Dark Night of the Podcast

Troy and Roger dust off the backpacks and revisit the 2006 vacation-from-hell horror flick Turistas. What starts as a sun-soaked party movie quickly spirals into a sweaty nightmare full of bad decisions, questionable locals, and a vibe that’s doing some heavy lifting with xenophobia. The guys dig into the film’s chaotic tone shifts, paper-thin characters, and the way the marketing promised one kind of horror while delivering something very different. They break down the infamous organ-harvesting turn, debate whether the gore actually lands, and wonder why no one ever stops to ask better questions. Along the way, they talk final girls, missed opportunities, and an ending that somehow feels both rushed and exhausted. It’s a lively breakdown of a film that wants to scare you straight out of traveling abroad… and maybe straight into rebooking your flight home.

Happy Holidays indeed! Troy and Roger finally tackle Silent Night, Deadly Night 3, the sequel that somehow feels like it wandered in from a completely different movie franchise. They break down Ricky’s return, now mute, scarred, and communicating through intense staring, while the film leans hard into psychic visions, dream logic, and a whole lot of slow pacing. The guys have plenty to say about the baffling lack of gore, the wildly underused grandmother character, and a plot that never seems very concerned with urgency or holiday cheer. They also unpack Laura’s psychic connection to Ricky, which should be interesting but mostly just raises more questions than answers. From awkward deaths to an ending that feels less climactic than confusing, this one gives the hosts plenty to vent about. It’s a messy, strange entry in the franchise, and the guys have a lot of fun figuring out how it all went so wrong.

Troy and Roger hang out on an almost completely deserted college campus to talk about the 2014 home-invasion style thriller Kristy. They dig into the very bad idea of staying on campus over Thanksgiving break, the creepy strangers who show up uninvited, and how quickly a quiet holiday turns into a full-on survival situation. The guys chat about the film’s tense chase scenes, its not-so-subtle commentary on privilege, and the oddly modern horror of being targeted just for existing. They also track Justine’s transformation from stressed college student to resourceful final-girl-in-training. While the movie has a few pacing hiccups and some “why would you do that?” moments, it still delivers solid suspense and a surprisingly mean streak. If you enjoy lonely settings, masked weirdos, and Thanksgiving vibes gone very wrong, this one’s worth the discussion.

Troy and Roger escape the holiday madness by diving into the chaotic slasher antics of 1984's Splatter University. They laugh through the film’s awkward character relationships, uneven storytelling, and the way no one on campus seems remotely concerned that staff and students keep turning up murdered. They break down the mix of effective scares and unintentionally hilarious moments, all wrapped in pure 80s low-budget charm. Even with its many flaws, they agree the movie is bizarrely fun and exactly the kind of school experience they are glad they never had.

It’s the season of giving thanks! While Troy and Roger took the week off from recording to celebrate Thanksgiving, they didn’t want to leave you without an episode. So they dove into their extensive Patreon vault and pulled out the perfect title. With Wicked for Good dominating the box office, the guys are sharing their own journey to Oz as they discuss the dark, often terrifying 1985 sequel to The Wizard of Oz : Return to Oz. Follow Troy and Roger down the crumbling yellow brick road as they revisit this often-forgotten sequel. And to get access to over 100 exclusive Patreon episodes, subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/c/darknightofthepodcast

Troy and Roger crack open the gloriously unhinged 1983 horror oddity Mausoleum, where family curses, glowing green eyes, and an honestly staggering amount of on-screen breasts collide. They dive into the film’s spicy mix of demonic possession, over-the-top sexuality, and soap-opera-level relationship drama, all delivered with the kind of earnest camp only the ’80s could provide. Along the way, they marvel at the movie’s commitment to practical creature effects, especially the ones that seem to appear out of nowhere and vanish just as quickly. The guys also puzzle over the characters’ baffling decisions, the demon’s oddly specific powers, and the plot threads that never fully connect but somehow still entertain. It’s a spirited, sarcastic, and surprisingly affectionate breakdown of a film that proves sometimes the messiest horror is the most fun. Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co

Troy and Roger pack their bags and head to winter break with The Dorm That Dripped Blood, a slasher that asks the important question: how much are these students being paid to clean out an abandoned dorm during their Christmas break? They chat about the film’s surprisingly moody atmosphere, its grungy campus setting, and a cast of students who maybe should’ve taken the strange noises a little more seriously. The guys break down the film’s standout kills (including one involving a pressure cooker—yes, really), along with its slow-burn build-up to a reveal that firmly roots it in early ’80s slasher territory. They also touch on the confusing motive of the killer and the delightfully bleak tone the movie leans into. It’s gritty, it’s low-budget, it’s a campus horror time capsule, and the hosts are here for every last blood-spattered hallway echo. Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co

Roger and Troy take a deep dive into the murky waters of the 2000 made-for-TV thriller Cabin by the Lake. Judd Nelson stars as a screenwriter who moonlights as a serial killer because apparently, “write what you know” took on a whole new meaning. The guys unpack the film’s mix of dark humor, low-budget tension, and Lifetime-movie energy, all while questioning whether this lake has seen more bodies than fish. They discuss the surprisingly eerie atmosphere, some questionable creative choices, and why the movie somehow manages to be both creepy and cozy. Tune in for plenty of laughs, shivers, and speculation about who thought this would be perfect for Sunday night TV. Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co

This week, Roger and Troy tackle Woodchipper Massacre, a backyard horror “classic” that proves you don’t need a budget, logic, or even good audio to make a movie. They unpack the film’s chaotic family dynamic, questionable acting choices, and the surprising lack of, well, woodchipper massacres. From overacting kids to scenes that drag on like a home movie gone wrong, the guys find plenty to laugh (and groan) about. They debate whether it’s so-bad-it’s-good or just plain bad, all while appreciating the strange charm of DIY ‘80s horror. It’s low-budget lunacy at its finest, and somehow, you can’t look away. Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co

Troy and Roger blast off into Species II , a sequel so wild it makes alien reproduction look like a government-funded soap opera. They dig into the film’s unapologetically horny horror, questionable science, and the endless supply of slime and skin. From astronauts gone rogue to DNA gone haywire, the guys unpack the movie’s mix of sci-fi spectacle and late-’90s sleaze. Along the way, they debate the film’s surprisingly solid practical effects, its, uh, unique approach to gender politics, and that unforgettable finale. It’s part alien invasion, part erotic fever dream — and all ridiculous fun. Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co

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!