Spooky Tuesday - A Horror Movie Podcast

Let us tell you something, Spookies: Busting makes us feel good. So good that it was only right to dedicate our Halloween episode to Ghostbusters (1984), one of the most classic horror comedies around. A supernatural flick with a superstar cast, this ‘80s blockbuster appealed to kids and adults alike, and that’s in no small part because it changed its target audience somewhere between the script and the screen. Actually, a lot changed during that time, including basically all the lines once actors like Bill Murray and Rick Moranis started to improvise. On our latest episode of Spooky Tuesday, we’re exploring how writers Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis brought this project to life, the way stars Ernie Hudson and Sigourney Weaver rounded out a killer cast, and where the extended Ghostbustiverse went from here.

References:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ernie-hudson-ghostbusters-difficult-movie-1235331351/

YouTube: "Ghostbusters" Music Video

Well, fuck us gently with a chainsaw, Spookies, because we can’t believe we’ve never covered Heathers (1989). Thankfully, the start of Sydneypalooza, a.k.a. Sydney’s birthday episode, provided an excellent opportunity to do just that. Plus, after talking about Jawbreaker last season, we couldn’t get our minds off this high school black comedy from an even earlier era, so we knew now was the time. Starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater as a couple that is quite literally toxic, this ‘80s flick may have bombed at the box office, but it’s also had a lasting impact on pop culture and is just so very very. On a new episode of Spooky Tuesday, we’re playing with the popular crew as we talk all things color theory, queen bees, and killer boyfriends.

References:

https://screenrant.com/heathers-behind-scenes-facts/

Part of that early aughts trend of Hollywood remaking Japanese horror, The Grudge (2004) made quite the impact on pop culture. It also decided to handle its American adaptation a little differently. Not only did the movie maintain its original setting and even some of the cast, it also kept on writer/director Takashi Shimizu to realize his same vision for a new audience. So what actually changed? On a new Spooky Tuesday, we’re spending a little time abroad as we talk about the original franchise, spooky ghost boys, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and the terrifying moments that have haunted us for years.

References:

https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/1iircfs/just_watched_juon_the_grudge_but_there_are_a_few/

https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/1g1s3w9/juon_the_grudge_2002_is_more_literary_than_you/

October has arrived and our witchy powers are at their strongest, Spookies, so you know what that means: It’s time for Season 7 to begin! We’re kicking off a new era of Spooky Tuesday with Resident Evil (2026), the fun, funny, and frightening new collab between writer-director Zach Cregger and his maybe-muse, Austin Abrams. A video game adaptation that legitimately feels like you’re playing along, this zombie-adjacent flick knows just how to get under your skin, whether that’s via viral outbreak or meditations on entering a new era of adulthood while grappling with your own and others’ mortality. On our latest episode, we’re celebrating the start of Spooky Season proper as we talk about all things body horror, babies, and boyfriend material.

References:

https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/zach-cregger-resident-evil-austin-abrams-kids-interview-1235215779/

https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1w15axg/hey_rmovies_zach_cregger_here_director_of_the/

https://www.them.us/entertainment/tv-and-movies/who-is-kali-reis-the-two-spirit-sexually-fluid-actress-in-resident-evil

YouTube: Resident Evil 8 Village - Giant Baby Monster Chase Scene

YouTube: Resident Evil 4 - Save Game Theme Typewriter

https://x.com/hotpriestt/status/1578789562394247169

Happy 300th Episode, Spookies!!!! We've reached a BIG milestone here at Spooky Tuesday this week, and we wanted to do a BIG episode to celebrate. A double feature felt like it might just do the trick, so we asked our Spooky Patreon Crew to vote on which one we should cover, and they chose The Stepford Wives (1975) and Get Out (2017). At first, it seemed like a daunting task — TWO thinkies in one episode?! But once we locked in, we got to work, because these flicks make for incredible back-to-back viewing. Though Jordan Peele's debut feature became an instant classic while the original Ira Levin adaptation wasn't exactly a critical success, both movies have made their mark on the horror landscape, and we're breaking it all down on a new Spooky Tuesday. References: https://ew.com/movies/2017/10/23/the-stepford-wives-1975-history/https://esl-bits.eu/Novellas.for.ESL.Students/Stepford/03/text.html

Did you notice we've had a sneaky theme going this month, Spookies? It may have flown a little under the radar, but so far September has been for the girls — so we decided to round out our SeptembHER lineup with Annihilation (2018). A scifi story about a grab bag group of women in STEM exploring a mysterious phenomenon known only as The Shimmer, this flick follows Natalie Portman and co (Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tuva Novotny) as they set off on a recon mission they may never return from. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we're doing our own research as we work together to uncover this movie's mysteries, messages, and CLEAR references. References: https://www.reddit.com/r/AnnihilationMovie/comments/hpmxdg/the_ending_of_annihilation/https://collider.com/annihilation-ending-explained/https://medium.com/@stefmaxko/a-spoiler-filled-interpretation-of-annihilations-themes-of-self-and-absolution-86c6bfff2c8chttps://screenrant.com/annihilation-story-explained-questions-answered-lena-shimmer/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/annihilation-movie-vs-book-adaptation-spoilers-1201929719/

A fever dream ripped straight from a 12-year-old girl's nightmare, House (1977) has some surprising origins, but no one can deny that director Nobuhiko Ōbayashi put his own spin on the story. Assembling a team of young new actresses and all the best camera tricks, this horror flick set out to make something spectacular, and it's become a cult classic over the years. In fact, it may or may not have even inspired one of your favorite emo songs — and it definitely inspired *us* to create a reality TV tagline for each teenage girl. Listen in as we break into song and workshop our Real Hausu-wives of the Japanese Countryside on a new Spooky Tuesday. References:https://www.slashfilm.com/2168242/steven-spielberg-jaws-success-creation-cult-classic-70s-horror-movie-house-hausu/

It's that time again, Spookies, but Chelsea wasn't sure what to pick for her birthday flick this year, so she decided to do a little sequel presentation. After covering Influencer back in Season 3 for the same occasion, it just felt right to take a chance on Influencers (2025), but did the risk pay off? On a new Spooky Tuesday, we went in blind as we reunited with Cassandra Naud and Emily Tennant's characters for a second showdown that featured even more blood lust and sapphic sexual tension than the first. References:https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshweiss/2025/12/12/influencers-director-on-how-lizzie-mcguire-inspired-the-sequel-rise-of-malicious-ai-that-bonkers-ending-and-more/

Black comedies may be one of the spooky genres we list in our opening spiel, but we rarely get them on the schedule — which is why it's so fun that we're starting off September with Jawbreaker (1999). This year, we're heading back to school in style as we enter the candy-colored sphere of teenage social politics. Who's hot, who's not, and who's got the power to make those decisions? Rose McGowan, Rebecca Gayheart, Judy Greer, and Julie Benz may not be starring in a scary movie this time, but they've all got horror creds, and when it comes to this flick, death and destruction are not off the menu. References:https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/Interview-Writer-Darren-Stein-and-Director-Matt-DiCarlo-of-JAWBREAKER-THE-MUSICAL-20260815

Spookies, how did we let 20 years go by without ever watching Hatchet (2006)? Thankfully, Swamp Ass August is here to set us straight, so we're finishing off our accidental New Orleans Three Weeks with the first flick in Victor Crowley's slasher franchise. Starring some familiar faces — like squintern Colin Fisher from Bones, Tyson from Scream 3, and Harmony from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, not to mention all those incredible horror cameos — this movie pays homage to some of the legendary series that came before it. It also features that iconic nostalgic misogyny we've come to associate with the era, prompting us to invent new portmanteaus, but we're leaving it up to you to pick your favorite on a new Spooky Tuesday. References: https://timewarriors.co.uk/2024/04/15/hatchet-a-multilayered-masterpiece/ https://research.library.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1007&context=honorsprogram_fcrh_theses https://pophorror.com/stay-out-of-this-swamp-hatchet-2006-revisited-retro-review/

Spookies, we've been meaning to cover The Skeleton Key (2005) for a while now, so when Swamp Ass August entered the conversation, we knew it had to be part of the lineup. An iconic mid-aughts horror movie starring not one, not two, but three Oscar-nominated actors, this flick nails the Southern Gothic aesthetic and definitely brings the talent. That being said, it's not without its blind spots — and there's always danger when you dabble in things you don't understand. Join us in the bayou as we talk comps, clues, and culture on a new Spooky Tuesday. References: https://hcagrads.hypotheses.org/5111https://www.reddit.com/r/horror/comments/el2d08/what_did_get_out_have_that_the_skeleton_key_didnt/

A theme month is something that can be so special and also last only two or maybe three weeks as long as your heart is pure, which is why we're coming back from summer break with Swamp Ass August. We figured our reunion was cause for celebration, Spookies, so we're hosting a slumber party double feature with Stephen King's Sleepwalkers (1992) and Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998). With some interesting parallels and illuminating opposites, these two flicks make for strange bed fellows, but we're ready to stay up all night breaking them down just as long as we can work in a little ~cat~ nap along the way. References:Boadecia - Enya in Criminal Mindshttps://www.reddit.com/r/Scoobydoo/comments/11nl81x/we_were_robbed_of_a_good_representation_of_velma/

This season, a new queer horror has entered the Villa! We've had our eye on Leviticus (2026) ever since it started making waves at Sundance earlier this year, and now that it's summer, we're ready for a trip to Australia. This flick may not have quite fit the requirements for our pride lineup this year, but we still knew we wanted to cover it sooner rather than later — and with its electric romance, supernatural spooks, and Biblical references, there's a lot to talk about. Starring Talk to Me's Joe Bird, relative newcomer Stacy Clausen, and comeback queen Mia Wasikowska, writer-director Adrian Chiarella's story has CLEAR references to films like It Follows and Teeth while trying to forge a path of its own. References:https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/leviticus-review-conversion-therapy-horror-1236480516/YouTube: Michael Johnston (Obsession) Hosts Leviticus Q&A | Director Adrian Chiarella & Cast InterviewYouTube: LEVITICUS Interview with Writer/Director Adrian Chiarella and Lead Joe Birdhttps://sarata.com/bible/verses/about/frogs.htmlhttps://johnmckeel.com/bible-study/top-five-snakes-in-the-bible/https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2016%3A7-22&version=KJV

Despite the fact that it technically premiered last fall, Obsession (2025) is the hottest horror movie of the year — and it's also the official quarterly pick of our Patrons. The theatrical film debut of writer-director-editor Curry Barker, who got his start making shorts online, this flick captivated moviegoers from the first second it hit their screens. It's also inspired about a thousand memes and plenty of discourse about how the One Wish Willow works, when a hero becomes a villain, and when exactly that villain turn started. On a new Spooky Tuesday, we're joining the conversation as we talk newcomers and nepotism while namedropping stars like Inde Navarette, Michael Johnston, and of course papa Clive Barker himself. References: Costume Designer Blair James's TikTokOlivia Rodrigo's Take on Obsession If Curry Barker made a skit about One Wish WillowsObsession if it was WLW

June may be coming to an end, but Trans Pride isn't over yet, Spookies! We've still got one week left, and we're finishing off with a real hoot of a Fifth Tuesday. For our bonus episode this month, we're hitching a ride with a few fabulous femmes in To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), a movie with a title so long it might as well be one of our themed events. In this '90s flick, leading men Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo set their action star personas aside to play a motley crew of drag queens on a cross-country trip. Full of heart and humor, this queer comedy engages with questions of identity and self-expression ahead of its time while showing audiences just what American allyship can look like. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center, joining our Patreon, or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride!References: https://letterboxd.com/journal/to-wong-foo-thanks-for-everything-julie-newmar-anniversary-retrospective/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/john-leguizamo-wong-foo-legacy-25-years-after-cult-film-n1239471https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/to-wong-foo-thanks-for-everything-julie-newmar-1200443027/YouTube: "To Wong Foo..." (1995) - Deleted & Extended ScenesYouTube: Trixie Reacts to To Wong FooYouTube: Trans Drag Queen Analyzes To Wong Foo Thanks For EverythingYouTube: Interview with Douglas Carter Beane

With those gnarly Evil Dead Burn trailers hitting theaters, we figured it was about time we got caught up on the current state of affairs in Deadite world. Thankfully, Evil Dead Rise (2023) features a trans actor and, at least according to some, a trans character, so it fits our Trans Pride purposes perfectly. A new addition to the story rather than any sort of direct sequel, this flick retreads familiar (and familial) ground while exploring a new urban setting. That's right: Forget a cabin in the woods (at least for the most part), because we've uncovered a new Naturom Demonto under an apartment building in Downtown Los Angeles. We're talking lore, giving Lee Cronin another chance, and recalling our own potentially cursed missteps on a new Spooky Tuesday. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center, joining our Patreon, or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride!References: https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/evil-dead-rise-director-lee-cronin-interview-1234829839/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/evil-dead-rise-ending-explained-lee-cronin-1234831407/https://evildead.fandom.com/wiki/Necronomicon_Ex-Mortishttps://screenrant.com/evil-dead-necronomicon-every-version-explained/https://loganashley.substack.com/p/the-transgender-evil-deadhttps://www.thepinknews.com/2023/04/25/evil-dead-rise-trans-character-danny-morgan-davies/

Back when The Matrix (1999) first came out, not everyone understood the movie's true message. In the years since, however, the Wachowskis sisters have clarified the trans allegory at the heart of their story, and now we're watching with fresh eyes. On our latest episode, we're keeping the Trans Pride party going as we veer just slightly out of our usual horror space and into the overlap with scifi action thrillers. Join us as we talk faith, fate, Keanu, and countless CLEAR references on a new Spooky Tuesday. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center, joining our Patreon, or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride!References:https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/with-the-matrix-4-coming-lets-talk-about-how-the-first-movie-is-a-trans-allegoryhttps://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-53692435https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/the-matrix-anniversary-trivia-facts/free-your-mind-dance-show/https://bookshop.org/p/books/everyone-on-the-moon-is-essential-personnel-julian-k-jarboe/3c27e4717346412bYouTube: Lilly Wachowski says Lilly Wachowski

Jamie Clayton didn't just make major headlines when she landed the role of Pinhead in the new Hellraiser (2022) movie, she also made horror history. Clive Barker's original novella — and the 1987 film adaptation — were both deeply rooted in the queer kink scene, and the reboot brings that LGBTQIA+ representation directly onto the screen through its cast and characters. But by being able to be explicit about its inclusivity, did this flick sacrifice a little of its explicitness in other areas? For our latest episode of Trans Pride, we're summoning the Cenobites for a conversation about the yuck factor and yum factor involved in the newest installment of one of the genre's biggest franchises. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center, joining our Patreon, or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride!References:https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/hellraiser-2022-pinhead-interviewhttps://screenrant.com/hellraiser-reboot-jamie-clayton-david-bruckner/https://collider.com/hellraiser-jamie-clayton-director-david-bruckner-interview-pinhead-cenobites/https://www.them.us/story/hellraiser-2022-review-jamie-clayton-pinheadhttps://www.autostraddle.com/hellraiser-2022-review/YouTube: ‘Hellraiser’ Interviews With Jamie Clayton, Brandon Flynn, Goran Visnjic & More!YouTube: "What an absolute f*cking thrill!" Jamie Clayton On Playing Pinhead in HELLRAISER Remake | INTERVIEWYouTube: Hellraiser || Odessa A’zion - "Riley" Generic InterviewYouTube: Hellraiser's Adam Faison and Drew Starkey Talk Blood. Lots of Blood.YouTube: Hellraiser (2022) Interviews: Pinhead herself Jamie Clayton & More!

Pride is back, baby — and, as always, Pride is political. That's why we've decided to dedicate our whole 2026 lineup to Trans Pride and raising money for organizations like the Transgender Law Center, and we're kicking this party off with Queens of the Dead (2025). Directed by Tina Romero, daughter of Night of the Living Dead creator George A. Romero, this flick follows in the family tradition as it focuses a zombie outbreak on the queer nightlife scene. With an incredible ensemble cast that features performers like Katy O'Brian, Jaquel Spivey, Jack Haven, Dominique Jackson, and Margaret Cho, this monster movie will have you believing in the power of both calling on your community and lip syncing for your life. This month, we're donating all of our proceeds to non-profit organizations dedicated to helping and protecting the trans community. You can help by participating in our Instagram fundraiser benefiting Transgender Law Center, joining our Patreon, or streaming both old and new episodes through the end of June. Happy Pride!References: How Tina Romero Evolved Her Father's Horror Legacy in 'Queens of the Dead'https://www.phantasmag.com/articles/queens-of-the-dead-tina-romero-interview-katy-obrian-jack-haven-queer-zombie-moviehttps://inreviewonline.com/2025/10/24/all-queens-no-divas-tina-romero-interview/https://www.them.us/story/jack-haven-queens-of-the-dead-interview-margaret-chohttps://www.pride.com/culture/interviews/nina-west-tomas-matoshttps://www.pride.com/culture/interviews/katy-obrian-riki-lindhome

Spookies, we're sure some people are suffering from grief horror fatigue, but you have space in your heart for a tight 90 about a rabid chimp, right? In Primate (2025), Johannes Roberts is mixing up the tired trope by ignoring a family's lost loved one almost entirely, instead focusing the story on what happens to a group of teens when their late mom's adopted ape goes — well, we hate to say it, but — ape shit. Straddling the line between monster movie and slasher, this flick features more gore than you might expect, and it does it all with a few classic horror references. Join us on a new Spooky Tuesday as we pack our bags and head to Hawaii for summer break. Oh, and we brought this teddy bear for someone special, too. 🧸 References:Primate Interview with Cast and DirectorMiguel Torres Umba: PRIMATEPrimate Exclusive Featurette: Directing from the Poolhttps://dmtalkies.com/primate-movie-ending-explained-2026/https://www.animallaw.info/article/incidents-attacks-involving-captive-chimpanzeeshttps://www.reddit.com/r/Moviesinthemaking/comments/1q8qfwx/behind_the_scenes_of_primate_2025/#lightboxhttps://www.instagram.com/p/DU34gKrDlTV/