Dark Night of the Podcast

Troy and Roger tackle Cathy’s Curse (1977), a Canadian possession oddity that proves not every creepy-kid movie can be The Exorcist. They dig into the film’s baffling dialogue, random supernatural powers, and a cast of characters who make some truly questionable choices. From Cathy’s delightfully mean-spirited antics to an ending that feels like it just sort of gives up, the guys try to make sense of this messy but oddly charming cult curio. Along the way, they chat about the joy of “so-bad-it’s-good” cinema, laugh at the film’s dated tropes, and wonder if anyone involved knew what story they were actually telling. It’s a ride full of head-scratching moments, but as always, Roger and Troy find the fun in the chaos. Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co

Troy and Roger dive into Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell (2009), a horror ride that mixes jump scares with slapstick in only the way Raimi can. They unpack the plight of Christine Brown, a loan officer whose one bad choice leads to a curse that makes her life.....well....absolute hell. From gross-out gags involving dentures and goats to the unforgettable showdown with Mrs. Ganush, the guys revel in the film’s balance of camp and terror. They also dig into the morality at the film’s core, questioning whether Christine really deserved her fiery fate. Along the way, they gush over Raimi’s signature style, the film’s inventive sound design, and that jaw-dropping ending. It’s a conversation that proves horror doesn’t always have to be serious to still pack a punch. Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co

After a much-needed break, Roger and Troy are back together and kicking things off with some tales from their time at the Houston Horror Film Festival before diving headfirst into Mario Bava’s gloriously twisted Bay of Blood. They unpack the tangled web of greed, betrayal, and backstabbing (literal and otherwise) that drives this proto-slasher classic, all while marveling at just how ahead of its time it was in terms of creative kills. The duo discuss the film’s famously brutal death scenes, its undeniable influence on later horror hits, and why keeping track of the body count here feels like a sport. There’s talk of pacing, atmosphere, and the strange charm of a movie where everyone seems to have murder on their mind. And of course, they can’t help but chew on that shocker of a final scene that proves in Bava’s world, no one is safe. It’s a blood-soaked reunion you won’t want to miss. Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co

For their 5-year anniversary episode, Roger and Troy unwrap the unhinged madness of Beware! Children at Play, a 1989 oddity where kids go feral, parents go ballistic, and Beowulf somehow gets dragged into the mess. They chomp into the film, marveling at the bonkers opening, the literary pretensions, and the psychic who shows up mostly to waste everyone's time. There's cannibalism, child murder, and dialogue so wooden it could splinter, all leading to a finale that will leave you slack-jawed, horrified, or just deeply confused. The hosts question who thought any of this was a good idea, why every adult seems incompetent, and whether the film secretly hates everyone. It’s a chaotic celebration of low-budget horror, kids with knives, and five years of laughing through the screams. Join them as they party like it’s 1989, just keep an eye on the playground.

Troy and Roger wade into murky waters with 2012's The Bay , a found footage eco-horror gem that’s equal parts gross-out and gut-punch. They dive into the film’s creepy realism, squirm-inducing body horror, and surprisingly sharp political bite. From parasitic isopods to a town-wide meltdown, the guys unpack how the chaos unfold, and how the mayor fumbles literally everything. They chat about the film’s unique structure, emotional resonance, and a few moments that maybe needed another take. Despite a slightly soggy ending, Roger and Troy agree that The Bay manages to crawl under your skin and stay there. It’s disgusting, disturbing, and just grounded enough to feel way too possible.

Troy and Roger crack open the cursed seal of The Church, Michele Soavi’s ambitious Italian horror film where stunning visuals clash with a script that feels like it was possessed mid-scene. They dive into the film’s wild opening massacre, its uneven rules around demonic possession, and a cast of characters who often seem as confused as the audience. From awkward romantic subplots to questionable dubbing choices, the guys try to make sense of the beautiful chaos unfolding inside a haunted cathedral built on a foundation of medieval sins. They debate whether the film’s atmosphere makes up for its narrative gaps, and why so many people keep wandering off alone in a literal demon church. It’s messy, moody, and somehow still manages to be memorable, even if it leaves you with more questions than answers.

Troy and Roger dig into Offerings (1989), a low-budget slasher that proudly wears its Halloween influences like a badge—and maybe forgets to iron out its own plot in the process. They explore the strange tale of John Radley, a traumatized adn bullied boy turned silent killer, and the inexplicably chill reactions of the town’s residents to a string of body parts showing up on doorsteps. From awkward teen banter to a sheriff who seems more inconvenienced than alarmed, the guys dissect the film’s odd pacing, charmingly clunky script, and that unforgettable pizza delivery moment. Offerings may not reinvent the slasher wheel, but it serves up enough nostalgic weirdness to be oddly endearing. Just don’t ask what’s on the pizza!

Happy Pride Month! You're getting a rare bonus treat as Troy and Roger recorded this episode in person while Troy was in Cleveland for the premiere of Roger's film MEAT! Join them as they reflect on the big night, share a few laughs, and chat about what’s coming up for the podcast in the weeks ahead. It’s a fun, festive catch-up you won’t want to miss!

Troy and Roger put on their crucifixes and crank up the ’90s electronica as they dive into Stigmata — the film that dares to ask, “What if your hairstylist was chosen to deliver a lost gospel... via spontaneous bleeding?” They explore Patricia Arquette’s committed, though seemingly unbothered performance, the film’s goth-chic visuals, and some subtle jabs at the Catholic Church. From subway lashings to night club thornings, the guys wade through the plot’s holy confusion and debate whether Gabriel Byrne is better as a conflicted priest or just confused by the script. . It’s sometimes messy, melodramatic, and maybe a little meaningful — depending on how many cursed rosaries you’ve got on hand!

Troy and Roger head deep into the woods to whisper the name Madman Marz — and yep, it goes about as well as you'd expect. The guys dive into this 1981 campfire slasher, complete with axe murders, hot tub weirdness, and characters making decisions so bad you’ll want to yell at your screen. They unpack the film’s eerie atmosphere, the worthiness of the final girl status of Betsy, and why Ellie might just be one of the genre’s most baffling characters. From its lopsided pacing to its bold, but anger inducing finale, Madman is a cult favorite that’s as clumsy as it is creepy. Is it scary? Occasionally. Is it entertaining? Absolutely -especially with Troy and Roger along for the ride!

Troy and Roger throw this 1970s horror oddity a bone as they tackle Dogs — the film where man’s best friend goes rogue and wreaks havoc on a sleepy college campus. They sink their teeth into the killer animal craze of the era, the film’s meandering science talk (hello, pheromones), and a cast of some characters so unlikable you might just root for the dogs. The guys dissect everything from an unhinged dog show attack that manages somehow to be dull to academic apathy in the face of canine carnage, all while questioning how this film manages to be both absurdly dull and oddly entertaining. With deadpan dialogue, confused professors, and a plot that thinks it's smarter than it is, Dogs is a strange little beast — and they guys are here for every shaggy, blood-soaked minute of it. Bonus points for an ending that practically begs for a feline-led sequel that unfortunately never came to be.

Grab your canoes and your questionable 1980s short shorts — this week, Troy and Roger head to Camp Stonewater to take on The Burning, the cult slasher that gave us Cropsey, chaos, and one seriously traumatizing raft scene. They dive into the film’s underdog status in the slasher canon, Tom Savini’s unforgettable gore effects, and some surprisingly layered character moments hiding beneath all the sleaze. With plenty of debate over awkward camp crushes, creepy peeping Toms, and why Glazer may be the worst, the guys explore the film’s take on gender roles, toxic masculinity, and camp politics. They also unpack how The Burning blends urban legend with slasher tropes — sometimes brilliantly, sometimes not-so-subtly. It’s a blood-soaked trip down memory lane, filled with tender moments, brutal kills, and just enough 80s weirdness to make you think twice about summer camp.

Troy and Roger shine a light on Darkness Falls — a film where the Tooth Fairy trades quarters for body counts and darkness is literally deadly. They reminisce about early 2000s horror nostalgia while unpacking the film’s chaotic editing, questionable character ages, and a plot that feels like it lost its baby teeth too soon. From inconsistent lore to emotionless romance, the guys dig into what could have been a creepy cult classic… if the script had gotten the same love as the jump scares. They debate the effectiveness of the final girl, the over-the-top climax at the lighthouse, and whether studio meddling yanked this one right out from under the bed. Despite its flaws, they find some fun in the madness — and maybe just a little irrational fear of the dark. And if. you're aching for ore content, please check out the Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/darknightofthepodcast

Troy and Roger head into the eerily echoing halls of Danvers State Hospital to unpack the slow-burn psychological horror of Session 9. They dive into the film’s creeping atmosphere, frayed character dynamics, and Gordon’s unsettling unraveling — all set against the perfect backdrop of asbestos and existential dread. The guys discuss the infamous therapy tapes, lingering trauma, and why this movie might just be scarier the second time around. Is it supernatural? Is it something more rationally sinister? Either way, things go off the rails fast — and not just for the asbestos crew. Tune in for a moody, layered breakdown of one of the most quietly disturbing horror films of the early 2000s.

Things get twice as confusing this week as Roger and Troy tackle the 2007 Lindsay Lohan fever dream, I Know Who Killed Me. With one Lohan playing two identities, the guys wade through a swamp of giallo-inspired visuals, inexplicable plot twists, and more prosthetics than a Halloween store clearance sale. They dig into the film’s themes of trauma, identity, and — you guessed it — amputation, while wondering if the real mystery is how this script got greenlit. As they dissect the character inconsistencies and bizarre symbolism, the conversation drifts from thoughtful analysis to sheer bafflement. Come for the Lohan deep dive, stay for the snarky side-eye at blue lighting, stripper montages, and storytelling that forgets where it’s going halfway through.

Troy and Roger put their parental skills to the test and take on Mikey, a lesser-known thriller about a dangerously disturbed child hiding behind an angelic face. They dig into the film’s opening scenes, explore the messy dynamics between characters, and question the logic—or lack thereof—behind the adults in Mikey’s life. The conversation covers themes of childhood trauma, parental neglect, and the strange decisions made by authority figures who really should know better. They also take issue with the film’s rushed ending and lack of character development. It’s a thoughtful (and occasionally exasperated) look at a movie that tries to do a lot—and doesn’t always succeed.

While Troy and Roger take a short Spring Break hiatus, they’re treating you to a special episode from their extensive Patreon vault! Join them as they step into the eerie halls of Hill House for a lively discussion on the 1985 cult classic Clue. They break down the film’s legendary ensemble cast, Yvette’s... ahem... unforgettable assets, and debate which of the three possible endings reigns supreme. Enjoy this fun-filled throwback, and don’t worry—the guys will be back next week!

Roger and Troy finally revisit the 2001 slasher Ripper: Letter from Hell after promising it to you years ago! Join the guys as they dissect its nostalgic appeal, gruesome kills, and Jack the Ripper-inspired mystery. They break down the film’s pacing issues, character development (or lack thereof), and its attempt to blend classic horror with a modern twist. From a shocking bathroom encounter to the eerie rave death scene and the deadly lumberyard chase, the guys analyze the film’s most intense moments. As they untangle the messy web of relationships and the group’s hunt for a serial killer, they debate the film’s ambitious yet flawed execution. Was Ripper: Letter from Hell a hidden gem or a slasher misfire? Tune in to find out!

Troy and Roger hop on their ATVs to take on the wild ride that is the 2017 French thriller Revenge, directed by recent Oscar nominee Coralie Fargeat. Join the guys as they dive into what makes this movie stand out in the rape-revenge genre, from its badass female lead who flips the script on her attackers to the way it tackles misogyny and the male gaze head-on. The guys chat about the film’s bold visual style—think bright, in-your-face colors and some seriously intense symbolism—and how it keeps you on the edge of your seat with its non-stop action. They also get into the crazy transformation of the main character, who goes from victim to full-on hunter, completely turning the usual revenge story upside down. Along the way, the guys don’t shy away from talking about the brutal violence and the messy, raw emotions that come with it

Troy and Roger dive into the cult classic _C.H.U.D._, a quirky 1984 horror flick set in the gritty underbelly of 1980s New York City. They examine the film’s strange mix of mutant monsters, emotionally distant characters, and an investigation that never quite lives up to its spooky potential. Join the guys as they chat about the slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a villainous plot that’s more puzzling than menacing. They also highlight the film’s subtle social commentary on neglect and radiation exposure. With a mix of nostalgia and some head-scratching moments, they wonder if _C.H.U.D._ could use a fresh reboot—one that leans more into the monster madness and less into the emotional void.