In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent illnesses and the impact on their podcast schedule, expressing gratitude towards their Patreon supporters. They delve into the film 'Opus', analyzing its themes of celebrity culture and cult dynamics, while also critiquing the performances of the cast. The conversation transitions to the evolution of A24 and Netflix's film offerings, before exploring the portrayal of cults in 'Opus'. The hosts share their final thoughts and grades for the film, recommending it with some reservations, before moving on to discuss 'Freaky Tales' and its cultural significance. In this conversation, Chris and Bill delve into various themes surrounding violence, ideology, and cultural reflections in film. They explore the dynamics of hip hop and gender, the significance of performance, and the symbolism of the green glow in the narrative. The discussion also touches on revenge, redemption, and the intersection of sports and crime, culminating in a reflection on anthology storytelling and its impact. The conversation concludes with final thoughts and recommendations for the films discussed.

Bill (fighting a brutal cold) and Chris are back, drowning in 2025 horror releases and already behind schedule. Quick life updates: high-school theater, travel baseball insanity, and holiday retail chaos.

Main Reviews

• Frankenstein (Netflix, dir. Guillermo del Toro) A gorgeous, heartbreaking, Bernie Wrightson-inspired adaptation that's the closest anyone has come to Mary Shelley's novel. Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi are phenomenal; the creature has never been this human or tragic. Minor gripes about length and a forced romance, but still the best Frankenstein film ever made.

• House of Eden (Shutter) Mega-TikToker KallMeKhris writes, directs, and stars in her found-footage debut. Three content creators investigate a "secret" haunted house. Unfortunately it's a greatest-hits compilation of Blair Witch/Paranormal Activity tropes, riddled with continuity errors, shaky-cam abuse, and unlikable characters. A finished movie with 50 million followers behind it… and that's about all the nice things we can say.

Quick Listener Segments

• Joe blows up The First Purge

• Rev. Scott on The Running Man 2025 remake

Plugs SpectopiaArts.com (holiday orders still good for Christmas) • Horror Finds Depop Black Friday sale coming • Don't Forget to Leave now free on Hoopla.

Next week: two more 2025 titles, then new-release train all the way to the Top 10 show.

In this episode of Outside the Cinema, hosts Bill and Chris delve into the world of future cult movies, discussing their recent experiences with new releases, particularly focusing on 'The Dead Thing' and 'The Damned'. They explore themes of intimacy, relationships, and societal issues while also promoting their vintage horror merchandise. The conversation highlights the nuances of horror as a genre and the importance of understanding character motivations and societal reflections in film. In this episode, the hosts delve into the film 'The Damned,' discussing its themes of isolation, supernatural elements, and character dynamics. They explore the cinematography and emotional impact of the film, leading to a recommendation. The conversation then transitions to a review of 'The Purge: Election Year,' where Joe shares his thoughts on the film's political commentary and character development. Finally, Reverend Scott reviews 'Predator Badlands,' highlighting its unique storytelling and character arcs.

In this episode of Outside the Cinema, hosts Bill and Chris discuss their experiences with cult films, focusing on the Fear Street series and the latest installment, Fear Street Prom Queen. They critique the film's writing, character development, and authenticity to the 80s era. The conversation then shifts to Please Don't Feed the Children, exploring its unique premise and execution. The hosts share their thoughts on the films' strengths and weaknesses, providing insights into the horror genre and cult film culture.

In this conversation, Chris critiques the quality of screenwriting in a recent film, expressing disappointment over the dialogue and the perceived lack of care from the producers. He highlights the disconnect between audience expectations and the reality of film production, emphasizing the need for a good script to meet those expectations.

The conversation delves into the portrayal of supernatural elements in film, particularly focusing on werewolves and vampires, and the skepticism characters exhibit towards these elements.

In this episode, Bill and Chris discuss various Halloween anthologies, focusing on the VHS series and its evolution over the years. They review the latest installment, VHS Halloween 2025, and critique its segments, including 'Coochie Coochie', 'Ootsuprasikinfraara', 'Fun Size', 'Kid Print', and 'Home'. The conversation touches on themes of storytelling, the effectiveness of horror, and the importance of wraparound narratives in anthologies. They also announce the release of 'Don't Forget to Leave' and discuss its availability through public libraries. In this conversation, Chris and his co-host review and discuss the horror films 'VHS Halloween' and 'All Hallows Eve 2'. They provide recommendations, grades, and insights into the filmmaking process, particularly focusing on the indie aspect of horror films. The discussion highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each film, with a particular emphasis on storytelling, production quality, and viewer engagement. They also touch on the evolution of horror anthologies and the significance of supporting small filmmakers.

In this episode, Bill and Chris delve into the film 'Coherence', exploring its intricate themes of alternate realities and character dynamics set against the backdrop of a dinner party. They discuss the film's unique storytelling approach, including its use of improvised dialogue and low-budget production, which contribute to its authenticity and emotional impact. The conversation highlights the characters' struggles with identity and reality, culminating in a thought-provoking analysis of the film's ending and its implications for viewers. In this episode, Chris and Bill delve into their film recommendations, focusing on the intricacies of 'The Black Room' (1982). They discuss the film's unique take on horror and its narrative structure, while also reflecting on the performances and thematic elements. The conversation transitions into a broader analysis of film-making techniques and the evolution of genre films, culminating in their final thoughts on the film's impact and their anticipation for upcoming releases.

In this episode of Outside the Cinema, hosts Bill and Chris delve into the 1993 film Body Snatchers, a lesser-known adaptation of the classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers story. They discuss the film's cast, including Gabriel Anwar and Meg Tilly, and analyze its themes, character development, and execution of the invasion concept. The conversation also touches on personal opinions and recommendations, highlighting the film's strengths and weaknesses while providing insights into its place within the horror genre.