Grave Discussions

Episode 61 - The Power to Rule

Since the collapse of the Dark Universe, Universal has been hesitant to pursue the classic Monsters once again. This time, however, Blumhouse joins the picture and Leigh Whannell is set to direct a reimagining of "The Invisible Man!" In this episode, Barnabas and Samael go fully transparent by offering their desires, dont-wants, and theories about the newest iteration of a classic horror film. More importantly, will Elisabeth Moss live up to the great Claude Rains? To achieve this discussion, the 1933 original film is examined in the Cult Corner; a new found footage flick, "The Fear Footage," is put to the test on the Chopping Block!

Episode 60 - Raising

Artists whose work hinge on the weird, twisted, and wondrous reality of life often appear as social outcasts, and Clive Barker is no different. Once an odd thread in the web of fantasy horror, Clive Barker's willingness to venture into a world of painful sexual desire and gruesome body terror has cultivated an icon. In this episode, Barnabas and Samael examine the cinematic works of Barker, from "Rawhead Rex" in the Cult Corner to Hellraiser and more. Also featured on the Chopping Block is the new Shudder addition "The Ranger!"

Episode 59 - All Aboard the Horror Hate Train

The horror community is one filled with pride, passion, and unabashed disdain for the genre — sometimes. Perhaps filled with the most ravenous, opinionated fanbase in cinema, horror films have long found ways of dividing the community, and contemporary horror is no different; some fans clamor to exclaim that horror is "dead" and there are no more good movies being made. In this episode, Barnabas and Samael explore the negative perception of present-day horror films and offer their thoughts on the topic. Also featured are the bookish terror tale "I, Madman" and "Monster Party."

Episode 58 - The Barely Weeping Woman

The Conjuring-verse just got bigger... and wetter. "The Curse of La Llorona" is the newest ghostly flick produced by the unshakable James Wan, and in this episode Barnabas and Samael deliver their review of the much-anticipated movie. Is 'La Llorona' good enough to warrant tears of joy, or simply leave the audience weeping out of frustration? Also featured are hidden cult classic "Superstition" and new creature feature "The Silence!"

Episode 57 - The Perfect Organism

In 1979, a legendary movie monster was born; now synonymous with excellent sci-fi horror, "Alien" also introduced the world to Ellen Ripley and spawned a wildly successful franchise. In this special episode, Over Under Fair's Dave Roldan and Roger Castillo are resurrected in order to discuss "Alien" for the film's 40th anniversary. With a retrospective lens, the OUF duo, along with Barnabas and Samael, dissect the terrifyingly claustrophobic elements of Scott's legitimately scary space opera, and consider why it is still so revered this day.

Episode 56 - Sometimes, Dead Isn’t Bettah

In the famous words of Jud Crandall, "Sometimes... dead is better." Remakes have been looming over the horror community for a long time, and it doesn't get as controversial as Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer's "Pet Sematary." The tenuous reboot of the 1989 classic and second adaptation of Stephen King's hit novel, "Pet Sematary" has leaven fans as divided as the family it portrays. In this episode, Barnabas and Samael review the film and aim to answer the question: is dead in fact better? Also featured are hidden classic "Spookies" and the newest Into the Dark installment "I'm Just with You!"

Episode 55 - The Dimension of Imagination

A door that can only be unlocked with the key of imagination and the distinct, creepy voice of The Narrator - such things can only be found in... the Twilight Zone! Over half a century after the original phenomenon that was "The Twilight Zone" dazzled audiences, Jordan Peele returns with his take on the classic series, and Barnabas and Samael review the debut episodes "The Comedian" and "Nightmare at 30,000 Feet!" Will the reboot be one of many accomplishments of the filmmaker's banner year, or will it prove to simply be another failed attempt to revive the mystical show? Also featured are underground classic "The Boogens" and the newest Blumhouse production to hit Netflix, "Mercy Black!"

Episode 54 - I Got Five On It

With the release of one of the most anticipated horror films of the year, Jordan Peele's "Us" emerges as divisive as its characters. In this episode, Barnabas and Samael review the sophomore feature by the Oscar-winning director and comedian, analyzing the film's themes and technical achievements. Will "Us" cement its place in horror history or simply serve as a reflection of a more contemporary cinematic issue? The undead ushers also discuss the late Larry Cohen's "The Stuff" and bro-rrific found footage yarn "The Haunting on Fraternity Row."

Episode 53 - His Name was Jason

It is perhaps the most iconic and prolific horror franchise in the world, spear-headed by the genre's poster boy for death and destruction: Jason Voorhees. Friday the 13th has taken the world by storm, due in no small part to the proverbial mommy's boy, but the mythology of Jason changed much over the years. Barnabas and Samael remove the putrified hockey mask and reflect on Jason's evolution over time, the people who played him, and more in this episode honoring the late John Carl Buechler. His only directorial effort of the franchise, "Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood," is featured in the Cult Corner, along with "The Clovehitch Killer" strangling its way onto the Chopping Block!

Episode 52 - The Host with the Ghost

"It's your old pal, the Crypt Keeper!" or "Hello, darling. It's me, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark!" Such introductions immediately drew horror fans in for a spooky good time every week, itching to see their favorite hosts and whatever tale of terror that followed. At one time, horror hosts were immensely popular in the world of entertainment, and at others not so much. Now, hosted horror series and their ghoulish presenters are poised to make a comeback, and Barnabas and Samael cover the topic in this very episode! Featured in the Cult Corner is one such title, "Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight," and on the chopping block is the newest installment of a classic series, "Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich!"