The price of fame – that’s the theme for our double feature this week with two films exploring the lengths that two women will go to, to become famous. The first is the final film in the X trilogy by Ti West and the second a film Kickstarted in 2014.

Maxxxine (2024) – Directed by Ti West
In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. However, as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Los Angeles, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.

Starry Eyes (2014) – Directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer
This 2014 psychological horror film follows Sarah Walker, an aspiring actress struggling in Hollywood. Desperate for a break, she lands a mysterious audition for a powerful production company. As she delves deeper into the opportunity, she uncovers a dark secret about the price of fame.

Spoilers start around 8:45.

For this episode we returned to the Omen franchise for a prequel and a remake. You can’t go wrong with the antichrist.

The First Omen (2024) – Directed by Arkasha Stevenson
This 2024 prequel to the “Omen” franchise explores the origins of the Antichrist. A young American woman serving the Church in Rome uncovers a terrifying conspiracy involving the birth of a demonic child.

The Omen (2006) – Directed by John Moore
This 2006 remake of the classic horror film tells the story of Robert Thorn, an American diplomat in Rome. After his newborn son dies, he unknowingly adopts the Antichrist, Damien. As Damien grows, a series of disturbing and violent events plague the family, hinting at the boy’s malevolent nature.

Spoilers start around 8:04.

Depending on your perspective, forests can be serene or terrifying. For this episode we have two films about being hunted in the forest.

In a Violent Nature (2024) – Directed by Ise McKeever
A horrific secret from the past awakens in a remote forest. When a locket is disturbed in an abandoned fire tower, a vengeful spirit rises, determined to reclaim a stolen possession. This 2024 horror film follows the deadly path of the resurrected entity.

The Watchers (2024) – Director by Ryan Heffington
Lost and alone in a vast, seemingly pristine forest, a young artist becomes trapped with strangers after seeking shelter. As they fight for survival, they discover they’re not alone. This 2024 film builds suspense as the group faces an unseen threat within the isolated woods.

Spoilers start around 5:30.

Starting off the new season strong with a recent critically-acclaimed film! Our theme for this episode is live demonic possessions and we watched Late Night with the Devil (2024) and The Cleansing Hour (2019).

Late Night with the Devil (2024) – Directed by Cameron & Colin Cairnes
In this 1970s-set horror film, a desperate late-night talk show host facing declining ratings attempts to boost viewership with a Halloween special featuring a panel of guests including a potentially possessed young girl. As the night unfolds, the line between entertainment and terrifying reality blurs.

The Cleansing Hour (2019) – Directed by Damien LeVasseur
This 2019 horror film follows a radio host specializing in debunking paranormal claims. His skepticism is tested when he investigates a live exorcism broadcast online, leading him to confront a powerful demonic entity.

Spoilers start around 4:43.

Our 5th annual year in review episode covers he highs and lows from the last year-ish. We took a break last summer, so same number of films just over a longer period. This episode is essentially all spoilers and definitely representative of our general preferences for movies (horror comedy anyone?!)

Enjoy!

Do you know how many vampire films there are? Short answer: A LOT!

This week we watched two vampire films with vampire slaughters in enclosed or isolated spaces. To be honest, it didn’t start out with that theme. It was going to be vampire action films, but when one film is not an action thriller, you pivot.

The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023) – Directed by André Øvredal
This 2023 horror film tells the story of the doomed crew aboard the Demeter, a ship transporting mysterious cargo from Carpathia to London. Based on a chapter from Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the film explores the terrifying events that unfold as a sinister presence stalks the crew during their ocean voyage.

30 Days of Night (2007) – Directed by David Slade
Adapted from a comic book miniseries, this 2007 action horror film depicts the plight of a small Alaskan town plunged into a month of darkness. As the sun sets for 30 days, a bloodthirsty vampire horde descends upon the isolated community, forcing the remaining residents to fight for survival.

Spoilers start around 5:03.

Super tight theme this week with two Indonesian horror films from Joko Anwar: Impedigore and Satan’s Slaves

Impedigore (2019) follows Maya, a young woman who uncovers a mysterious connection to a wealthy family and a remote village. Seeking answers about her past, she ventures there with her friend, but what they find is a place shrouded in secrets and danger.

In Satan’s Slaves (2017), we see the story of a struggling family living in rural Indonesia. After their mother’s strange illness and death, a series of unsettling events lead the children to suspect a supernatural force is targeting them.

Spoilers Start around 6:26.

Get ready for some haunted house sequels. For his episode we watched the sequels to Hell House LLC.

Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel (2018) – Directed by Stephen Cognetti
Years after a deadly incident at the Hell House attraction, a team of investigative journalists return to the abandoned Abaddon Hotel. Convinced the official story hides a deeper truth, they delve into the darkness, searching for evidence of what truly transpired.

Hell House LLC III: Lake of Fire (2019) – Directed by Stephen Cognetti
Nine years after the tragedy, the Abaddon Hotel attracts a new kind of attention. A wealthy entrepreneur plans to launch an immersive theater experience within its haunted halls. A documentary filmmaker follows the production, uncovering a sinister connection between the show’s ambitious creator and the hotel’s malevolent past.

Spoilers start around 6:50

Religious Horror for the start of spring! This week we have to films with religious themes: On the Third Day (2021) and Consecration (2023).

In “on the “On the 3rd Day” a woman gets into a car accident with her son. She cannot remember what happened in the days following the crash and as she searches for her son, she discovers connections to other police files involving brutal hunting.

In consecration, a young woman is tasked with investigating the reported suicide of a fellow nun at a remote abbey. Upon arrival, she encounters a cloistered community steeped in tradition and a sense of foreboding. As she delves deeper into the abbey’s secrets, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her faith and put her own life in jeopardy.

Spoilers start around 3:55

Gen Z vacation horror? Sure, why not.

For this episode we watched two films the 2022 Bodies Bodies Bodies and the 2023 horror-thriller Fire Island

In Bodies Bodies Bodies, a group of young friends reunite for a weekend getaway at a remote mansion. As a hurricane rolls in, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and a party game takes a dark turn, leading to chaos and suspicion amidst accusations of murder.

In Fire Island, “the perfect summer vacation quickly spirals out of control for a group of friends on the infamous, picturesque party getaway of Fire Island as they find themselves caught in a web of sex, lies and cold blooded murder.”

Spoilers start around 7:30.