Spooky Tuesday - A Horror Movie Podcast

It's that time again, Spookies, but Chelsea wasn't sure what to pick for her birthday flick this year, so she decided to do a little sequel presentation. After covering Influencer back in Season 3 for the same occasion, it just felt right to take a chance on Influencers (2025), but did the risk pay off? On a new Spooky Tuesday, we went in blind as we reunited with Cassandra Naud and Emily Tennant's characters for a second showdown that featured even more blood lust and sapphic sexual tension than the first. References: https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshweiss/2025/12/12/influencers-director-on-how-lizzie-mcguire-inspired-the-sequel-rise-of-malicious-ai-that-bonkers-ending-and-more/

Black comedies may be one of the spooky genres we list in our opening spiel, but we rarely get them on the schedule — which is why it's so fun that we're starting off September with Jawbreaker (1999). This year, we're heading back to school in style as we enter the candy-colored sphere of teenage social politics. Who's hot, who's not, and who's got the power to make those decisions? Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart, Judy Greer, and Julie Benz may not be starring in a scary movie this time, but they've all got horror creds, and when it comes to this flick, death and destruction are not off the menu. References: https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Interview-Writer-Darren-Stein-and-Director-Matt-DiCarlo-of-JAWBREAKER-THE-MUSICAL-20260815

Spookies, how did we let 20 years go by without ever watching Hatchet (2006)? Thankfully, Swamp Ass August is here to set us straight, so we're finishing off our accidental New Orleans Three Weeks with the first flick in Victor Crowley's slasher franchise. Starring some familiar faces — like squintern Colin Fisher from Bones, Tyson from Scream 3, and Harmony from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, not to mention all those incredible horror cameos — this movie pays homage to some of the legendary series that came before it. It also features that iconic nostalgic misogyny we've come to associate with the era, prompting us to invent new portmanteaus, but we're leaving it up to you to pick your favorite on a new Spooky Tuesday. References: https://timewarriors.co.uk/2024/04/15/hatchet-a-multilayered-masterpiece/ https://research.library.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=honorsprogram_fcrh_theses https://pophorror.com/stay-out-of-this-swamp-hatchet-2006-revisited-retro-review/

Spookies, we've been meaning to cover The Skeleton Key (2005) for a while now, so when Swamp Ass August entered the conversation, we knew it had to be part of the lineup. An iconic mid-aughts horror movie starring not one, not two, but three Oscar-nominated actors, this flick nails the Southern Gothic aesthetic and definitely brings the talent. That being said, it's not without its blind spots — and there's always danger when you dabble in things you don't understand. Join us in the bayou as we talk comps, clues, and culture on a new Spooky Tuesday. References: https://hcagrads.hypotheses.org/5111 https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/el2d08/what_did_get_out_have_that_the_skeleton_key_didnt/

A theme month is something that can be so special and also last only two or maybe three weeks as long as your heart is pure, which is why we're coming back from summer break with Swamp Ass August. We figured our reunion was cause for celebration, Spookies, so we're hosting a slumber party double feature with Stephen King's Sleepwalkers (1992) and Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998). With some interesting parallels and illuminating opposites, these two flicks make for strange bed fellows, but we're ready to stay up all night breaking them down just as long as we can work in a little ~cat~ nap along the way. References: Boadecia - Enya in Criminal Minds https://www.reddit.com/r/Scoobydoo/comments/11nl81x/we_were_robbed_of_a_good_representation_of_velma/

This season, a new queer horror has entered the Villa! We've had our eye on Leviticus (2026) ever since it started making waves at Sundance earlier this year, and now that it's summer, we're ready for a trip to Australia. This flick may not have quite fit the requirements for our pride lineup this year, but we still knew we wanted to cover it sooner rather than later — and with its electric romance, supernatural spooks, and Biblical references, there's a lot to talk about. Starring Talk to Me's Joe Bird, relative newcomer Stacy Clausen, and comeback queen Mia Wasikowska, writer-director Adrian Chiarella's story has CLEAR references to films like It Follows and Teeth while trying to forge a path of its own. References: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/leviticus-review-conversion-therapy-horror-1236480516/ YouTube: Michael Johnston (Obsession) Hosts Leviticus Q&A | Director Adrian Chiarella & Cast Interview YouTube: LEVITICUS Interview with Writer/Director Adrian Chiarella and Lead Joe Bird https://sarata.com/bible/verses/about/frogs.html https://johnmckeel.com/bible-study/top-five-snakes-in-the-bible/ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2016%3A7-22&version=KJV

Despite the fact that it technically premiered last fall, Obsession (2025) is the hottest horror movie of the year — and it's also the official quarterly pick of our Patrons. The theatrical film debut of writer-director-editor Curry Barker, who got his start making shorts online, this flick captivated moviegoers from the first second it hit their screens. It's also inspired about a thousand memes and plenty of discourse about how the One Wish Willow works, when a hero becomes a villain, and when exactly that villain turn started. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we're joining the conversation as we talk newcomers and nepotism while namedropping stars like Inde Navarette, Michael Johnston, and of course papa Clive Barker himself. References: Costume Designer Blair James's TikTok Olivia Rodrigo's Take on Obsession If Curry Barker made a skit about One Wish Willows Obsession if it was WLW

June may be coming to an end, but Trans Pride isn't over yet, Spookies! We've still got one week left, and we're finishing off with a real hoot of a Fifth Tuesday. For our bonus episode this month, we're hitching a ride with a few fabulous femmes in To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), a movie with a title so long it might as well be one of our themed events. In this '90s flick, leading men Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo set their action star personas aside to play a motley crew of drag queens on a cross-country trip. Full of heart and humor, this queer comedy engages with questions of identity and self-expression ahead of its time while showing audiences just what American allyship can look like. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center , joining our Patreon , or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride! References: https://letterboxd.com/journal/to-wong-foo-thanks-for-everything-julie-newmar-anniversary-retrospective/ https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/john-leguizamo-wong-foo-legacy-25-years-after-cult-film-n1239471 https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/to-wong-foo-thanks-for-everything-julie-newmar-1200443027/ YouTube: "To Wong Foo..." (1995) - Deleted & Extended Scenes YouTube: Trixie Reacts to To Wong Foo YouTube: Trans Drag Queen Analyzes To Wong Foo Thanks For Everything YouTube: Interview with Douglas Carter Beane

With those gnarly Evil Dead Burn trailers hitting theaters, we figured it was about time we got caught up on the current state of affairs in Deadite world. Thankfully, Evil Dead Rise (2023) features a trans actor and, at least according to some, a trans character, so it fits our Trans Pride purposes perfectly. A new addition to the story rather than any sort of direct sequel, this flick retreads familiar (and familial) ground while exploring a new urban setting. That's right: Forget a cabin in the woods (at least for the most part), because we've uncovered a new Naturom Demonto under an apartment building in Downtown Los Angeles. We're talking lore, giving Lee Cronin another chance, and recalling our own potentially cursed missteps on a new Spooky Tuesday. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center , joining our Patreon , or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride! References: https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/evil-dead-rise-director-lee-cronin-interview-1234829839/ https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/evil-dead-rise-ending-explained-lee-cronin-1234831407/ https://evildead.fandom.com/wiki/Necronomicon_Ex-Mortis https://screenrant.com/evil-dead-necronomicon-every-version-explained/ https://loganashley.substack.com/p/the-transgender-evil-dead https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/04/25/evil-dead-rise-trans-character-danny-morgan-davies/

Back when The Matrix (1999) first came out, not everyone understood the movie's true message. In the years since, however, the Wachowskis sisters have clarified the trans allegory at the heart of their story, and now we're watching with fresh eyes. On our latest episode, we're keeping the Trans Pride party going as we veer just slightly out of our usual horror space and into the overlap with scifi action thrillers. Join us as we talk faith, fate, Keanu, and countless CLEAR references on a new Spooky Tuesday. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center , joining our Patreon , or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride! References: https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/with-the-matrix-4-coming-lets-talk-about-how-the-first-movie-is-a-trans-allegory https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-53692435 https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/the-matrix-anniversary-trivia-facts/free-your-mind-dance-show/ https://bookshop.org/p/books/everyone-on-the-moon-is-essential-personnel-julian-k-jarboe/3c27e4717346412b YouTube: Lilly Wachowski says Lilly Wachowski

Jamie Clayton didn't just make major headlines when she landed the role of Pinhead in the new Hellraiser (2022) movie, she also made horror history. Clive Barker's original novella — and the 1987 film adaptation — were both deeply rooted in the queer kink scene, and the reboot brings that LGBTQIA+ representation directly onto the screen through its cast and characters. But by being able to be explicit about its inclusivity, did this flick sacrifice a little of its explicitness in other areas? For our latest episode of Trans Pride, we're summoning the Cenobites for a conversation about the yuck factor and yum factor involved in the newest installment of one of the genre's biggest franchises. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center , joining our Patreon , or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride! References: https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/hellraiser-2022-pinhead-interview https://screenrant.com/hellraiser-reboot-jamie-clayton-david-bruckner/ https://collider.com/hellraiser-jamie-clayton-director-david-bruckner-interview-pinhead-cenobites/ https://www.them.us/story/hellraiser-2022-review-jamie-clayton-pinhead https://www.autostraddle.com/hellraiser-2022-review/ YouTube: ‘Hellraiser’ Interviews With Jamie Clayton, Brandon Flynn, Goran Visnjic & More! YouTube: "What an absolute f*cking thrill!" Jamie Clayton On Playing Pinhead in HELLRAISER Remake | INTERVIEW YouTube: Hellraiser || Odessa A’zion - "Riley" Generic Interview YouTube: Hellraiser's Adam Faison and Drew Starkey Talk Blood. Lots of Blood. YouTube: Hellraiser (2022) Interviews: Pinhead herself Jamie Clayton & More!

Pride is back, baby — and, as always, Pride is political. That's why we've decided to dedicate our whole 2026 lineup to Trans Pride and raising money for organizations like the Transgender Law Center, and we're kicking this party off with Queens of the Dead (2025). Directed by Tina Romero, daughter of Night of the Living Dead creator George A. Romero, this flick follows in the family tradition as it focuses a zombie outbreak on the queer nightlife scene. With an incredible ensemble cast that features performers like Katy O'Brian, Jaquel Spivey, Jack Haven, Dominique Jackson, and Margaret Cho, this monster movie will have you believing in the power of both calling on your community and lip syncing for your life. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center , joining our Patreon , or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride! References: How Tina Romero Evolved Her Father's Horror Legacy in 'Queens of the Dead' https://www.phantasmag.com/articles/queens-of-the-dead-tina-romero-interview-katy-obrian-jack-haven-queer-zombie-movie https://inreviewonline.com/2025/10/24/all-queens-no-divas-tina-romero-interview/ https://www.them.us/story/jack-haven-queens-of-the-dead-interview-margaret-cho https://www.pride.com/culture/interviews/nina-west-tomas-matos https://www.pride.com/culture/interviews/katy-obrian-riki-lindhome

Spookies, we're sure some people are suffering from grief horror fatigue, but you have space in your heart for a tight 90 about a rabid chimp, right? In Primate (2025), Johannes Roberts is mixing up the tired trope by ignoring a family's lost loved one almost entirely, instead focusing the story on what happens to a group of teens when their late mom's adopted ape goes — well, we hate to say it, but — ape shit. Straddling the line between monster movie and slasher, this flick features more gore than you might expect, and it does it all with a few classic horror references. Join us on a new Spooky Tuesday as we pack our bags and head to Hawaii for summer break. Oh, and we brought this teddy bear for someone special, too. 🧸 References: Primate Interview with Cast and Director Miguel Torres Umba: PRIMATE Primate Exclusive Featurette: Directing from the Pool https://dmtalkies.com/primate-movie-ending-explained-2026/ https://www.animallaw.info/article/incidents-attacks-involving-captive-chimpanzees https://www.reddit.com/r/Moviesinthemaking/comments/1q8qfwx/behind_the_scenes_of_primate_2025/#lightbox https://www.instagram.com/p/DU34gKrDlTV/

If scary bunnies and folk horror are your thing, you're probably already familiar with Damian McCarthy's work — but in case you aren't, his newest project, Hokum (2026), is about to put him on your radar. Starring Emmy-nominated TV actor Adam Scott, this horror movie about an author contemplating bleak endings at a remote Irish inn is about to introduce its indie darling director to a whole new American audience. But after Oddity nabbed five knives across the board when we covered it last August, can his follow-up film survive the hype? Join us on our latest episode as we dig into this flick's symbolism and realize Mommy Issues May is still alive and well here at Spooky Tuesday. References: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hokum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cailleach https://www.slashfilm.com/2161614/hokum-director-same-creepy-idea-keeps-working/ https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/hokum-ending-explained-adam-scott-damian-mccarthy-interview

Given that Lee Cronin's The Mummy (2026) is the first version of the classic Universal monster movie to feature actual Egyptian actors, it may technically be the most authentic. But when you consider how much of it takes place in Albuquerque while centering on an American family and taking inspiration from bog mummies in the UK, it's kind of a different story. On our latest episode of Spooky Tuesday, we're unwrapping all of the Evil Dead-esque dressings to get to the bottom of what makes this mummy movie different as we debate what works, what doesn't, and what's only there to gross you out. References: https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/lee-cronin-the-mummy-interview-1235188953/

What's worse, Spookies: Cheating on your husband or spiritually cheating at Scrabble? In Over Your Dead Body (2026), Samara Weaving and Jason Segel put that philosophical question to the test as they play a married couple tight-rope walking the fine line between love and hate. A remake of a Norwegian film known internationally as The Trip, Jorma Taccone's newest project is a black comedy that amps up the gasps and the gore and adds an A-list cast for flavor. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we're heading out for a weekend by the lake as we break down American adaptations, surprising pop culture references, and that shocking basement scene. References: https://bloody-disgusting.com/interviews/3946980/over-your-dead-bodys-director-interview/ https://www.flickeringmyth.com/action-comedy-and-comedy-action-over-your-dead-body-director-jorma-taccone-interview/ https://mamasgeeky.com/2026/04/over-your-dead-body-jorma-taccone.html https://cinemadailyus.com/interviews/over-your-dead-body-interview-with-director-jorma-taccone/

Pop Star Horror Month wouldn't exist without this fourth movie's recent release, so of course we had to close out our theme event by covering Mother Mary (2026). Starring Anne Hathaway as the titular character and Michaela Coel as her former friend and costume designer, David Lowery's newest flick for A24 proclaims that it's both not a ghost story and not a love story — but there's definitely something haunting about a homoerotic friendship that has long since fallen apart. Though its propensity towards poetry over plot might not grab you on a first watch, this story is worth a second look, and there's a conversation to be had about whether you can ever truly get a second chance. References: https://www.polygon.com/mother-mary-director-interview-david-lowery/ https://www.slashfilm.com/2155642/mother-mary-director-david-lowery-interview/ https://yourbodyhastheanswer.com/palm-chakras/palm-chakras/ https://eastvillagedental.ca/cultural-beliefs-and-practices-wisdom-teeth/ https://genius.com/albums/Anne-hathaway/Mother-mary-greatest-hits MOTHERMARY Band: https://www.instagram.com/mothermarymusic/

Spookies, it doesn't get more pop star or more horror than Smile 2 (2024), which is why this flick *had* to be up next in our Pop Star Horror Month lineup. Packed full of genuinely catchy music and insanely theatrical visuals, the second movie in the Smile franchise makes sitting through the first film totally worth it, even if that sort of feel-bad-bleakness isn't your style. Starring Naomi Scott as troubled singer Skye Riley with cameos from horror kings Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, and Ray Nicholson, this sequel raises important questions about the lore we're working with here, but more importantly, it also teaches some important lessons — like don't summon a demon if you don't want to deal with a demon. References: https://screenrant.com/smile-2-curse-victims-guilt-connection-op-ed/ https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/560785/rumor-parker-finn-might-wipe-the-smile-off-smile-3/

The buzz around Opus (2025) may have been more build-up than pay-off in the horror fandom, but it's time to give this flick the attention it deserves, Spookies. For our second installment of Pop Star Horror Month, we're heading out to Moretti's private compound with budding music journalist Ayo Edebiri, and we're ready to do our research on the lore while paying attention to all the small touches that make John Malkovich's star power shine. Though this movie may not be perfect, between its cast full of familiar faces and a soundtrack made up of bangers, there's a lot here to applaud. References: https://scriptmag.com/interviews-features/the-facets-of-tribalism-a-conversation-with-opus-writer-director-mark-anthony-green https://www.levelman.com/mark-anthony-greens-journey-from-gqs-style-guy-to-horror-auteur/ https://screenrant.com/opus-guests-invited-by-moretti-reasons-explained/ https://people.com/music/halsey-apologizes-world-trade-center-joke/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_written_by_Justin_Tranter

Spookies, it feels like we've been waiting forever to work this theme month into our schedule, but one could also argue the genre was only invented in 2024. Nonetheless, we'd like to welcome Pop Star Horror Month to the stage, and we've invited Trap (2024) to be our opening act. A true daddy-daughter film where Josh Hartnett plays a doting father who moonlights as a serial killer, this flick also features a collab between writer-director M. Night Shyamalan and his own double act offspring, Saleka Shyamalan. Come join the concert with us on our newest Spooky Tuesday as we talk tunes, mommy issues, and more. References: https://people.com/all-about-m-night-shyamalan-kids-8691825 https://consequence.net/2024/06/trap-saleka-interview-lady-raven-release/ https://www.theringer.com/2024/08/05/movies/trap-movie-concert-music-lady-raven-m-night-shyamalan-saleka https://ca.rollingstone.com/music/trap-m-night-shyamalans-daughter-saleka-as-lady-raven-shares-first-song-from-dads-new-film/ https://bloody-disgusting.com/music/3823462/saleka-releases-lady-raven-with-special-guest-kid-cudi-listen-now/ https://www.nylon.com/nylon-nights/saleka-shyamalan-trap-premiere-interview