7/3/25- Laura and Esme take a deep dive into "Final Destination: Bloodlines," exploring how this fifth installment breathes new life into the franchise with a brilliant generational twist that sets it apart from its predecessors.

When college student Stephanie experiences recurring nightmares about a 1960s disaster at the Sky View restaurant, she uncovers a terrifying truth: she and her family exist only because her grandmother had a premonition that saved lives six decades ago. Now death has finally worked its way through the survivors' list, and her family is next. This isn't just another tale of outrunning fate – it's about confronting the reality that some bloodlines were never meant to continue.

The hosts break down the film's most memorable death sequences, particularly highlighting the innovative MRI room scene that combines practical effects with digital enhancement for maximum impact. They  analyze how the recurring motifs – from a traveling penny to Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" – create a cohesive narrative thread connecting past and present.

A poignant highlight of their discussion centers on Tony Todd's final appearance in the franchise, including his unscripted, heartfelt message delivered while he was ill before his passing. This meta-moment transcends the film itself, adding unexpected emotional resonance to what could have been just another horror sequel.

7/11/25- The episode concludes with a special campfire edition true horror story featuring three siblings, Claudia, Adriana and Jorge, who recount their childhood encounters with floating witches in rural Mexico and possible alien visitations – and a real-time while recording haunt visit, proving that sometimes reality can be just as chilling as fiction!

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What if death wasn't the end, but just another reset? And what if each time you came back, you carried the scars of your previous demise?

Laura and Esme return for Season 2 of Chicas Cucuy with a pulse-pounding review of "Until Dawn," a mind-bending horror film where survival means mastering the rules of a deadly time loop. When a group of friends venture to Glore Valley searching for a missing sister, they find themselves trapped in an abandoned welcome center where death is merely a reset button.

The podcast delves into what makes this PlayStation game adaptation so uniquely terrifying - unlike other time loop horror films, "Until Dawn" constantly shifts its threats. One cycle might feature a masked killer, another a witch-like figure, contaminated water, or glimpses of wendigo monsters. Each death leaves physical scars on the survivors, suggesting they're transforming with each reset. "It reminded me of an escape room," Laura notes, "because it becomes a puzzle after a while. They start trying to get smarter every round."

Through their animated discussion, the hosts explore the film's psychological elements, creative death sequences, and connections to its video game roots. They theorize about trigger points for the time loop, the mysterious Dr. Hill's role in the nightmare, and whether the movie serves as a prequel to the popular game. "I screamed twice in the theater and that usually doesn't happen," Laura admits, highlighting the film's effective jump scares despite its more cerebral approach to horror.

The episode concludes with a chilling real-life ghost story from a listener who spotted an elderly woman peeking through the curtains of a house that was actually vacant - the homeowner had recently passed away. It's a perfect reminder that sometimes the most unsettling encounters happen in broad daylight, when we least expect them.

Ready to join us for a new season of horror reviews and spine-tingling tales? Subscribe now and tune in if you dare!

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Its Esme and Laura again! We dive deep into the 2022 horror film 'Barbarian', a movie that left us stunned from start to finish with its twists and turns (literally!), unsettling atmosphere, and brilliant misdirection.

• Multiple story perspectives that completely subvert expectations and keep you guessing
• Perfect casting of Bill Skarsgård (Pennywise from "It") creating immediate suspicion that plays with audience expectations
• Underlying themes of stranger danger, female vulnerability, and the consequences of selfish decisions
• Clever use of an abandoned Detroit neighborhood as a setting that amplifies the isolation and danger
• Exploration of what makes someone truly monstrous – is it the creature in the basement or the seemingly normal people we encounter?
• A third act that delivers one of the most memorable and disturbing horror scenes in recent memory

Then we discuss an entry from Richard J of his first hand eerie experience at the Villisca Axe Murder house!

If you have a real-life scary story you'd like to share, email us at [email protected] – your story might be featured in an upcoming episode!

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1/30/25- Join us, Esme and Laura in our special 'extended' episode! Our episodes have been sparse since we are coming to the final months of this season and we have been riddled with projects, and we know you have missed us and we have missed you! So this episode is extended to make up for that and allow you to listen in to some of the non-edited parts of the conversation that otherwise would have been! 

In this episode we review of the thrilling world of "Wolf Man," where horror meets deep emotional resonance. We dive into the themes that define this film—questioning whether it truly belongs in the pantheon of cinematic horror or whether critics are simply missing the point. As we peel back the layers, we discover family dynamics, the haunting nature of regret, and how these affect our characters perceptions. The exploration of survival instincts that resonate with us all. With stellar performances from Julia Gardner and Christopher Abbott, “Wolf Man” beckons us into a tale of fatherhood and confronting one's demons.

Throughout our exploration, we dissect not just the traditional horror elements—like jump scares and grotesque imagery—but also address the emotional heart that sets this film apart from its peers. Join us as we discuss the questions it raises about relationships, responsibilities, and the chilling truths we often overlook in horror. 

After the review, Laura and Esme will each tell about their individual creepy hotel room experiences, and talk about how mirrors may have supranatural qualities and also what they say about the entity people refer to as 'mimics'.  After the show, be sure to subscribe and follow us on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with our latest analyses and chilling tales!

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1/20/25- Join us as we, Esme and our special co-host Jessica D., unravel the psychological twists and turns of "Run Rabbit Run," a film that embraces haunting psychological narratives over traditional scares. Set in the eerie landscapes of Australia, the movie weaves a tale of a fertility doctor Sarah and her daughter, Mia, where family dynamics and a mysterious rabbit stir emotions and evoke questions about reality and guilt.

The conversation takes a riveting turn as we discuss the unsettling family visit that spirals into chaos when Mia's grandmother mistakes her for someone else, unraveling deep-seated family secrets and triggering eerie childhood memories for Sarah. As we piece together this chilling storyline, we explore the symbolic presence of the rabbit and its mysterious influence over Mia, connecting disturbing events and Sarah's haunting past. Our discussion raises intriguing questions about intention, culpability, and whether childhood actions are forgivable or permanently haunting.

In a heart-stirring segment, Jessica shares her own experience with sleep paralysis, leading us into broader questions of the supernatural. Did Jessica's mom come to her from the other side to comfort her? To warn her? Or to possibly cross her over?? This chilling encounter with what seemed like an otherworldly presence fuels a conversation about the blurring lines between reality and the dream world, where entities might lurk in the shadows. As we wrap up, we invite our listeners to reflect on guilt, forgiveness, and the open-ended mysteries of "Run Rabbit Run," urging them to share their interpretations of the film's enigmatic conclusion.

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1/10/25 - Ever wondered how the legacy of horror classics continues to haunt modern cinema? Join Laura and Esme from Chicas Cucuy, as they unravel the mysteries of Robert Eggers' "Nosferatu 2024." They navigate the chilling blend of Murnau's silent classic and Bram Stoker's "Dracula," and Steven A. Katz's "Shadow of the Vampire" exploring the adaptations' journey through creative evolution. They also pause to send thoughts and support to those affected by the fires in Los Angeles, reminding us of the real-world drama outside the silver screen.

**THIS EPISODE HAS SPOILERS GALORE!" you have been warned 🤪

Vampire lore, with its gothic imagery and themes of sacrifice and eternal love, takes center stage as we dissect the spiritual undertones of "Nosferatu 2024" and its classic counterparts. This episode ventures into the realm of remarkable performances that bring horror to life.  This episode is a testament to the vampire genre's enduring appeal and its ability to touch the darkest corners of human imagination.We spotlight an opera-trained voice actor Bill Skarsgård who gave chills as Pennywise and explore the unforgettable portrayals by Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves in "Bram Stoker's Dracula." Get ready to meet rising horror star Lily-Rose Depp, whose debut performance in possession roles is as captivating as it is haunting. Our discussion also embraces the versatile Willem Dafoe, Cary Elwes, a familiar face across Dracula-themed films, weaving their unique presence into the genre's tapestry.

As a final treat we have a haunting childhood memories shared by our return guest Fernie Valdez, as he takes us through his unnerving 9 yr old experience.  
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12/25/24 This episode explores the duality of Christmas through the lens of Krampus, merging horror and holiday spirit. Laura and Esme review the 2015 film "Krampus," discussing its folklore origins, family dynamics, and the significance of maintaining the spirit of Christmas. They also highlight a true scary story shared by a guest, which reflects the influence of fear during childhood, resonating with themes of Krampus.

We welcome special guest Bruce Villarreal, who shares haunting tales from his childhood involving cartoon-like entities, urging us to reconsider the intelligence and creativity of a child's mind. These early encounters with the supernatural remind us of the importance of acknowledging and validating such experiences, drawing fascinating parallels between the fiction of "Krampus" and real-life paranormal tales.

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12/13/24 Esme and Laura review The Substance movie. They relate the sequence of events in the movie and how the fear of aging and promise of a younger, beautiful, better version of a seasoned yet still beautiful celebrity can seduce them enough to sacrifice health and mind just to experience the world young and beautiful again. All the spoilers! Then for dessert, Esme re-tells a friend's very chilling encounter with a seemingly mythical being..? demon..? interdimensional entity? that they were sure they imagined... except they had their child with them that was there to remind them about every single detail of what they both saw really happened! Tune in if you dare..! And please subscribe! 🤗

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Esme and Laura talk to Fernando Valdez, their guest for this special full true horror story episode where he talks about how growing up in Mexico, and his teenage years in Juchipila where he was introduced to a book of dark magic and the Ouija board by his friends. From ouija sessions in the cemetery to seeing orbs of light, to hearing voices in his head, to experiencing entities in dreams and in real life. He didn't realize then how he was being pulled one way by religion and the other by the occult and almost as he felt tied to both. His experience takes a scary turn especially when the hauntings seem to have followed him as an adult to California, US and he sees the experience from a different perspective then being a husband and father! Fernie shares details and thoughts about his experience that will be sure to leave you feeling creepy!

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11/20/24 Laura and Esme review the Heretic movie. They talk about the movie, what happened, what they would have done differently and yes, all the spoilers! They definitely speak about the ending and what they thought of it and how religion and how it's perceived by people play a key role in this movie. They also talk a bit about music and certain songs (commentary on an example the villain of the movie brought up to his targets in this 'cat and mouse' type film).  After the review, our guest Claudia, relates her first disturbing experience with sleep paralysis, AKA night terrors. Laura also tells a second part of that about Claudia's friend that experienced a very chilling haunting at an Airbnb!

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