But Hollywood wasn't finished yet. The television prequel series CHAPELWAITE (2021) was released. Now finally a third remake has been released straight to VOD on HBO Max.Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman) returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem's Lot as he begins to write a tale about an old dark house entitled the Martsten House which overlooks the town. At the same time two European immigrants set up an antiques store on main street. When a boy disappears, the local police chief begins to suspect that one of the new arrivals may be the perpetrator.Immediately, the film production and what was screened was mediocre at best. As a result, the movie was shelfed as producers tried to decide what to do with it. But still, some big names were involved with the production. James Wan produced and Gary Dauberman wrote and directed. Your co-hosts take a look at this new adaptation and give their thoughts whether the bad rumors were true.

When Moses parted the Red Sea, it was considered to be an obviously miracle. The ocean and the tides have always been part of sea faring life and have had legends and myths follow them throughout history. A king's tide is those tides that occur at points throughout the year where they are their highest as the moon, sun, and gravity play a part. The new Canadian film THE KING TIDE popped up on VOD recently to some fairly good reviews. But its title is more a metaphor than part of the interesting plot.Bobby (Clayne Crawford) is the mayor of the only town on an island off the Atlantic Canadian coast. A small dingy appears by the shore with a young baby in it. He and his wife, having just lost a pregnancy, adopt the girl. When she grows up, she begins to show miraculous powers of healing and fortune. Though Bobby tries to hide this from the community, his mother-in-law thinks otherwise leading to great change upon them all.The movie is directed by Christian Sparkes from a script from four writers. Besides Clayne Crawford, other stars include Frances Fisher and Lara Jean Chorostecki. The film was originally did the festival circuit in 2023 before a full release in 2024. With very good reviews, the movie had a short lived window of note. Your co-hosts take a look at it and give their thoughts.

The 2016 South Korean film, THE WAILING, showed a number of things about Korea. It included the nation's feelings of the stamp Japan had left from its occupation of Korea during and prior to World War II. It also showed the superstition of some Koreans and how it still remains years later. The new film, EXHUMA (2024), though much different than THE WAILING has both these aspects within its plot as well.When a wealthy American family of Korean ancestry believes that medicine will not cure a mysterious illness of their new born, they enlist two “Mu” (or shamans) to get to the bottom of what may be a long lasting curse that has followed the Americans from generation to generation.The film is written and directed by Jae-hyun Jang and the cast includes superstar Min-sik Choi (OLDBOY 2003) in a very different role than some of his previous. The film was a huge success in its native country and appeared on the television station Shudder for North American audiences. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

Just 20 years ago, Demi Moore was a star. Not only a star, but a superstar. Her latest film, THE SUBSTANCE (2024), is a perfect example of aging and stardom and what can happen to folks as a younger generation appears on the scene. And the old, to remain relevant, try to hang on to their glory days.Actress Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) has transitioned from award winning actress to becoming a huge television star as she hosts an aerobics show. On her fiftieth birthday, her producer Harvey (Dennis Quaid), lets her go as he decides a new and young starlet is needed. Approached by a company called The Substance, she is offered a chance to create a younger and better version of herself using their experimental medication. Things alas don't turn out all that well.The film is directed and written by Coralie Fargeat (REVENGE (2017) and also stars Margaret Qualley. Released to the festival circuit and nominated for the Palme D'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival while winning best screenplay. Released at theaters, the film underperformed, yet still received good reviews by audiences and reviewers alike. Your cohosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

It's the new thing. And it's called the multiverse. It's the running joke of the televisions series RICK AND MORTY. Where at any point in time, your existence diverts into millions of "you" depending on what you do next. The new movie HOSTILE DIMENSIONS (2024) opens up a door (literally) into existences beyond ours.When graffiti artist, Emily (Josie Rogers), finds a standalone door in the middle of a cellar of an abandoned building, she opens it and disappears. Two documentary filmmakers along with a college professor decide to find the truth of what happens, hoping to solve a mystery that has gone viral on the internet.The Scottish film is written and directed by Graham Hughes. Besides Josie Rogers, the cast includes Annabel Logan, Joma West, and Paddy Kondracki. With talking dogs, flying whales, and bronze giants, Emily's dilemma may turn out to be more "supernatural" than one thought. Your co-hosts take a look at this hidden gem and give their thoughts.

A new film from the land of the Irish has arrived to streaming after a short run at the theaters. The new movie is called ODDITY (2024). Does it live up to that name? Well, it isn't as odd as the title says, but it sure is a well received supernatural movie.Dani Timmis (Carolyn Bracken) is home alone at night as her psychiatrist husband, Ted (Gwilym Lee), is at work. When an ex-patient arrives at her front door, he warns her of a stranger that is in her house. A year later, her clairvoyant twin sister Darcy decides to find out what happened that night when she receives a talisman that may be the key to her answers.The movie is written and directed by Damian McCarthy. Besides Gwilym Lee and Carolyn Bracken, the movie's cast includes Tadhg Murphy, Caroline Menton, Steve Wall, and Jonathan French. Picked up by IFC and Shudder, the film received a quick release at theaters after getting good reviews from critics. Your podcast hosts take a look at this new movie and give their thoughts.

The ALIEN franchise is one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. ALIEN (1979) and the sequel ALIENS (1986) are two of the best films of all time. Others in the franchise have received fine reviews and have interesting premises. Now, the new movie in the franchise, ALIEN: ROMULUS, has arrived.Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and her synthetic brother Andy (David Jonsson) work for the company Weyland-Yutani as essentially indentured servants. When Rain's ex-boyfriend suggests a chance to flee to a different planet, Rain and the group head to an abandoned space station in orbit to get the fuel needed. Unfortunately there is a secret onboard that may be the death of them all.The film is directed by Fede Alvarez and co-written with his film partner Rodo Sayagues. The film takes place between the first two films in the franchise. Receiving decent enough reviews, the movie is the first from Disney and has been a financial success. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

The co-German and American film CUCKOO arrived to theaters in August of 2024. Neon, the film company that has been releasing some fairly interesting films, got it a general release. Small as it is, the film received a bit of buzz from genre fans. But what is the film about? Is it a monster film? A film about cryptozoology? Demons? Aliens? Whatever it is, many reviewers wondered as much as the audiences did.Synopsis: 17-year-old Gretchen (Hunter Schafer) moves to a resort in the Bavarian Alps with her father, stepmother, and mute half-sister. The resort is managed by the enigmatic Herr König (Dan Stevens). As Gretchen starts working at the resort's front desk, she encounters strange and unsettling occurrences that may put her life in danger.The film is written and directed by German filmmaker Tilman Singer. It stars Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, Jessica Henwirk, Marton Csoskas, Jan Bluthardt, and Greta Fernandez. Before its theatrical release, it played at the Berlin International Film Festival, South By Southwest, and Fantasia. Your co-hosts take a look at this odd film and give their thoughts.

M. Night Shyamalan as of 2024 is now hit or miss with his movies. There hasn't been any further “classics” in his filmography over the last two decades, but he's had some fairly enjoyable productions. His latest is called TRAP (2024) and has received a large theatrical release from Warner Brothers Pictures.Riley (Ariel Donoghue) and her dad Cooper (Josh Hartnett) are attending a Lady Raven concert in Philadelphia. When Cooper notices that a very large and present law enforcement attendance, he asks a vendor what's up. There was a tip that the serial killer known as the Butcher is in attendance. Soon a cat-and-mouse game begins where everyone, including the talent on stage, has to make decisions that will save their own skins as well as others.Shyamalan directs from a script that he wrote. Besides an absolutely fantastic performance by Josh Hartnett, the film also stars Hayley Mills, Saleka Night Shyamalan, and Alison Pill. With an interesting premise, based off the mixed reviews by audiences and writers alike, the question of its success depends on the individual viewer. Your co-hosts take a look at this recently released theatrical feature and give their thoughts.

Sometimes a horror film is called a “comedy.” But usually they are actually dark comedies, or simply dark drama. Well, the 2022 film THE MENU most certainly has some dark humor in it, but it is definitely a horror film through and through. With its exaggerated caricatures of those in certain social statuses, people are going to get a chuckle. But all in all, the frights do come through.A well known chef has opened up an exclusive restaurant on a remote island. Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) has been invited to a private dinner there by her boyfriend. The restaurant is filled with various folks from the upper class, new money and old. When Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) begins to serve each course, he brings a story with the food that is specific to each of the attendees. A quiet dinner turns out to be much more.The film is directed by Mark Mylod based on the script by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy. Starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, the movie's cast also includes Nicholas Hoult and John Leguizamo. Having received a theatrical release, the film has garnered fine reviews by both reviewers and audiences members alike. Your co-hosts take a look at this commentary on the class system and people behaving badly and give their thoughts.

Serial killer movies are some of the most frightening films one can see. Whether it is a thriller or a horror film, the unhinged aspect of someone that just doesn't follow empathy and care for their fellow human being can be pretty horrifying. The new film, LONGLEGS (2024), is another “police” procedural where the FBI has an unknown killer out in the world that endangers everyone.FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe (IT FOLLOWS)) is a recent grad from training. She's assigned to the Longlegs killer case because she shows signs of a sixth sense if not true clairvoyance. Longlegs (Nicholas Cage) is somehow convincing or hypnotizing a family member to murder their entire family before killing themselves. Lee begins putting the pieces together while discovering the case is much closer to home than she ever thought.LONGLEGS is written and directed by Osgood Perkins (THE BLACKCOAT'S DAUGHTER). Besides Nicholas Cage and Maika Monroe, the film co-stars Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt. The film was produced by Nicholas Cage and released to theaters by Neon. Though receiving good reviews from reviewers, audiences seem not to be as keen on the movie. Your co-hosts take a look at the feature and give their thoughts.

Continuous darkness, outer beings, apocalypse. What about dreams and not seeing the reality of things? Recently Argentina has produced some fairly good horror films. A new movie entitled INTO THE ABYSS has appeared with a pretty interesting trailer and a very cool poster. Though releases in its home country in 2022, it finally has made its debut in North America.In a city of complete shadows, Bannon (Martin Rispau) replays phone messages of a woman talking about the darkness falling. Trying to survive, he hears on walkie-talkie through random survivors that there is daylight with only certain areas pocketed with the darkness. He sets off through the streets and buildings trying to get to the outer edges of the city in hoping to finding deliverance.INTO THE ABYSS is directed by Matias Xaier Rispau from a screenplay he co-wrote by the ambiguous Boris C. Q. At points the movie has some interesting visual effects including giant Lovecraftian monsters and mutant humanoids. Receiving mixed reviews from the limited number of writers that have seen the film, your co-hosts take a blind look at a random VOD release and give their thoughts.

With companies such as Amazon and Apple creating speakers that one can speak into, you get convenience that one never had before. The 2022 film, KIMI, is just about that. The issue with such devices is that they can also do the opposite. They can spy upon you without you even knowing. So the movie KIMI is a very timely film indeed.From Rottentomatoes: An agoraphobic tech worker discovers recorded evidence of a violent crime but is met with resistance when she tries to report it. Seeking justice, she must now do the thing she fears the most: she must leave her apartment.The film was directed by Steven Soderbergh (CONTAGION, TRAFFIC) and written by David Koepp (JURASSIC PARK, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE). The films cast includes Zoe Kravitz, Byron Bowers, and Jaime Camil. Released to VOD on HBO Max, the film holds great reviews from reviewers and mixed thoughts by audiences. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

With the quiet success and profit of the films X (2022) and PEARL (2022), director/screenwriter Ti West is back with his “final” film in the “X Trilogy”. MAXXXINE (2024) picks up a few years later from the events from X and continues following the story of Maxine Minx, now back in Los Angeles and trying to break into “legit” films.Maxine (Mia Goth), still dealing with what happened during the filming of her adult film in X (2022), tries out and gets the part for a sequel to the popular mainstream horror movie The Puritan. But her past seems to follow her as a mysterious video tape appears at her door with unreleased footage from the movie she had filmed back during the Texas massacre. With some recent murders, the police, her agent, a private investigator, and her friends all get wrapped up into a shocking mystery revolving around Maxine's past.Besides Mia Goth, the film stars Kevin Bacon, Michell Monaghan, Elizabeth Debicki, Giancarlo Esposito, among others including Dan Lench. Dark Discussions talks about the film and is joined by Dan as we discuss the film and talk about the movie and Dan's experiences in this fabulous production.

A QUIET PLACE (2018) and A QUIET PLACE 2 (2020) were two of the very best horror films to come out these last few years. Scary, intense, and suspenseful, they put people on their toes and made a heck of a good time whether you were a horror fan or not. Now, a prequel to the series, with new characters and in a new location, by a new writer/director has come: A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE (2024).Samira (Lupita Nyong'o) is living at a nursing home with terminal cancer. When Reuben (Alex Wolff), her nurse, says he's set up a trip to Manhattan to watch a play, she agrees because she wants to have true New York style pizza one last time. However, the alien invasion seen in the first two films begins, leaving her and Eric (Joseph Quinn), a college student, lost in the half destroyed city trying to survive.The movie was written and directed by Michael Samoski who previously made the well received film PIG (2021). The film, shifting from rural America to the largest city in the country, focuses more on the individual stories of its lead characters. Dark Discussions takes a look at this film and gives their thoughts. Does it live up to the greatness of its two predecessors?

Shark movies, there has been a mixed bag. Obviously, Peter Bentley's exciting novel was turned into the classic thriller JAWS (1975). Other films have been great fun like BAIT (2012) and THE MEG (2018). Some have been more serious and pretty solid such as 47 METERS DOWN (2017) and its sequel. And the shark-adjacent film OPEN WATER (2003) was fabulous. Now the new film, UNDER PARIS (2024), has arrived on Netflix focusing on sharks … and more sharks.Marine researcher, Sophia (Berenice Bejo), while on an expedition in the Pacific focusing on pollution related to shark habitats, watches in horror as her husband and friends all get eaten by the animals. Years later, environmentalists come to her and claim that one of the sharks that she and her crew had tagged on that mission is now in the Seine River and endangering the city.The movie got some early buzz when it appeared June 5, 2024 on Netflix. Was it because the movie stood above other shark films or was it simply the mass advertisement on the front page of the Netflix app that gave it notice. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and are joined by actor Dan Lench (from such films as MaXXXine (2024) and CIRCLE (2015).

Small budget films pop up every so often that get a lot of good buzz. Many don't necessarily have an original idea, yet they do it a new way. The new film, WHAT YOU WISH FOR (2024), doesn't much tell you anything from the title, but by the ending of the movie it makes perfect sense.Ryan (Nick Stahl) heads to Colombia to visit his old culinary arts college buddy, Jack (Brian Groh). His real reason to visit may be more to do with escaping loansharks. When an unfortunate incident happens, Ryan decides to do the private chef's dinner that Jack was supposed to do. Soon, things turn out a bit different than he had hoped. And what he wished for may not be what he really wanted.The movie was written and directed by Nicholas Tomnay. Beside Nick Stahl and Brian Groh, the cast includes a great group of performers including Tamsin Topolski, Juan Carlos Messier, Penelope Mitchell, and Randy Vasquez. Your co-hosts take a look at this VOD selection and give their thoughts.

Bugs, creepy crawlies, and spiders have always been a human fear. As a result they have made appearances in so many films to scare the heck out of folks. From Shelob in THE LORD OF THE RINGS (2002-2003) to the large spiders from the 2007 film, THE MIST, spiders are alive and well in film. The new French film, INFESTED (2024), has joined the "web".When a young collector of insects and exotic animals purchases a spider from the Paris black market, he brings it back to his apartment building. Not knowing what type of spider, he becomes careless and the creature escapes. Soon it multiplies, using mammals and people as hosts, resulting in an infestation that will kill them all.The movie has received excellent reviews. The movie most recently made its debut to the Shudder streaming service where it received a lot of attention. Does the film live up to the word of mouth that has followed it? Your co-hosts take a look at the film to give their thoughts.

THE PLANET OF THE APES series has become an institution. For whatever reason, audiences get a kick out of seeing intelligent apes taking over the world. With the 2011 reboot film, DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, the series took off once more after being dormant for many years. The fourth film in the reboot, THE KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2024), was recently released to some acclaim.Intelligent chimpanzee Noa (Owen Teague) sees his village destroyed and his clan taken prisoner by renegade apes. He goes off to save all he can. On his journey, he is joined by Raka (Peter Macon), a Bornean orangutan, and Mae (Freya Allan), a human, and their journey leads them to Proximus (Kevin Durand) who has set up a coastal ape city where Noa's clan may have been taken to.The film is directed by Wes Ball, written by Josh Friedman, inspired by the novel by Pierre Boulle. Besides Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Peter Macon, and Kevin Durand, the film's cast includes William H. Macy, Dichen Lachman, and Travis Jeffery. Receiving good reviews from critics and audiences alike, your co-hosts take a look at the latest film in the franchise and gives their thoughts.

When THE OMEN (1976) was released, it received very good reviews even if some critics tried to say it was made to profit on the success of the 1973 film, THE EXORCIST. But it itself has become a classic movie and won numerous awards at various award shows. It became a franchise of films, and even had a remake. Now a prequal has appeared entitled THE FIRST OMEN (2024).In the early 1970's, American Margaret (Nell Tiger Free) arrives in Rome to become a nun. She meets fellow initiates as she tries to adjust to the rigors of the nunnery she happens to be placed. After some shocking deaths, and an appearance of a strange priest, she begins to doubt if her new home is as safe as she first thought.The movie is directed by Arkasha Stevenson and written by TIm Smith, Arkasha Stevenson, and Keith Thomas. The feature stars Nell Tiger Free along with Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga, and Bill Nighly. Receiving fairly decent reviews, does the movie live up to the original? Your co-hosts take a look and give their thoughts.

Witches in horror are one of the most interesting monsters. They can be the broomstick and black cauldron type with green skin and pointy hats, or they can be as nefarious as those seen in such films like THE LORDS OF SALEM (2012) and THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE (2016). The new film, BAGHEAD (2024), is another take for this villain that was just released to the streaming station Shudder.Iris (Freya Allan) hasn't seen her father in years. When he dies, he leaves her an old but impressive tavern that she can either sell or try to make ends meet. After signing the typical lawyer-like paperwork, she moves into the tavern to begin her new life. When a strange man breaks in and offers her money to see the woman in the basement, Iris has to make a decision that may determine whether she lives or dies.The movie has received mixed reviews both from critics and audiences alike. With his feature length debut, director Alberto Corredor makes an impressively atmospheric movie. The question is, does the script live up to its production values and its impressive cast that includes the "it girl" Freya Allan. Dark Discussions takes a look at this movie with all the buzz and gives their thoughts.

Over 25 years ago, the Japanese film, RINGU (1998), led a wave of horror films that took some sort of object and turned it into a talisman. Supernatural evil then begins to haunt or curse teenagers or college co-eds leaving many dead, and the remainder including the survivor girl being unable to ever escape the paranormal blight that follows them forever. The Australian film, TALK TO ME (2023), took the common trope and made it feel fresher than it deserved to be.Mia (Sophie Wilde) and her friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen) head to a house party where their high school friends have come upon an embalmed hand that can turn spirits corporeal for the person who holds the hand. When Jade's little brother Riley (Joe Bird) wants a try, things turn deadly as a curse leaves Riley injured and forces Mia into a conundrum that could ultimately lead to her death.Two new filmmakers, brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, directed this surprise A24 hit. Receiving fairly impressive reviews from reviewers while being enjoyed by audiences, the movie made $92M USD at the box office against a budget of $4.5M USD. With its success, the film landed up on many top ten lists of 2023. Dark Discussions takes a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.

LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL is one of those films that falls within both the Found Footage subcategory and the Cinema Verite subcategories of filmmaking. With its documentary style and its “live” camera shooting, the movie gives us the feel of both before and behind the cameras of a late night television talk show.Night Owls With Jack Delroy is one of the many, but most successful, variety talk shows that are competing with Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show. While beginning to wane in the ratings, Jack (David Dastmalchian) and his team decide to try to make an epic Halloween special including psychics, magicians, and parapsychologists as guests. Unfortunately for everyone involved the supernatural may actually be a real thing.The movie originally made its premiere in 2023 at the SXSW film festival and received some buzz because of it. Released to theaters on March 22nd, 2024, and then on April 19th, 2024 it arrived to Shudder. Receiving excellent reviews by critics, the Cairnes brothers written and directed film, has also been had positive feedback by audiences too. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.

Frank Herbert's original 1965 story, DUNE, was an astounding success. It has become one of America's great novels, and is beloved by science fiction fans. Most certainly apt to fit in with the space opera subset of speculative fiction, the book has been once again recently turned into a two part film series starting with director Denis Villeneuve's first in the pair DUNE: PART ONE (2021). Now he's back with the second, DUNE: PART TWO, that has been one of 2024's biggest successes. Rather than discuss the intricacies of the story, the movie stars an all-star cast. Timothee Chalamet plays the lead role of Paul Atreides who may or may not be a promised messianic hero. Also in the cast is Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem, Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, among many others.DUNE: PART TWO (2024) received glowing reviews from critics. With its theatrical success, Warner Brothers appears to have green lit the second book in Frank Herbert's series DUNE: MESSIAH. Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.

With a title like MIDNIGHT PEEPSHOW (2024), this latest film from England would spell out grindhouse or midnight movie. Also, once one takes a look, you find out it is actually a horror anthology that has a wraparound story that puts it together. With limited yet positive reviews, does the film live up to its name and its genre or is it a mixed bag like many horror anthologies seem to be.In a back alley of the London streets there is a mysterious peepshow that caters to a certain group of people. But beyond that, a mysterious website reaches out to the more adventurous type hoping to get them to join, both as the entertainer and the customer. But once one travels down this rabbit hole, will they ever get to change their mind, rethink their choices, or are they doomed to a new life that wasn't what they expected.Recently released to VOD, the movie has received six official reviews on Rottentomatoes with all giving it a positive review. Yet audiences have been more mixed with a score at 60%, still positive but not the 100% that the critics have given it. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts. Does it live up to the exploitation title, the horror elements it suggests, and the fact that it is an anthology?

If you haven't heard of her yet, Syndney Sweeney is possibly the most sought after actress in Hollywood. She had starring roles in shows like EUPHORIA and THE WHITE LOTUS which suddenly made her a big star. With sex appeal and acting chops, and creating her own production company, she's been able to star in a number of surprise hits such as 2023's ANYONE BUT YOU. Then with her appearance on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, her hosting gig made her become a meme. Not surprisingly her latest film, IMMACULATE (2024), has arrived in theaters with a bit of a buzz following it.Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney) heads to Italy to join a nunnery that takes care of those near the end of their life after spending their younger years taking care of the poor and sick. As a Sister, Cecilia learns the ropes and daily routine. One morning, a mysterious happening occurs that causes Cecilia to become the focus of attention to the leadership of the convent. However the strictness and rules of the convent contradict typical healthcare and her own wellbeing causing Cecilia to become concerned. Her unease makes her begin to question if things aren't what they appear to be.IMMACULATE may look to be somewhat of a throwback to the nunsploitation of the grindhouse days, but it may actually be more aligned with the French Exteme Horror films of the early 2010's. Fifty-Five Films, Sweeney's production company, bought the rights to Andrew Lobel's screenplay and brought on director Michael Mohan to direct, who she worked with on the film THE VOYEURS (2021). Receiving fairly favorable reviews, your co-hosts take a look at this theatrical release and give their thoughts.

As stated many times on this podcast, the Greys, the white and hairless aliens, are one of the monsters in the horror and science fiction genre that seem not to get enough screen time in film. In 2022, the Paramount film SIGNIFICANT OTHER alluded to space invaders or some sort of being that may play a prominent role in the movie's story.Ruth (Maika Monroe (IT FOLLOWS)) and Harry (Jake Lacy (THE WHITE LOTUS)) head out for a camping trip in the woods of the Northwestern United States. It was supposed to be a romantic time, with Harry even planning something special at an overlook of the Pacific Ocean that means a lot to him. However, the two find the dead body of a deer that is covered with a black substance that doesn't seem like any type of moss they've ever seen.The film was co-directed and co-written by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. The film received buzz with it starring screamqueen Maika Monroe. As for reviews, the movie has a fair score of 71% by the Rotten Tomatoes meter. With its interesting twist in the middle of the film, and an unexpected ending that oddly works, your co-hosts take a look at the structure of the movie and give their thoughts on the film as a whole.

The recently released film, MONOLITH (2024), is technically older as it was shown back in 2022. An Australian film, the movie took a slow path before eventually getting a full release. It went from festival to festival before arriving to VOD in January 2024 with a Blu-ray release set for April 2024.A failed and questionable journalist (Lily Sullivan) has started a podcast to try to rebuild her career. Unlike her prior calling, she has instead focused on the bizarre and unknown to try to get acknowledgment. When an anonymous email is sent to her telling her to get in contact with a woman named Floramae (Ling Cooper Tang), the podcaster heads down a rabbit hole that may lead to a mystery that she may want to investigate.The movie was written by Lucy Campbell and directed by Matt Vesely. With only Lily Sullivan (EVIL DEAD RISE (2023)) on screen, the movie follows her as she calls and talks to various other characters throughout the world as the puzzling mystery unfolds in front of her. Your co-hosts take a look at this new movie and give their thoughts.

The old German legend, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, was an old scary tale told to many of us as children, or it was part of a collection of fairy tales that we read. The South Korean film, THE PIPER (2015), takes the premise of the legend and brings it to the post Korean War era in 1953 as a setup to the movie. When a father and his young son head to Seoul to find a doctor that will be able to help with the child's tuberculosis, they stop in a remote rural village for some food and shelter before they continue on their way. When the town's leader mentions that the village has a rat problem, the father offers to help. He is a piper and says he can get rid of the animals. Offered payment without even asking, the father begins the process, yet while doing so, the piper changes the dynamics of the village and becomes a threat to the town's leader.The film was written and directed by Gwang-tae Kim and has received little notice in North America. However, the movie was chosen as a Patreon pick by one of our listeners, and we found it readily available on VOD. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film. Is it a hidden gem? Take a listen and find out.

The unreliable narrator trope is a common theme in many films. The new horror film, SOMEWHERE QUIET (2024), is a film written and directed Olivia West Lloyd where she wanted to make the film after the “final girl” survives. What would her life be like after escaping or being rescued. Meg (Jennifer Kim) and her husband Scott (Kentucker Audley) head out to his wealthy families Cape Cod compound in Massachusetts. Kim has just survived a kidnapping attempt and is suffering from stress and PTSD. A time away from the rest of the world may be good for her. While there, Kim meets Scott's first cousin, Madelin (Marin Ireland), and the three begin to spend a lot of time together. As time goes by, Kim begins to have memories, nightmares, and flashbacks that begin to affect her sanity.The Cluster A personality can cause one's mind to see things that don't exist and believe things that aren't happening. The movie takes a look at such a person and what they “feel” around their surroundings. Co-star Marin Ireland gives an amazing performance as the eccentric cousin. Receiving great reviews by a handful of critics but negative reviews from audiences, the crew on the podcast take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

Gregg Araki, probably best known for THE DOOM GENERATION (1995), though not prolific, he has come out with a number of films of note including MYSTERIOUS SKIN (2004). The script was written by Araki based off a novel of the same name written by author Scott Heim. A Patreon pick from one of our listeners, the podcast takes a look at the film.Brian Lackey (Brady Corbet), a young man, remembers passing out as a child for unknown reasons. During one of his episodes he sees a shadowy figure staring down at him. When he sees a documentary about alien abductions on televisions, he goes visits a young woman his age that claims she too had been abducted. His discussions with her lead to him searching out Neil McCormick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who appears in photographs with him as a youngster. Does Neil have an answer or is there a bigger story?The film stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Brady Corbet, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Michelle Trachtenberg, Bill Sage, and Elizabeth Shue. Due to its subject matter, the film received the “dreaded” NC-17 rating. Controversial, the film still received fine reviews from critics including Roger Ebert. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

The “Black List” is the top screenplays that have circulated around Hollywood and producers that have not been purchased or made yet. But the buzz follows them. The new film I.S.S. (2024) is just that. The script by Nick Shafir was finally purchased and made into the movie. Distributed by Bleecker Street, the film debuted at theaters on January 19th, 2024.Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose) joins the International Space Station crew. With 3 Americans, and 3 Russians, the crew are to orbit earth and do research in hopes to help humanity. But soon, a black swan event occurs on earth leaving the two national crews not sure what to do. With friendships, and even the world in danger of ending, the six must decide whether to trust each other and even those from their own home country.The movie's cast also includes Chris Messina (DEVIL (2009)), Pilou Asbaek (GAME OF THRONES), John Gallagher (10 CLOVERFIELD LANE (2016)), Masha Mashkova (FOR ALL MANKIND), and Costa Ronin (THE AMERICANS). The direction was done by Gabriela Cowperthwaite. And reviews have generally been positive. Your co-hosts take a look at this recently released film and give their thoughts.

Sometimes Hollywood “royalty” aren't enough for a film to stand out and become a blockbuster. When you have director Gregory Hoblit, behind such genre films as PRIMAL FEAR (1996) and FREQUENCY (2000), screenwriter Nicholas Kazan behind AT CLOSE RANGE (1986) and REVERSAL OF FORTUNE (1990), and Denzel Washington starring, you'd think the film FALLEN (1998) would be a blockbuster. But it wasn't. Why?Synopsis: Detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington) successfully captures serial killer Edgar Reese (Elias Koteas). On the day of his execution, Reese seems to have made peace with Hobbes, shaking hands. But while dying, he appears unrepentant. Days later, copy cat murders begin and drag Hobbes back into a crime wave that may be more than just done by a man.Besides Denzel Washington, the film's cast includes John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, James Gandolfini, and Elias Koteas. The movie was released during a wave of supernatural religious thrillers in the 1990's that were either hit or miss. FALLEN received mixed reviews and left the box office with little success. A Patreon pick from one of our listeners, the podcast crew take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

The podcast decides to try to do something different with our latest episode. Genre movies, books, video games, disc reviews, interviews, anime, art house film – that's been our regular format. But with 2023 just wrapping up, and almost all of 2024 still to come, we decided to take a look at various films between the two years and recap and deconstruct what we know.2023 was a pretty mediocre year when it came to genre films. Horror and superhero films were mostly forgettable with the occasional gem that hit it out of the ballpark. We go into depths of some well known films like EVIL DEAD RISE, and some lesser known gems like VENUS and MASTER GARDENER. But we also look back at televisions series like LAST OF US and ONE PIECE too.Then we take a look at some films and television shows coming in 2024. Will the new ALIEN: ROMULUS take the franchise in a new direction? After Ryan Gosling's performance in BARBIE and Emily Blunt nominated for an Oscar for her role in OPPENHEIMER, will their new film THE FALL GUY that's coming be a major hit? Also discussed is how some of the 2024 movies that may not make the Dark Discussions Podcast may actually be picked up on Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews as episodes. Take a listen and enjoy.

We are already half way through January in 2024, yet 2023 is now in the rearview mirror. It's time to take a look at the prior year and go through all the many films that came out that were considered horror and genre films. Dark Discussions and its co-hosts puts together their review of all that was good and bad in 2023. Was it one of the better years in genre cinema or did it have too many missteps to be remembered?Each of your co-hosts put together a list of movies they thought were good enough to recommend. Two lists were procured. This included a list of horror films and a list of other speculative fiction films. Afterwards we then combined those lists and came up with the Dark Discussions definitive lists in both categories as best of the year. Some obvious films like MEGAN (M3GAN) and EVIL DEAD RISE appear but also little known films like THE ARTIFICE GIRL and VENUS were too.Also included are some of our “sometime co-hosts” choices and what they felt were the best of the year. And don't forget our top and worst scenes, scream queens, breakout star, and anything else you can think of. Dark Discussions wraps up last year in a nice tight bow and gives their listeners a good many films to go out and search for.

Dennis Paoli some say has written some of the best horror films of all time. His most famous include RE-ANIMATOR (1985) and FROM BEYOND (1986). His work with directors Stuart Gordon have been applauded which also includes DAGON (2001). The three films listed above are all based loosely off of H.P. Lovecraft's stories. His latest, SUITABLE FLESH (2023), directed by Joe Lynch, was released during Halloween in 2023 with some great reviews.Psychiatrist Elizabeth Derby (Heather Graham) unexpectedly receives a patient named Asa Waite (Judah Lewis). Troubled and saying he has had experiences of being possessed, he's the last patient she'd want to break her oath and have an affair with. When a horrific happening occurs at Asa's house, things begin to spiral and Elizabeth's sanity may be the price she'll pay.The movie was directed by Joe Lynch, known for such cult films as WRONG TURN 2: DEAD END (2007), EVERYLY (2014), and MAYHEM (2017). Besides starring Heather Graham (FROM HELL (2001), KILLING ME SOFTLY (2002)), the movie teams actress Barbara Crampton (RE-ANIMATOR (1985), FROM BEYOND (1986)) with Dennis Paoli. Also Bruce Davison co-stars. Your podcast co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

No one can deny director David Slade hit it out of the ballpark with his 2 initial features, HARD CANDY (2005) and 30 DAYS OF NIGHT (2007). Both were splendid genre films and have become cult classics. Between the years he has directed music videos and television episodes among some other films. Late in 2023 his latest film DARK HARVEST was released during the Halloween season.In the early 1960's within a small isolated farming community in Illinois, every Halloween a monster known as Sawtooth Jack rises from the local cornfields. Years ago he entered the local church and cursed the town to with failed crops and hardship. Now, each year, a custom has been set in place. Each Halloween, the teenage boys of the town must hunt Sawtooth Jack before he curses the town once more.The movie is based on the novel with the same name written by author Norman Partridge. After being held back for a year, the movie was released to digital VOD as the last film by MGM/United Artist before their absorption into the Amazon movie fold. Your co-hosts take a look at David Slade's “comeback” and give their thoughts on the movie.

New Year's resolutions are a big thing for folks. Some want to lose weight, find a spouse, get a new job, work towards completing something; others have goals that they strive for. Co-host Mike said that there are a lot of genre films he hasn't seen that he wants to get to, so as a New Year's resolution, why not ask all the co-hosts to see some film they always wanted to see and then discuss. Another year doing so, each co-host chose a genre movie that they had never seen and decided to watch it and give their opinions.Films we discuss are Lucio Fulci's 1980 Lovecraftian film CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, Ruggero Deodato's 1980 film CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, the 1955 Ray Harryhausen film IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA, and the 1988 Tom Holland/Don Mancini classic CHILD'S PLAY. A wide variety of films they are but also some important ones too that one of your co-hosts finally got to see.With all that, Dark Discussions would like to say happy 2024 to all of our listeners and extra mention to our Patreon supporters, both new and old, and hope to hear about some of the films you folks have never seen and plan to in this new year. Email us at darkdiscussions@aol.com and let us know.

The Grey aliens have affectively been some of the most frightening monsters in both folklore and film. But unfortunately, for high quality movies in the subgenre, not many stand out. A new film with the title FIRST CONTACT (2023) seemed to be a new entry into the alien monster movie. But when one watches it, the story turns into Cosmic horror too.When Dr. Ian Bradach (Paul Kandarian) discovers something strange about his property, he does some experiments. Soon he disappears and is presumed dead. When his adult children Casey (Anna Shields) and Dan (James Liddell) come to reclaim his estate, they discover that his studies may have lead to something more; a space-time continuum, and an exact point in time for first contact.The movie was written and directed by Bruce Wemple. Though only a ninety minute film, the plot examines many lofty topics including dark matter, eldritch horror, nihilism, relativism, and quantum physics. Is an average length film able to give credence to all that it is trying to get across? You co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

Kaiju monsters (also known as dinosaur sized beasts) have been a staple subgenre in the horror movie filmography all the way back to KING KONG (1933). After World War II, the Japanese giant monster movie GODZILLA (1954) appeared and started a franchise that has lasted for almost seventy years. Toho, the studio that brought us Godzilla, has released their latest in the franchise, GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023).Kamikaze pilot Koichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki) survives the war only to return to Tokyo and finding it in ruins. Trying to survive like the rest of post war Japan, he befriends a young woman, Noriko (Minami Hamabe), and the two along with an orphaned baby girl create a hodge-podge family. Koichi gets a job clearing sea mines. While working with his crew, Godzilla appears and endangers all of Tokyo.The movie is written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki. With a budget of $15M USD, the film has gone on to triple its profit. Some reviewers have stated this may be the best Godzilla movie ever made. Your podcast co-hosts take a look at this latest release in the classic franchise and give their thoughts.

When Eli Roth hit the horror scene, he made a huge splash. CABIN FEVER (2002) and HOSTEL (2005) were hits. Then in 2007, the Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez movie GRINDHOUSE came out with fake trailer added to it making it feel like a true 42nd production. One of those trailers was the remarkable one created by Eli Roth advertising a fake movie called THANKSGIVING. Now sixteen years later, the true movie has been made.When a Thursday night “Black Friday” sale on Thanksgiving happens in the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, a handful of people are killed from customer violence and the lack of police or security. Over the next year, people are pointing fingers at each other determining who to blame. When the daughter of the store owner of the massacre receives a macabre text message, a serial killer has announced their presence.The movie is directed by Eli Roth and written by Jeff Rendell based off the original faux-trailer. The movie stars Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, Gina Gershon, Karen Cliche, among others. Getting solid reviews by both critics and audiences alike, two questions remain. One, is the movie actually any good, and two, does it live up to the original faux-trailer. Your co-hosts take a look and give their thoughts.

In 2017, the Argentina horror film TERRIFIED (2017) was a hidden gem that turned into a surprised hit when it appeared on the streaming service Shudder. The director was Demian Rugna and now in 2023 he has a new film entitled WHEN EVIL LURKS (2023). The movie played at the film festival TIFF and has received splendid reviews. IFC picked up the film and released it through the theaters before it, too, made it to Shudder.In a world not far in the future, “rottens” have begun popping up. Demons, or some sort of outer being, possesses people who begin to bloat and become deformed. However, one must exorcise them otherwise the evil will spread where folks begin to kill each other or do horrible harm to others. Two brothers, Pedro and Jaime, are stuck in the middle of a new “outbreak” and must figure how to save their families.The movie has received fairly good reviews. Filled with gore and over the top set pieces, some believe the film could become destined to be a cult classic. The audience is dropped into the middle of this world unaware that things are “different”. Does it work? Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.

Sometimes for independent cinema, people are forced to take up many roles to get a film made. Sometimes they are so devoted to the movie, they include themselves in more roles than one specific job because the story has been an idea they've had for some time and they are completely invested in the project. Gianna Lutz, the woman behind the new horror film, HANDS OF HELL (2023), not only stars in the film, but also wrote the screenplay and co-directed the work. As of September 2023, the movie has been available everywhere on VOD to watch.Two serial killers, Bianca (Gianna Lutz) and Zeke (Adam Kitchen), have escaped from the mental institution they have been reprimanded to. As a group of vacationers arrive at a remote retreat, the killers have taken over the facility from the owners and have turned the quiet resort into their headquarters to once again begin their murderous ways.Not only is the movie a show piece for the talents of Gianna Lutz, but it is also another addition to female roles behind the camera. The movie takes place in Texas not far from the Louisiana border, and brings the cluster b personality once more to the forefront of a non-supernatural horror film. The co-hosts of the podcast take a look at this newly released movie and give their thoughts.

The podcast's 600th episode has arrived. With its arrival, the team put up a poll on our Facebook group asking listeners to choose the topic. With a choice of 16 movies that the co-hosts came up with, the 1973 classic horror film, THE WICKER MAN, was chosen. “Come. It is time to keep your appointment with the Wicker Man.”Police officer Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) head's to Summerisle Island off the Scottish coast when he receives a harrowing letter about a missing girl. On his arrival, he discovers a strange society following a pagan sect. It's a land very dissimilar to the mainland. May Day and a celebration of sexual freedom, the land is ruled by Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). During his search for the missing girl, an ominous conspiracy begins to form around his investigation and his life may be endangered.The movie also stars A-listers Britt Ekland, Diane Cilento, and Ingrid Pitt. THE WICKER MAN was directed by Robin Hardy and written by Anthony Snell. With its unforgettable ending, the film has become iconic and has been the father of so many more folk horror films including MIDSOMMAR (2019) among others. Your co-hosts take a look at this classic film and give their thoughts.