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.