Open Mic Night of the Living Dead

John opens this episode by announcing himself as "the man of the duo." Rachel introduces herself as "John's wife, defined by her role in the life of a man." Then we talk about feminist horror for 30 minutes. Inspired by The Slumber Party Massacre, we're asking what actually makes a horror film feminist - and whether it matters who made it. We work through The Descent, You're Next, Midsommar, The Love Witch, and more. Plus Rachel debuts "You Want It," a duet with the male gaze itself. Adams, Jenn. “’Pearl’ and the Face of a Woman Pushed Too Far.” Strong Female Antagonist. https://femaleantagonist.com/pearl-and-the-face-of-a-woman-pushed-too-far/. Dolar, Danne Niko. “Ti West’s Pearl (2022) and the Affliction of Female Sensibility.” Academia. https://www.academia.edu/97577659/Ti_Wests_Pearl_2022_and_the_Affliction_of_Female_Sensibility. Salinas, Julianna. “If You Don’t Fall in Love With This Campy 2016 Horror Masterpiece, I Don’t Know How to Help You.” 4 January 2025. Collider. https://collider.com/the-love-witch-movie/. Totaro, Donato. “Female Empowerment in the ‘Small World’ films of Midsommar (2019, Ari Aster) and The Other Lamb (2019, Malgorzata Szumowska).” December 2019. OffScreen. https://offscreen.com/view/female-empowerment-in-small-world-films. Wilhelmi, Jack. “You’re Next: Every Horror Movie Final Girl Trope It Subverted.” 26 December 2019. ScreenRant. https://screenrant.com/youre-next-horror-movie-final-girl-trope-changes/. 00:00:00 Intro 00:06:02 The Descent 00:11:08 You're Next 00:16:25 Pearl 00:20:03 The Love Witch 00:24:27 Midsommar 00:31:17 Demo - You Want It 00:34:05 Losing Light  

This week we're taking a deep dive into The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) - a 77-minute slasher that's weirder and smarter than its reputation suggests, and honestly more fun than it has any right to be. Written by Rita Mae Brown as a feminist parody and shot as a straightforward exploitation film, the result is this fascinating hybrid that we genuinely cannot stop thinking about. We dig into what makes it tick - the girls' social world, the camera choices that keep quietly flipping your expectations, the drill (which is maybe the least subtle symbol in the history of cinema, and we love it for that), and the ways this movie centers female friendship and survival while still giving Roger Corman exactly what he paid for. Plus our original songs inspired by the film - our gimmick this week is Scene Swap, meaning we dropped this bloody sleepover into the present day. We are not sorry.   “The Slumber Party Massacre,” AFI Catalog, https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/56875. Brock, Peyton. “How ‘The Slumber Party Massacre’s Feminist Lens Subverted the Slasher.” Collider. 28 July 2021. https://collider.com/slumber-party-massacre-feminist-explained/.   00:00:00 Intro 00:07:56 Intro: Distribution & Reception 00:19:57 Let's Make a Movie: Filmmakers 00:28:12 Let's Make a Movie: Cast 00:35:24 Let's Make a Movie: Production 00:39:21 Vibe Check: Cinematography 00:44:03 Vibe Check: SFX 00:49:41 Vibe Check: Music & Sound Design 00:53:01 Story Time: Characters 01:02:53 Story Time: Murder/Mayhem 01:16:10 Story Time: Themes 01:30:25 Open Mic 01:42:25 Losing Light  

In this encore episode, we dig into the fascinating history of horror movies at the Academy Awards. From early classics like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Phantom of the Opera to modern favorites like Get Out, Pan’s Labyrinth, and this year’s record-breaking Sinners, we explore which films from the genre have scored Oscar nods and wins. We discuss trends in how horror films are recognized - often in technical or “vibes” categories like makeup, sound, and visual effects - and share our surprise at some unexpected nominees and winners. Plus, we debut our original demo, Yet We Breathe, inspired by this year’s Oscar darling Sinners. Join us as we celebrate nearly a century of horror’s place in cinematic awards history!  00:00:00 Intro 00:01:26 Horror at the Oscars 00:04:43 1930s-1940s 00:08:40 1960s  00:11:28 1970s 00:22:09 1980s 00:25:29 1990s 00:29:56 2000s & 2010s 00:32:58 2020s 00:35:24 Yet We Breathe Demo 00:38:45 Outro

In this episode, we dive deep into the 2025 horror sensation Sinners. We explore its genre-blending brilliance, unpack the cultural and social themes woven throughout, and discuss everything from the film’s remarkable dual performances and historical context to its award-winning music and jaw-dropping practical effects. We share our personal experiences watching the film, debate its critical reception and impact on the horror landscape, and reflect on its layered symbolism - from assimilation and appropriation to the healing power of blues. Plus, we reveal our original songs inspired by Sinners, connecting art, love, and hope. Join us as we celebrate horror at its most thoughtful and transformative! Sources “Aspect Ratios with Sinners Director Ryan Coogler.” Kodak YouTube channel. 10 April 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78Ru62uFM0s “How the invisible VFX of 'Sinners' protected the large format vision of cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC.” Kodak. 12 February 2026. https://www.kodak.com/en/motion/blog-post/vfx-sinners/ McKenna, Brittney. “The Roots Music of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, Explained.” The Bluegrass Situation. 23 July 2025. https://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/the-roots-music-of-ryan-cooglers-sinners-explained/ Instagram: talkswithatvwriter To Whom It May Concern. “Smoke, Stack, and the Self: A Poetic-Psychological Mirror of Black Masculinity in Sinners.” Medium. 23 May 2025. https://medium.com/@cpatterson235/smoke-stack-and-the-self-a-poetic-psychological-mirror-of-black-masculinity-in-sinners-5143b392a234.   00:00:00 Intro 00:13:01 Intro: Distribution & Reception 00:29:18 Let’s Make a Movie: Filmmakers 00:34:38 Let’s Make a Movie: Cast 00:47:35 Let’s Make a Movie: Production 01:01:28 Vibe Check: Cinematography 01:08:34 Vibe Check: SFX 01:16:12 Vibe Check: Music & Sound Design 01:24:04 Story Time: Characters 01:38:04 Story Time: Murder/Mayhem 01:53:04 Story Time: Themes 02:21:58 Open Mic 02:34:48 Losing Light

In this encore episode, we dive into the urban legends that inspired horror classics, focusing on how they shaped Candyman. We unpack stories like the Hookman, Bloody Mary, razor blades in Halloween candy, babysitter terror, and killer alligators lurking in city sewers. We also explore modern creepypasta legends like Slenderman and the elevator game, discussing how old and new myths fuel our deepest fears and horror cinema alike. Plus, we share a studio demo of Rachel’s original song, Writing on the Wall, inspired by Candyman. Join us as we trace the eerie roots of horror with a mix of nostalgia, analysis, and original music. 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:31 Hookman/Bloody Mary 00:09:40 Razor Blades/Inside the House 00:17:10 Backseat Killer/Gators 00:23:10 Slenderman/Black Eyed Children/Elevator Game 00:30:18 Song Demo - Writing on the Wall

This week, we dive deep into the chilling world of Candyman (1992). We share our personal memories and first impressions of the film, break down its origins - connecting Clive Barker’s The Forbidden to Bernard Rose’s haunting adaptation - and discuss how the movie transcends the typical slasher genre. We examine the film’s complex themes, including urban legends, systemic racism, and the power of myth, while recognizing our perspectives as outsiders to some of the film’s core experiences. We cover everything from Tony Todd’s unforgettable performance and the infamous bee scenes, to Virginia Madsen’s hypnotic portrayal of Helen, and the movie’s legacy in horror and pop culture. Plus, we reveal our favorite characters, debate the nature of Candyman’s curse, and share original music inspired by the film. Sources Bogira, Steve. “They Came in Through the Bathroom Mirror: A Murder in the Projects.” Reader, 3 Sep. 1987, https://chicagoreader.com/news/they-came-in-through-the-bathroom-mirror/. Bogira, Steve. “How a story about the horrors of housing projects became part of a horror movie.” Reader, 14 Mar. 2014, https://chicagoreader.com/blogs/how-a-story-about-the-horrors-of-housing-projects-became-part-of-a-horror-movie/. Hanson, Eric. “Sweet & Sour Nightmares: Race and Exploitation in the Original ‘Candyman’.” ScreenHub Entertainment, 10 Sep. 2021. https://screenhub.blog/2021/09/10/sweet-sour-nightmares-race-and-exploitation-in-the-original-candyman/ H.C., Luiz. “Examining the Urban Legends That Inspired ‘Candyman’.” Bloody Disgusting, 25 August 2021. https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3679694/examining-urban-legends-inspired-candymaneditorial/#:~:text=Keeping in mind that Barker was well-versed,patient that preys on unsuspecting teenage couples. Johnny Lee Writes. “History, Collective Memory, and More in ‘Candyman’ (1992).” Medium, 16 April 2024. https://medium.com/black-horrific/history-collective-memory-and-more-in-candyman-1992-15b13cfb5e44 Petty, Audrey (Editor). High Rise Stories: Voices from Chicago Public Housing (Voice of Witness). 2013. Wiltz, Dr. Allison. “In Candyman, White Supremacy is the Real Bad Guy Lurking in the Shadows.” Medium, 3 Apr. 2024, https://medium.com/afro-cinemaphile/in-candyman-white-supremacy-is-the-real-bad-guy-lurking-in-shadows-2e8a6fb1176c.   00:00:00 Intro: Hosts & Spoiler/Content Warnings 00:05:38 Intro: Distribution & Reception 00:17:00 Story Time: Production & Filmmakers 00:30:18 Story Time: Book vs. Film 00:37:30 Story Time: Cast & Characters 01:12:15 Story Time: Murder Mayhem 01:41:00 Story Time: Themes 01:57:05 Vibe Check 02:15:35 Open Mic Night 02:25:45 Losing Light

This week on Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we check into the world of “hospitality horror” - those unsettling stories set in hotels, motels, inns, and even Airbnbs! Following up on our discussion of Psycho, we run down our favorite (and wackiest) creepy lodgings, from Motel Hell and The Shining to recent entries like Barbarian, Superhost, Bone Lake, and more. We share firsthand horror viewing memories, debate what counts as “hospitality” in horror, and spotlight some super deep cuts. As a bonus, we debut our original song, Your Lifeless Eyes, inspired by the GOAT of hospitality horror, Psycho. If you’ve ever gotten goosebumps from a night away from home, this is your episode.   0:00:00 Introduction 0:03:00 Motel Hell, The Shining 0:05:09 Barbarian, Superhost, Hostel 0:08:44 Mountaintop Motel Massacre, Eaten Alive, The Innkeepers 0:12:39 Vacancy, American Horror Story, The Rental 0:15:50 Bone Lake, Bates Motel, Night Shift 0:20:54 Your Lifeless Eyes Demo

This week on Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we take a deep dive into Alfred Hitchcock’s groundbreaking 1960 classic, Psycho. We revisit our first-time experiences with the film, discuss its production backstory, and marvel at Hitchcock’s lean, suspense-driven style. Together, we explore Psycho's pivotal place in horror history, analyzing its impact and revolutionary cinematography. We unpack central themes of guilt, duality, and repression, and reflect on the performances, especially Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates. From the infamous shower scene to birds (and bird metaphors!), plus our original songs inspired by the movie, we celebrate all things Psycho and share why this film still mesmerizes us 65 years later.   0:00:00 Intro: Distribution, Reception & Ratings 0:34:15 Story Time: Production & Filmmakers 0:57:00 Story Time: Characters  1:17:48 Story Time: Murder Mayhem & Themes 1:43:30 Vibe Check 2:02:10 Open Mic Night 2:12:25 Losing Light

In this encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive into the world of horror on television. We reminisce about iconic shows like The Twilight Zone, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Tales from the Crypt, Stranger Things, and so many more, exploring how TV has shaped our love of creepy stories. We compare newer series like Welcome to Derry and Stranger Things season one, debating why some horror hits stick with us more than others. From nostalgic childhood scares to the latest streaming sensations, we riff on everything from vampires and zombies to procedural monsters. Plus, we treat you to an original song, Inevitable. Join us as we geek out over all things horror and try to figure out what really makes a great scary show. 00:00:00 Introduction  00:02:45 Horror in TV 00:22:36 Welcome to Derry & Stranger Things  00:33:32 Inevitable Demo

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Final Destination (2000), exploring the movie’s innovative premise, iconic death scenes, and the way fate, free will, and mortality are woven into its story. We share our personal connections to the film, discuss how it was made, and break down the memorable performances of Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, and the rest of the cast. We also look at the movie’s mixed critical reception, legacy within horror, and those infamous Rube Goldberg-style death sequences. Plus, inspired by Final Destination, we each debut an original song, reflecting on the film’s haunting themes. Join us as we unpack what makes Final Destination stand out in horror history and think a little more deeply about how death, destiny, and music intersect.

In this episode, we look back at the last 25 years of horror cinema and reveal our favorite film from each year, starting with 2001 and going all the way through 2025. We share personal stories, debate what makes a horror film stand out, and discuss how our tastes have evolved as we've dug deeper into the genre. From cult classics like Frailty and High Tension to recent shockers like Talk to Me and The Substance, we cover everything from psychological horror and slashers to found footage and zombie flicks. Plus, we debut the demo of our original song, Grapefruit. Whether you’re a horror veteran or just curious about what you might have missed, join us for a spirited countdown and plenty of recommendations to spice up your watch list!   Introduction 0:00:00 2001-2005 0:04:00 2006-2010 0:13:00 2011-2015 0:24:47 2016-2020 0:33:45 2021-2024 0:40:25 Grapefruit Demo 46:25

In this episode, we unveil our Top 25 Horror Movies of 2025! After a massive year of movie-watching, we each share our personal countdowns, debate our choices, and celebrate the films that left us stunned, terrified, and sometimes laughing. We discuss everything from fresh festival favorites to cult classics. Listen as we take turns revealing our rankings, compare notes on what made each film unforgettable, and reflect on what it takes for a horror movie to truly stand out. We highlight honorable mentions and, in classic Open Mic Night style, cap it all off with our 60-minute songwriting challenge - crafting original songs inspired by two of our favorite randomly selected films. Whether you love deep dives, list debates, or just want new horror recs, join us for this joyous, opinionated, and musical love letter to a year of watching horror movies.

In this episode, we review the biggest and most notable horror movies released in 2025. Together, we discuss what we loved (and what didn’t quite work) in films like Wolf Man, Presence, Heart Eyes, The Monkey, Sinners, Weapons, 28 Years Later, M3GAN 2.0, and many more, highlighting the innovations and trends that defined the genre this year. We share our own reactions, ratings, and memorable viewing experiences, with a few unexpected scares along the way (which movie made Rachel yell out loud?). Plus, we talk about the films on our to-watch list and reflect on how the landscape of horror keeps evolving. As the year ends, we celebrate another fantastic year of horror movies and tease our upcoming Top 25 of 2025 list.

On this festive episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive into our favorite Christmas horror movies, sharing the must-watches, underrated gems, and wild low-budget thrillers that have crept into our holiday traditions. From classics like Black Christmas and Silent Night, Deadly Night, to off-the-beaten-path picks like Christmas, Bloody Christmas, Rare Exports, The Advent Calendar, and Violent Night, we offer recommendations for every horror fan’s seasonal binge. We also touch on the evolution of holiday slashers, debate the role of gore in films like Terrifier 3, and celebrate the quirky and fun side of the genre. Plus, we cap things off with our original song, Naughty Christmas. Whether you’re wrapping presents or just looking to add some chills to your holiday cheer, we’ve got you covered!

This week, we plunge into the holiday horror classic Silent Night, Deadly Night. We dig deep into the film’s infamous controversy, its surprising box office rivalry with A Nightmare on Elm Street, and the cultural panic that erupted over a killer Santa Claus. We explore the movie’s themes of trauma, tradition, and the twisted impact of religious guilt, asking if Billy might be the most sympathetic slasher around. Along the way, we dissect the creative backgrounds of the director and writers, rate the brutality (and brilliance) of the special effects, and marvel at the oddly catchy original Christmas songs. Plus, we each perform original music inspired by the film—including a dark twist on Silent Night and a slasher-themed holiday radio single. Whether you love 80s horror, Christmas chaos, or just want to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice, you won’t want to miss this episode!

On this encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dig into the crossover world of horror and family films, inspired by Black Christmas and its director Bob Clark, who also brought us A Christmas Story. We share our list of horror directors who made surprising ventures into kids and family movies, from Robert Rodriguez’s journey between From Dusk Till Dawn and Spy Kids, to Guillermo del Toro’s leap from Mimic to Trollhunters. Along the way, we discuss what draws imaginative minds to both horror and children’s storytelling, why the fantastical connects these genres, and share our personal stories as lifelong horror fans. Plus, don’t miss our original track inspired by Black Christmas: Terminal 55.

In this episode, we dive deep into the snowy suspense of Bob Clark's 1974 cult classic, Black Christmas. We revisit the film’s troubled release history, surprising critical reviews, and its gradual rise to horror royalty. We explore its Canadian roots, its connection to true crime, and the feminist undertones that set it apart from other slashers. We debate whether Jess, one of horror’s greatest final girls, actually survives, and rank our favorite characters and moments. Plus, we each share our original songs inspired by unforgettable scenes - Rachel’s Adeste Fideles and John’s Terminal 55. Join us as we celebrate the creepy coziness, groundbreaking cinematography, and chilling sound design of Black Christmas - a holiday horror that's anything but merry.

In this encore episode, we celebrate Friday the 13th and give thanks for another year of horror fandom! We swap stories about Thanksgiving favorites and dietary mishaps, and explore the surprisingly small (but memorable) world of Thanksgiving-themed horror movies, including cult gems like Thankskilling and Eli Roth's Thanksgiving. We also spotlight a wild lineup of iconic 1980 horror releases - including Prom Night, Terror Train, Cannibal Holocaust, and Motel Hell - discussing their impact and sharing our personal takes and memories. Plus, we debut an original music demo, get ready for the holiday slasher season, and reflect on the evolution of horror from the gritty '70s to the outrageous '80s.

In this episode, we dive into the bloody beginnings of one of horror’s most iconic franchises as we revisit Friday the 13th (1980). We unpack the film’s origins, its impact on the slasher genre, and the way it shifted horror toward teen audiences. Join us as we discuss the critical reception - both savage and praise-filled - Tom Savini’s savage kills, and the significance of the “final girl” trope. We deep-dive into the cast, the twist ending, and the role of Mrs. Voorhees. Plus, we share our thoughts on the cinematography, score, and all things campy and cult about this summertime nightmare. To top it off, we perform original songs inspired by inanimate objects from Friday the 13th. Get ready for a spirited, fun, and musical celebration of murder, mayhem, and Camp Crystal Lake!

In this encore episode, we explore the emotional depths of grief in horror films - starting with The Descent and branching out to titles like Talk to Me, Bring Her Back, Hereditary, Midsommar, The Babadook, and The Ritual. We weigh how these movies use discomfort, atmosphere, and sometimes brutal realism to highlight the human experience of loss. We also reflect on the concept of “elevated horror” and what sets these stories apart. Plus, we share a demo of John’s original song inspired by The Descent. Join us as we navigate the unsettling beauty of horror’s darkest journeys.