After The Scream with Chris & Jess

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In this review of The Strangers: Chapter 3, we’re split. Jess enjoyed it, while I didn’t connect as much. The film has some strong, brutal moments, solid performances, and is shot really well, but messy writing, pacing issues, and unnecessary story choices hold it back. 
It leans into a darker, more twisted relationship angle that works in moments but doesn’t feel needed overall. In the end, there’s a good, unsettling film buried inside a bad one — it just never fully gets out.

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In this episode of After the Scream, I break down Sam Raimi’s latest film, Send Help — a wild, darkly funny survival thriller that blends horror and comedy in a way only Raimi can pull off. I talk about the great acting by Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, the movieis well-shot cinematography, and the tense power struggle between the two leads that kept me unsure who to root for. 

Critics and audiences alike have praised the movie’s unpredictable tone and clever script, and it’s been earning some of Raimi’s best reviews in years, with a very strong Rotten Tomatoes score.

But this isn’t Evil Dead–style horror comedy — it’s more of a psychological survival battle with sharp humor and absurd moments, and at times the CGI and tonal shifts feel a bit off compared to Raimi’s classics.

Whether you loved it, found it weird, or think Raimi still has that signature kick, this episode breaks it all down — the good, the bad, the different — and my final rating.
Let me know what you thought of the movie in the comments!

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Osgood Perkins is one of the most divisive voices in modern horror — and that’s exactly why we had to talk about him.

In this episode, Chris and Jess break down why Perkins’ films feel so different from everything else in the genre. From The Blackcoat’s Daughter to I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, Longlegs, and The Keeper, his movies trade jump scares for atmosphere, silence, and emotional dread — and not everyone is on board.

Is this “thinking man’s horror” pushing the genre forward… or is it alienating audiences who just want to be scared?

We dig into:

• What makes Osgood Perkins’ style so unique
• Why his films are slow, quiet, and deeply unsettling
• Why some horror fans love him — and others can’t stand his work
• Whether this kind of psychological, arthouse horror is the future of the genre
• And why his films linger long after the credits roll

Love the slow burn? Hate the ambiguity? Somewhere in between?

This episode isn’t about agreeing — it’s about what we want horror to be.

 Let us know where you stand in the comments.

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In this episode of After the Scream with Chris & Jess, we dive into The Keeper, a slow-burn, atmospheric horror film that sparked a very different reaction between the two of us.

Chris really connected with this one. It’s a quiet, thoughtful, and emotionally heavy film that leans more into mood and meaning than jump scares. Jess, on the other hand, didn’t feel the same way, and that contrast made for a great conversation. This is definitely one of those movies that depends on what you’re looking for when you sit down to watch.

We break down:

• Why The Keeper plays more like arthouse horror
• The emotional weight and themes beneath the surface
• The slow-burn pacing and heavy atmosphere
• Why this kind of horror works for some people—and absolutely doesn’t for others

This isn’t a loud or flashy movie. It asks you to pay attention, sit with discomfort, and think about what it’s really saying. If you like emotional horror, restrained storytelling, and films that linger with you, this might be your kind of experience. If not, it may leave you cold.

So the big question: should you see The Keeper—or skip it?
We break it all down.

Come scream (quietly) with us.

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In this episode of After the Scream with Chris & Jess, I break down one of the more surprising HORROR films to come along recently. It’s creepy, intense, and genuinely scary at times—while also clearly pulling inspiration from some truly iconic horror and sci-fi films.

I talk about what works, what doesn’t, and why certain moments really got under my skin. From the tension and atmosphere to the performances and themes, this movie knows how to build unease and keep you locked in. It may not reinvent the genre, but it understands it—and uses that knowledge in smart (and unsettling) ways.

I also dive into:

• What films it feels inspired by
• Why some scenes are far more effective than expected
• The scares that actually land
• And the big question: is this one worth your time?

If you’re a fan of intelligent genre films that blend suspense, horror, and big ideas, this is definitely one to talk about.

Watch, then come scream with us.

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On this episode of After the Scream, we review We Bury the Dead, a newer horror film that leans hard into atmosphere, grief, and the emotional fallout of a world shaped by mass death. This is a slow-burn, character-driven story where the real horror isn’t monsters or nonstop violence, but the quiet weight of loss and the struggle to keep going when hope feels buried. 

We discuss why we labeled it emotional horror, how its restrained approach and somber tone may turn off hardcore horror fans looking for traditional scares, and why that choice makes the film so powerful for us. 

If you’re curious about a horror movie that prioritizes feeling over shock value—and isn’t afraid to sit in uncomfortable silence—this is a review worth watching.

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On this episode of After the Scream, we count down our Top 8 Horror Films of 2025—and yes, some of these picks might seriously surprise you. This year’s list highlights not just big titles, but a strong wave of first-time indie horror filmmakers who took bold creative risks and left a real mark on the genre. 

We talk about the films that stuck with us, sparked debate, and proved that fresh voices are shaping the future of horror, from emotional slow burns to daring, unconventional scares. 

Whether you agree with our rankings or not, this episode is guaranteed to start conversations—and maybe change how you look at horror in 2025.

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Welcome to After the Scream with Chris & Jess (formerly Horror Comedy Hangout)! Same great podcast, now with a fresh name, where we bring you fun interviews, honest reviews, and all the latest in horror. Whether it’s shocking new releases, hidden gems, or cult classics, we break it down, share laughs, and keep the conversation spooky and fun.

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Thanks for hanging with us at the Horror Comedy Hangout—where the scares are real, but the laughs might kill you! See you next time... if you survive

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Chris and Jess break down Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025), a remake that genuinely surprised us and ended up being one we really loved. 

We dig into what works, how the story approaches its characters and themes, and why this version feels different from what people might expect going in. 

The conversation looks at the film’s choices, including its tone and ending, and why those risks paid off for us, while acknowledging that not everyone will feel the same way.

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THE UGLY STEPSISTER Review | Body Horror, Fairy Tales, Beauty Standards

In this episode, Chris and Jess dive deep into The Ugly Stepsister (2025) — the disturbing, Norwegian body-horror reimagining of the Cinderella fairy tale. Is beauty a curse? And what does this film reveal about the pressure placed on women’s bodies?

Directed by Emilie Blichfeldt in her first feature film, The Ugly Stepsister flips the classic story on its head, following the tormented stepsister Elvira as she’s pushed through brutal beauty rituals, grotesque transformations, and impossible expectations. Set in a grim, mud-soaked kingdom where appearance equals survival, the film becomes a dark allegory for body dysmorphia, social pressure, and the violence of perfectionism.

Chris and Jess break down:

• How the movie reframes the fairy tale from the stepsister’s POV
• Why fairy tales make perfect horror
• Themes of beauty, control, identity, and self-worth
• The mother’s disturbing role in transforming her daughter
• Real-world parallels to Body Dysmorphic Disorder, “Dance Moms,” and toxic beauty culture
• How the film compares to The Substance, Frankenstein, The Thing, and other body-horror classics
• What worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s worth your watch

If you love body horror, dark fairy tale horror, or psychological genre films, this episode is for you.

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Thanks for hanging with us at the Horror Comedy Hangout—where the scares are real, but the laughs might kill you! See you next time... if you survive