Dark Discussions Podcast

Once again, we’ve rummaged through the wonderfully weird world of genre news and returned with a whole bagful of goodies! There’s certainly no shortage of things to talk about, so rather than simply tossing a few headlines your way, we’ve gone digging through everything we’ve heard since our last episode and picked out some of the juiciest, strangest, and most intriguing stories to explore.

This time around, we dive into the upcoming FRIDAY THE 13TH prequel series, CRYSTAL LAKE, take a peek at the highly anticipated GRAND THEFT AUTO 6, and wander down a few other entertaining rabbit holes along the way. And because the past has a sneaky habit of hiding some real treasures, we’ve also dusted off a few forgotten gems that may have slipped under your radar.

So grab your headphones, settle in, and come take the journey with us through the latest twists, turns, surprises, and oddities from the world of genre entertainment. Give it a listen, and as always, let us know what you think!

The 2016 South Korean sensation TRAIN TO BUSAN may not have completely reinvented the zombie movie, but it certainly gave the poor old undead genre a much-needed jolt of electricity. After years of shambling along through something of a slow and painful downturn, zombies suddenly had somewhere to go—and they were getting there very, very quickly. Now, director Sang-ho Yeon, the man who helped put some bite back into the genre, returns with his latest offering, COLONY, which arrived in North American theaters on August 28, 2026, following its earlier premiere in South Korea.

From IMDb: “Professor Se Jeong attends a biotech conference, only to witness it spiral into catastrophe when a rapidly mutating virus is unleashed. As the outbreak spreads and the infected begin to transform, authorities seal off the entire facility.” And, well, that sounds like precisely the sort of conference nobody wants to put on their calendar. Directed by Sang-ho Yeon and co-written with Gyu-seok Choi, COLONY features Ji-hyun Jun, Kyo-hwan Koo, Chang-wook Ji, and a sizable ensemble of unlucky souls who find themselves in decidedly unhealthy circumstances.

With critics giving the film a healthy 81% positive rating—and audiences being even more enthusiastic at a whopping 94%—COLONY appears to be doing for the zombie genre what TRAIN TO BUSAN did nearly a decade ago: giving the corpse a little shake and reminding everyone that the undead still have plenty of life left in them. Your co-hosts now venture into Yeon’s latest outbreak, dodge the infected, and offer their thoughts on whether COLONY deserves a place among the genre’s liveliest new arrivals.

Well, after an eight-year journey through the cinematic wilderness, David Robert Mitchell has finally returned to the land of motion pictures. Mitchell is, of course, best known for IT FOLLOWS (2014), a film this reviewer considers not only one of the greatest horror films ever made, but perhaps one of the greatest films, period. Now, under the watchful eye of J.J. Abrams’ production company, Bad Robot, Mitchell has emerged with his latest mysterious creation, THE END OF OAK STREET, which Warner Brothers released into theaters on August 14th, 2026.

According to IMDb: “The Platt family bands together to navigate their new surroundings after a cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood to someplace unknown.” And really, nothing says “new home” quite like waking up one morning to discover that your entire neighborhood has apparently been whisked away by the universe and deposited somewhere nobody can find on a map.

Written and directed by David Robert Mitchell, the film stars Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor and has earned excellent reviews from both critics and audiences alike, even if the box office has not quite reached the heights that J.J. Abrams and company may have hoped for. So, your co-hosts pack their cosmic survival kits, take a stroll down Oak Street—wherever it may currently be—and explore Mitchell’s latest cinematic oddity to see if it lives up to the considerable excitement surrounding its arrival.

For reasons completely lost somewhere in the foggy, cobweb-covered corridors of this reviewer’s mind, Eli Roth has become a rather divisive figure among horror and genre fans. Some eagerly line up for whatever deliciously demented nightmare he has cooked up next, while others approach his films as though they’ve just discovered a suspicious noise coming from the basement. Not quite as prolific as one might think, Roth nevertheless has a new movie now playing in theaters: the simply and sweetly titled ICE CREAM MAN (2026). Produced by his company, The Horror Section, which has an exclusive distribution deal with Iconic Events Releasing, the film follows, according to IMDb, “An idyllic summer town descends into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet delights with horrifying results.” Suddenly, that extra scoop doesn’t sound quite so appealing.

Directed by Eli Roth and co-written by Noah Belson, ICE CREAM MAN also features Snoop Dogg as a producer, with the legendary artist providing the song that plays over the film’s end credits. The cast includes Ari Millen, Charlie Zeltzer, and others, while Sarah Abbott may just deliver the film’s breakout performance as Lizzie. But while the ice cream may be sweet, the response has been considerably more mixed, with both critics and audiences serving up mostly mediocre reviews. So, is the film genuinely deserving of its chilly reception, or has Eli Roth’s name on the carton caused some viewers to reach for the dislike button before taking their first bite?

Your co-hosts grab their spoons, check carefully for anything lurking beneath the sprinkles, and dig into ICE CREAM MAN to find out. Is this a devilishly delicious serving of summertime horror, a scoop of misunderstood madness, or something that should have been left melting on the sidewalk? Join us as we taste-test Eli Roth’s latest nightmare and give you our thoughts—brain freeze and all.

We take a different approach to the podcast today with some genre news. Instead of reviewing a film or book, we instead go through some of the news of the past year and discuss in detail some of the most interesting things we’ve heard. We talk about some upcoming adaptations of like Tomb Raider, some crumbs John Carpenter mentioned at convention in the last quarter, news about the James Gunn DC Universe, and a whole bunch more. Listed also are some forgotten gems from the past that may have been overlooked. Take a listen and let us know what you feel.

When the conversation turns to the titans of horror, Stephen King inevitably rises to the top — a storyteller whose shadow has stretched across six decades, ever since his first published tale hit the world in 1967. Among the curiosities of his early career were the novels he released under the Richard Bachman pseudonym, one of which, The Long Walk, has finally marched its way onto the big screen with a wide 2025 release and now reaching VOD.

IMDB distills the premise with brutal simplicity: “A group of teenage boys compete in an annual contest known as ‘The Long Walk,’ in which they must maintain a certain walking speed or get shot.” That stark hook sets the tone for a story that blends dystopian dread with the slow‑burn terror King has always mastered.

Directed by Francis Lawrence and scripted by JT Mollner, the film leans on a cast of rising talents — Cooper Hoffman, David Johnsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, and Ben Wang — who bring raw intensity to the ordeal. Critics praised the adaptation with near‑unanimous enthusiasm, even as audiences failed to turn it into a box‑office success. Now, your co‑hosts finally sit down with this bleak, propulsive vision of survival and offer their take on King’s long‑awaited march to the screen.

When the wild turns on you, instinct is all you’ve got. Sharks, chimps, gators, lions — and now bears step into the spotlight. Grizzly Night, the new survival thriller that clawed its way onto VOD on January 30th, 2026, brings that primal fear front and center. The film draws its inspiration from a chilling true story first told in Jack Olsen’s 1969 bestseller Night of the Grizzlies.

The heart of the movie beats with a real historical nightmare. As IMDB recounts, “On August 12th, 1967, in Montana’s Glacier National Park, the unthinkable happened: On the same night, nine miles apart, there were not one—but two—fatal grizzly bear attacks.” It’s the kind of event that reshapes how we think about the wilderness.

Directed by Burke Doeren and written by Katrina Mathewson and Katrina Bean, the film brings together a cast that blends horror pedigree with fresh energy. Scream queen Brec Bassinger leads the charge alongside Jack Griffo, Charles Esten, Oded Fehr, Josh Zuckerman, and Matt Lintz. With critics and audiences giving it solid marks, your co‑hosts dive in to see whether the movie lives up to its terrifying legacy.

A weekly podcast discussing the weekly Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

A weekly podcast discussing the weekly Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

The reborn DC Universe unfurled its bright new cape with Superman (2025), a cinematic sunrise announcing the start of a fresh era. Tucked inside that film was a fleeting shimmer of Supergirl herself—just enough to hint that she and her loyal cosmic pup Krypto were about to leap from cameo to center stage. And leap they did: Supergirl (2026) arrived as a starry origin tale for one of DC’s most enduring icons, a heroine who has already lived many lives across movies and a six‑season TV triumph from 2016 to 2021. This newest adventure draws its inspiration—loosely, boldly—from Tom King’s acclaimed and occasionally eyebrow‑raising eight‑issue saga Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

From IMDB comes the tale’s beating heart: “Kara Zor‑El, aka Supergirl, joins forces with an unlikely companion on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice when an unexpected adversary strikes too close to home.” It’s a quest that stretches across the stars, stitched together with equal parts fury, hope, and cosmic dust.

Guided by producers James Gunn and Peter Safran, shaped by newcomer Ana Nogueira’s script, and steered by director Craig Gillespie, Supergirl brings Milly Alcock soaring into the titular role. She’s joined by Jason Momoa swaggering through space as Lobo, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, and a blink‑and‑smile cameo from David Corenswet. Critics were divided, influencers debated, audiences approved—and now your cohosts strap on their jetpacks to explore the latest chapter of the DCU and share what they discovered among the stars.

Once upon a gloriously grim time, a band of fearless amateur filmmakers gathered in the woods and conjured a monster: the Evil Dead film series. Sam Raimi seized the director’s spellbook, Bruce Campbell strapped on his boomstick, and together they unleashed three deliriously chaotic adventures that became cult treasures. As the decades rolled on, Raimi passed the torch to new sorcerers of cinema, each trusted to summon fresh horrors. And now, in 2026, the latest incantation—Evil Dead Burn—has erupted onto theater screens, drawing fans like moths to a demonic flame.

From IMDB comes the tale whispered in the shadows: “After the loss of her husband, a woman seeks solace with her in-laws. As one by one they transform into deadites, she comes to discover that the vows she took in life—survive even in death.” It’s a story stitched with grief, dread, and the kind of family reunion only the Evil Dead could make hilariously horrifying.

Guided by French filmmaker Sébastien Vanicek—whose insect‑infested nightmare Infested (2023) still crawls through viewers’ memories—the film was co-written with his longtime collaborator Florent Bernard. The cast, including Souheila Yacoub, Hunter Doohan, Luciane Buchanan, Tandi Wright, Erroll Shand, and Maude Davey, dives headfirst into the carnage. Early watchers whisper that the movie is gloriously gory and savagely brutal, carrying the torch of French Extreme horror straight into American theaters. And now your cohosts, having braved the cinematic bloodbath themselves, return from the darkness to share what they found lurking inside.

A weekly podcast discussing the weekly Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

A weekly podcast discussing the weekly Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

Steven Spielberg’s long‑standing obsession with extraterrestrials has practically become its own cinematic signature. From the awe‑struck wonder of Close Encounters of the Third Kind to the tender magic of E.T., from the apocalyptic terror of War of the Worlds to the pulpy alien chaos tucked inside Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, he’s spent decades gazing upward and asking what might be looking back. Now, in 2026, he returns to that cosmic frontier with a new film crafted alongside his longtime collaborator, legendary filmmaker and screenwriter David Koepp.

IMDB offers only a single, enigmatic provocation: “If you found out we weren’t alone—if someone showed you, proved it to you—would that frighten you?” It’s a tease that reveals almost nothing, a whisper of a premise designed to stir curiosity rather than satisfy it. Spielberg has always loved mystery, and here he leans into it fully, letting the question hang in the air like a signal from deep space.

What is clear is the strength of the cast. Emily Blunt anchors the film with what early buzz claims may be the most powerful performance of her career. She’s joined by Spielberg regulars Colman Domingo and Eve Hewson, along with Josh O’Connor, Wyatt Russell, and Colin Firth—who reportedly devours every moment he’s given. With an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has landed as a solid, if not earth‑shattering, box office success in Spielberg’s extraterrestrial canon. And now your co‑hosts dive in, exploring the movie’s mysteries and debating whether the Grays finally step out of the shadows and into a podcast pick.

A weekly podcast discussing the weekly Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

Liam Neeson has spent the last decade dancing between genres like a seasoned circus performer, trading his gravitas‑laden dramatic roots for the gleeful chaos of action mayhem. One moment he’s growling threats into a flip phone, the next he’s wrestling wolves or popping up in a spoof like The Naked Gun. By 2026, he’s added yet another feather to his already overstuffed cap: horror‑comedy. In Cold Storage, Neeson strides into the fray as if he’s been waiting his whole life to battle a government‑bred fungus with a bad attitude.

According to the tale spun on IMDb, a top‑secret lab misplaces a highly dangerous fungus—because of course it does—and suddenly a retired bioterrorism agent is yanked back into service. He teams up with two plucky young employees of a storage facility to face an enemy that can’t be seen, reasoned with, or politely asked to stay in its containment chamber. It’s part zombie romp, part disaster spectacle, and entirely the sort of bureaucratic blunder that makes you wonder who keeps approving these fictional government budgets.

Guided by director Jonny Campbell and penned by screenwriter‑producer David Koepp, the film pairs Neeson with Joe Keery of Stranger Things fame and Georgina Campbell from Barbarian, plus a delightful appearance by Vanessa Redgrave. Released in just over a thousand theaters—including IMAX, for those who prefer their fungal horrors larger than life—the movie crept into cinemas appropriately on Friday the Thirteenth, February 2026, for a limited run. Now your cohosts dive into this quirky creature feature to share their thoughts, their laughs, and perhaps their newfound fear of refrigerated storage units.

Back in the early 1980s, He‑Man and the Masters of the Universe burst onto TV screens like a cosmic smoothie of sci‑fi lasers, barbarian biceps, and Saturday‑morning sugar rush. It was as if someone took a Heavy Metal magazine, scrubbed off the questionable bits, and handed it to kids with a wink. Mattel’s toy line became a treasure chest of plastic glory, and the franchise grew into a pop‑culture hydra—reboots sprouting everywhere, spin‑offs like She‑Ra galloping into battle, and nostalgia clinging to it all like glitter on a convention floor. Fast‑forward to 2026, when Amazon, MGM Studios, and Mattel teamed up to summon a new big‑screen epic: Masters of the Universe, polished, pricey, and ready to reclaim Eternia’s throne.

IMDB offered a delightfully simple tease: a young Earthling discovers he’s actually the heir to an alien kingdom and must retrieve a magic sword to save his cosmic home. It’s the kind of setup that practically begs for swirling portals, destiny‑laden speeches, and at least one dramatic sword‑raising pose. And naturally, the film delivers all of that with gusto.

Directed by Travis Knight from a script shepherded by Chris Butler and a small fellowship of co‑writers, the movie stars Nicholas Galitzine as He‑Man, flanked by Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin, and Jared Leto—who reportedly chews scenery as Skeletor with the enthusiasm of a Saturday‑morning villain who knows he’s the real star. Critics responded with everything from polite nods to warm smiles, while audiences showered it with glowing praise. Yet even with all that cosmic charm, the film stumbled at the box office in what some have dubbed the year the blockbuster lost its spark. Now your co‑hosts strap on their power swords to explore this latest adventure and share their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing the weekly Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

When the House of Mouse scooped up Lucasfilm and the whole shimmering STAR WARS galaxy, fans practically twirled their lightsabers in delight. At long last, the Skywalker saga would get its final trio of tales, and the universe would stretch outward like a hyperspace jump with no end in sight. Then The Mandalorian swaggered onto the scene, and suddenly everyone had a new space-cowboy obsession—plus a tiny green heart‑stealer soon christened Grogu, who promptly became the galaxy’s smallest cultural supernova. But after The Book of Boba Fett and a wobblier third season of The Mandalorian, the shine began to dull, and even the Skywalker finale left many feeling like they’d stepped on a LEGO brick in the dark.

Still, a question hovered in the air like a hologram: did Grogu—and to a slightly lesser degree his helmeted dad—still hold enough goodwill to charm audiences back into theaters? 2026 was set to answer that cosmic riddle with the first STAR WARS film to hit the big screen in seven years: The Mandalorian and Grogu. IMDB summed it up with a wink of simplicity: once a solitary bounty hunter, Din Djarin now ventures into a fresh adventure with his pint‑sized apprentice, ready to stir up trouble, wonder, and probably a few merchandising opportunities.

Jon Favreau directed the film from a script he crafted alongside Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor, assembling a cast that reunited Pedro Pascal while adding Jeremy Allen White and Sigourney Weaver to the mix. Critics offered everything from polite nods to warm applause, while audiences tended to beam a bit brighter—yet the film still struggled to recoup its hefty budget, falling short of the blockbuster hopes Disney had pinned to it. Now your co‑hosts dive into this star‑studded space romp, sharing their thoughts on whether this latest chapter rekindles the magic or simply drifts among the cosmic dust.

A weekly podcast discussing the weekly Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

A weekly podcast discussing the weekly Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon

Charlize Theron has never been one to shy away from genre mayhem, and by 2026 she’s practically the patron saint of stylish cinematic chaos. From The Devil’s Advocate to Prometheus to Mad Max: Fury Road, she’s battled demons, aliens, and post‑apocalyptic warlords — so naturally her next move was to wander into the Australian wilderness for Netflix’s APEX. Released on April 24th, 2026, it’s the kind of film where you can practically feel the sunburn and existential dread radiating through the screen, and your cohosts have bravely volunteered to trek through it.

Rotten Tomatoes keeps things succinct: “A grieving woman testing her limits in the Australian wilderness is suddenly ensnared in a deadly game with a ruthless predator.” Which is a polite way of saying, “Charlize Theron goes camping and immediately regrets it.” The setup promises equal parts emotional turmoil and tooth‑and‑claw terror — the cinematic equivalent of a nature retreat brochure that forgets to mention the part where something might try to eat you.

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur and written by Jeremy Robbins, APEX also features Taron Egerton, who apparently decided to steal every scene not nailed down. With a budget floating somewhere between $60–$80M USD, critics have been shrugging in polite confusion while audiences shrug a little harder. Joined by actor Dan Lench of MaXXXine fame, your cohosts dive into this survival‑horror outing and share their thoughts — hopefully without getting metaphorically mauled in the process.

Sometimes a movie comes along that refuses to sit neatly in any one box, and COBWEB (2023) is exactly that kid at the genre lunch table — the one stirring their mashed potatoes while whispering, “I’m totally a horror film… probably.” Is it supernatural? Is it psychological? Is it just your imagination tapping politely on the wall at 3 a.m.? No one seems to know, and your co‑hosts certainly don’t pretend to. They’re just along for the ride, clutching their popcorn and questioning their life choices.

Rotten Tomatoes offers a synopsis that is equal parts spooky and “should we call someone?”: eight‑year‑old Peter keeps hearing a mysterious tap, tap from inside his bedroom wall, which his parents insist is nothing but his imagination. Naturally, as Peter’s fear grows, he begins to suspect that Mom and Dad — played by Lizzy Caplan and Antony Starr — might be hiding a terrible secret. And honestly, for a child, what’s more terrifying than realizing your parents might be the real monsters? Forget ghosts; try explaining that at show‑and‑tell.

Directed by Samuel Bodin and written by Chris Thomas Devlin (yes, the same mind behind Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022), the film stars Lizzy Caplan, Cleopatra Coleman, Antony Starr, and young Woody Norman. Critics were split, audiences were slightly kinder, and the box office… well, the box office politely declined, with the movie earning under $8M on a $10M budget. But financial success isn’t everything — sometimes a film is just weird enough, creepy enough, and ambiguous enough to earn a cult following. Your co‑hosts dive into this odd little cinematic riddle and share their thoughts, tapping gently on the walls of the plot to see what answers fall out.

So here it is at last: the sequel, the fourth entry, the cinematic cousin twice removed — 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (2026). Whereas its predecessor strutted into theaters and made off with a tidy profit, The Bone Temple stumbled in, tripped over its own shoelaces, and spilled popcorn everywhere. Whether it was secretly brilliant or just misunderstood, the numbers don’t lie: $58.5M earned on a $63M budget. In Hollywood terms, that’s the equivalent of showing up to a potluck with an empty casserole dish and hoping no one notices. A flop it was.

IMDB offers a plot description so brief it feels like it was written on a Post‑it: “As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world.” Short, sweet, and suspiciously vague — like the cinematic equivalent of someone whispering, “Trust me, it’ll make sense later,” while backing slowly into the shadows. But hey, sometimes mystery is part of the charm, or at least part of the marketing.

And was it actually a great film, despite audiences collectively deciding to stay home and alphabetize their spice racks instead? Well, it was directed by Nia DaCosta, working from a script by the ever‑brilliant Alex Garland, which is already a promising cocktail. Jack O’Connell throws himself into a gloriously unhinged role, only to be effortlessly overshadowed by Ralph Fiennes, who returns as the enigmatic doctor and proceeds to act like he’s in a much better movie — which, according to critics, he might have been. Your cohosts dive into this critically adored, commercially ignored entry in the franchise and share their thoughts, with all the enthusiasm of people who definitely did not skip it in theaters.

Sometimes a book-to-film adaptation tiptoes onto the big screen and politely asks for your attention — and then there’s THE HOUSEMAID, which in late 2025 kicked down the door, winked at the audience, and became a runaway hit. What began as a novel marketed squarely to women suddenly transformed into a blockbuster for, well, anyone over 18 with a taste for psychological chaos and Sydney Sweeney giving the camera that “I know something you don’t” stare. Amanda Seyfried joined the party, too, because why not make things even more deliciously unhinged.

IMDB sums it up with admirable restraint: Millie, a struggling young woman, becomes a live‑in maid for a wealthy couple, Nina and Andrew, and promptly finds herself in a mansion stuffed with secrets, manipulation, and psychological games. In other words, it’s less “dust the shelves” and more “try not to get emotionally vaporized by your employers.” The house itself practically deserves its own billing — every hallway feels like it’s whispering, “Turn back now,” but of course Millie does not.

Directed by Paul Feig — yes, the same Paul Feig who gave us Bridesmaids and apparently woke up one day and chose psychological warfare — and written for the screen by Rebecca Sonnenshine, the film also stars Brandon Sklenar as the male lead who may or may not be part of the problem (spoiler: he is). With a modest $35M budget and a swaggering $400M box‑office haul, the movie charmed critics, thrilled audiences, and probably made Freida McFadden, the author of the novel, do a very happy victory lap. Now your cohosts dive into the madness and share their thoughts, hopefully without getting pulled into any dangerous relationship dynamics themselves.

No one has ever accused Mel Gibson of being unable to play an action hero, and HUNTING SEASON (2025) seems determined to underline that point with a thick, permanent marker. This time around, he’s a quiet, off‑the‑grid dad living in a rural town where the most exciting thing should be the annual bake sale. But when his daughter stumbles upon a mysterious, half‑dead woman on their wooded property, the universe apparently decides it’s time to flip the “chaos” switch to ON.

IMDb sums it up with: “When a reclusive survivalist and his daughter rescue a mysterious, wounded woman from a river, they become entangled in a deadly web of violence and revenge, forcing them to confront a brutal criminal to survive.” In other words, it’s your classic tale of “I just wanted to be left alone, but fate delivered a plot twist to my doorstep,” complete with danger, vengeance, and the kind of criminal you definitely don’t invite to Thanksgiving.

Written by Adam Hampton and directed by RJ Collins, the film stars Gibson alongside Sofia Hublitz of OZARK fame and Shelly Hennig from UNFRIENDED. Despite a limited theatrical release, the movie has earned a warm reception from both critics and audiences—proof that sometimes all you need is a grizzled hero, a perilous forest, and a dash of revenge. Your cohosts at Dark Discussions Podcast dive into Gibson’s latest adventure and share their thoughts on this wilderness‑flavored thriller.

For the second week in a row, we find ourselves wading back into the cinematic swamp of “animals who have absolutely had it with humans.” This time, the creature feature du jour is THRASH (2026), a Netflix exclusive that once lounged around Sony’s living room before being scooped up by the streaming giant. It splashed onto VOD on April 10th, 2026, and to the shock of absolutely no one, it feels a bit like déjà vu of CRAWL (2019)—only someone swapped the alligator for sharks, as if playing a very chaotic round of ecological Mad Libs.

According to IMDb, the plot goes something like: “When a Category 5 hurricane decimates a coastal town, the storm surge brings devastation, chaos and something far more frightening: hungry sharks.” In other words, Mother Nature looked at the disaster movie genre and said, “You know what this needs? Teeth.” The film comes courtesy of Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Wirkola—yes, the mastermind behind DEAD SNOW and VIOLENT NIGHT—who clearly woke up one morning and chose aquatic violence.

The cast boasts Phoebe Dynevor, Whitney Peak, Djimon Hounsou, Matt Nable, and more brave souls willing to pretend they’re being hunted by CGI fins. Reviews have ranged from “eh” to “please no,” but Netflix has been promoting it with the enthusiasm of a proud parent whose child just ate an entire crayon. Luckily, your cohosts are joined by actor Dan Lench (CIRCLE, MAXXXINE, THE LURKING MAN) to dive into this toothy tempest of nature‑gone‑wild horror.

There exists a surprisingly robust tribe of moviegoers who will cheerfully watch a dozen humans meet their doom on screen but will immediately clutch their pearls if so much as a fictional hamster looks nervous. Humans? Expendable. Animals? Absolutely not. But toss that rulebook out the window the moment the creature in question is the one doing the terrorizing. Suddenly, it’s all popcorn and delighted shrieks. Enter the newest entry in the “animals behaving very, very badly” cinematic universe: the 2026 horror romp PRIMATE.

According to IMDb, the plot is “A group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival.” Which is a polite way of saying: paradise goes sideways, things get bitey, and no one is getting their flight fare back. It’s a tidy little summary that tells you everything and nothing at the same time—like a fortune cookie written by someone who really loves creature features.

Directed and co-written by Johannes Roberts—yes, the same mastermind behind 47 Meters Down, the movie that convinced half the planet to avoid the ocean—PRIMATE stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Victoria Wyant, and a cast of humans who presumably regret taking tropical vacations forever. Despite glowing reviews and a box office that shrieked louder than its title character, the film nearly skipped theaters entirely and was destined for a quiet VOD life. The Dark Discussions Podcast crew dives into whether that would’ve been a tragedy, a mercy, or simply the natural order of things when dealing with murderous wildlife on the big screen.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

The untimely passing of Nicholas Brendon left BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER fans feeling as though a familiar light had flickered unexpectedly. Appearing in nearly every episode, he became a beloved presence — the kind of character who could make you laugh even when the Hellmouth was doing its worst. His charm, warmth, and unmistakable wit made him a fan favorite, and his absence is felt deeply by those who followed his work.

To honor his memory, the award‑nominated Dark Discussions Podcast is turning its attention to one of the most intriguing films in his career: COHERENCE (2013). It’s a movie where a simple dinner party becomes a cosmic puzzle box, and reality behaves like it’s had one too many glasses of wine. IMDB describes it as a night when a passing comet triggers a chain of reality‑bending events among eight unsuspecting friends — a premise that feels tailor‑made for Brendon’s blend of grounded humor and emotional nuance.

Written and directed by James Ward Byrkit, the film stars Brendon alongside Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling, Elizabeth Gracen, Hugo Armstrong, and Lauren Maher. Celebrated by critics and audiences alike, this hidden gem is both an actor’s playground and a screenwriter’s delight. Your co‑hosts revisit the film with admiration, exploring its clever twists while paying heartfelt tribute to Nicholas Brendon and the memorable artistry he brought to the screen.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE

Podcasting is usually a harmless hobby—just you, a mic, and the comforting illusion that strangers on the internet care about your opinions. But in the 2026 horror flick KAT CRIME: TALES OF THE OCCULT, podcasting becomes a one‑way ticket to “absolutely not.” Our heroine and her old schoolmate‑turned‑neighbor dive deep into occult crimes, disappearances, and unsolved murders for their show. Naturally, in true horror‑movie fashion, they dig a little too deep. And despite the title, this is no cozy Nancy Drew caper, nor is it a found‑footage gimmick. This is full‑throttle horror with a podcasting garnish.

IMDB sums it up with a flourish: “An aspiring true‑crime YouTuber investigating an occult‑linked disappearance gains exclusive access to a reclusive witch coven—only to discover that belief itself may be the most dangerous weapon of all.” Which is a polite way of saying: curiosity may not kill the cat, but it certainly puts Kat in a very questionable situation.

Written and directed by Jerry Artukovich, the film stars Christina Colgan as Kat, with Kyla Nova stealing scenes as Deana, her partner in podcasting peril. Early reviews have been kind, suggesting this small‑budget chiller might just stand out in the ever‑crowded horror buffet. So the question becomes: does it cast a spell strong enough to rise above the noise? Your Dark Discussions cohosts are ready to press play and find out.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

When a spirited squad of Filipinas flies off to Chile for a bachelorette blowout, the plan is simple: sun on their skin, drinks in hand, and not a single worry beyond which bikini matches the day’s vibe. Unfortunately for them—and delightfully for horror fans—this is no ordinary getaway. The universe has a habit of turning girls’ trips into cautionary tales, and BEST SERVED COLD (2026) is more than ready to stir trouble into the vacation cocktail.

IMDB offers a delightfully blunt teaser: “Two best friends on a food tour in Chile discover a remote resort run by cannibals.” What it politely avoids mentioning is the most important detail: who exactly is being served, and how fast can one run in flip‑flops? The film wastes no time turning culinary curiosity into a full‑blown nightmare, with friendship, fear, and questionable menu items all simmering together.

Directed by Richard Somes, the movie stars Elisse Joson as Gwen, the glowing bride‑to‑be, and Alexa Miro as Moira, her fiercely loyal partner in pre‑wedding mischief. Somes channels the gritty charm of 1970s Filipino exploitation cinema, delivering a tight 90‑minute ride that blends grindhouse grit with a dash of mainstream sheen. Whether it satisfies midnight‑movie cravings while still appealing to broader audiences is exactly what Dark Discussions sets out to explore.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

Robert Duvall’s passing marks the end of an era for American cinema. Few actors have carved out a career as rich or as enduring: seven Academy Award nominations, a filmography that spans generations, and a legacy built on performances that helped define some of the greatest films ever made. His body of work stands as a testament to a performer who brought quiet intensity and emotional precision to every role, no matter the scale.

While Duvall was not often associated with genre filmmaking, one early entry in his career remains a fascinating outlier: George Lucas’s debut feature, the 1971 stark and enigmatic THX 1138. The film, adapted from Lucas’s student project, unfolds in a sterile 25th‑century dystopia where citizens are known only by alphanumeric codes. Its premise, as summarized by IMDb, follows “a man, THX 1138, and a woman, LUH 3417, [who] rebel against their rigidly controlled society,” setting the stage for a haunting exploration of identity and autonomy.

In this minimalist, oppressive world, Duvall delivers a performance that is both fragile and riveting, portraying a man slowly unraveling under the weight of enforced conformity. Joined by Donald Pleasence and guided by a script co‑written by Lucas and sound‑design pioneer Walter Murch, Duvall anchors the film with a quiet desperation that lingers long after the credits roll. As fans and critics reflect on his extraordinary career, revisiting THX 1138 offers a striking reminder of the depth and versatility that made Robert Duvall one of cinema’s most enduring talents.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

A family curse is all fun and games until it decides you’re next on the list, which is exactly the kind of cheery scenario DEATH NAME (2026) strolls into. The film leans into that unsettling “no escape” vibe—because apparently moving, praying, or Googling “how to break generational hexes” won’t help you here. Spells fizzle, geography is irrelevant, and denial only works until the curse taps you on the shoulder. It’s a rough setup, but a deliciously eerie one.

According to IMDb, the story follows a young Korean American woman who innocently tries to learn more about her heritage—because what could possibly go wrong with a little cultural curiosity? Quite a lot, as it turns out. The deeper she digs, the more she stirs up a deadly family curse that really should’ve stayed in the attic with the dusty photo albums and that one aunt’s questionable kimchi recipe.

Directed by the single-named and mysteriously stylish Réi, with a screenplay by Regina Kim, the film stars Amy Keum as Sophie Park, supported by Vana Kim, Kevin Woo, and Alice Bang. It’s a lineup that pairs nicely with Korean BBQ, kimchi, and a cold Cass beer—ideal snacks while your co-hosts dive into this new Tubi original and try not to wonder whether their families have been hiding any curses of their own.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

Few horror novels have embedded themselves in the public imagination quite like Stephen King’s The Shining. A bestseller upon release and still one of King’s most recognizable works, it was only a matter of time before Hollywood came calling. What no one expected, however, was that the notoriously meticulous Stanley Kubrick would take the reins—and bring Jack Nicholson along for the ride. The result is a film that has since carved out its place in cinema history as one of the genre’s towering achievements.

IMDB distills the premise succinctly: “A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter, where a sinister presence influences the father into violence. At the same time, his psychic son sees horrifying forebodings from both the past and the future.” It’s a simple setup, but Kubrick’s execution transformed it into a labyrinth of dread, symbolism, and psychological unraveling that continues to inspire analysis decades later.

That enduring fascination was on full display recently when The Shining was pitted against fourteen other contenders in a listener poll on the Dark Discussions Podcast Facebook group. The film emerged victorious, earning the spotlight for the show’s milestone 700th episode. In celebration, the hosts revisit Kubrick’s icy masterpiece—its legacy, its mysteries, and its place not just in horror, but in the broader canon of American filmmaking.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

Retro‑cinema may not be full‑blown faux‑grindhouse, but NIGHT OF THE REAPER (2025) absolutely revels in its throwback slasher DNA. This is a film where a masked killer doesn’t just stalk victims—he psychologically toys with them, records the whole ordeal, and then thoughtfully distributes his “content” to the town police chief and local high schoolers like some deranged community‑outreach program. It’s nostalgia, but with extra blood pressure.

IMDb lays out the setup with admirable calm: “College student Deena visits home and is roped into babysitting. The local sheriff is mailed a piece of evidence and is led on a scavenger hunt to reveal the killer of another babysitter.” Translation: Deena’s weekend plans are about to go spectacularly sideways, and the sheriff is stuck playing the world’s least fun escape‑room challenge—one clue at a time, courtesy of a murderer with a flair for arts and crafts.

Directed by Brandon Christensen and co‑written with Ryan Christensen, the film unleashes Jessica Clement, Ryan Robbins, Summer H. Howell, and a handful of other unlucky souls into the path of the Reaper’s escalating theatrics. As the slashing ramps up, survival becomes a group project no one signed up for. Your co‑hosts dive into this fresh slice of retro‑horror mayhem and share exactly what they make of its masked‑man antics.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the Netflix television live action series ONE PIECE.

Stranded on a speck of land barely big enough for your own shadow, you find yourself at a lonely lighthouse that seems to breathe with its own moods—sometimes brooding, sometimes whispering, sometimes downright unsettling. But what if the creaking beams and flickering lantern light aren’t the scariest things out there? What if something older, darker, and decidedly supernatural has been waiting in the mist all along? That’s the deliciously eerie setup of Amazon’s brand new 2026 release, BENEATH THE LIGHT, a film that turns isolation into an invitation for the uncanny.

At the heart of the story is Jacob, who accepts a job at this remote lighthouse with the innocent hope of reconnecting with a childhood friend. Instead, he’s greeted by strange happenings that twist his sense of reality and tug at the frayed edges of his memory. As he navigates anxiety, half‑remembered truths, and the creeping sense that the island is watching him, he unexpectedly finds romance—and an even more unexpected connection with the lighthouse’s enigmatic owner. It’s part mystery, part psychological spiral, part tender human story, all wrapped in fog and flickering lantern glow.

The film springs from the mind of writer‑director John Baumgartner, brought to life by a cast that includes Zach Tinker, John Pyper‑Ferguson, and Ana Nicolle Chavez. After charming and spooking its way through the festival circuit—earning glowing praise along the way—it was scooped up by Amazon as a Prime exclusive. Now your co‑hosts dive into this freshly released gem, ready to unravel its secrets, celebrate its surprises, and share exactly what they think lurks beneath the light.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A found‑footage fever dream wrapped in a faux‑documentary bow, THE HEM (2025) drags viewers deep into the heart of Fort Worth, Texas—where the festivals are lively, the locals are chatty, and the abandoned churches apparently come with their own PR restrictions. What begins as a simple “talk to anyone with a pulse” documentary shoot quickly derails the moment the crew utters the wrong three words: haunted. collapsing. church. Suddenly, interviews dry up faster than a Texas creek in August, and the filmmakers find themselves chasing a story no one wants to touch.

IMDb sums it up neatly: “A documentary crew investigates a haunted church on the verge of collapse with one condition: they must be out by dark.” Which, of course, is exactly the kind of condition that guarantees they will not be out by dark. The setup practically begs for shaky cameras, ominous whispers, and at least one moment where someone insists, confidently and incorrectly, that everything is fine.

Written and directed by Tyler Russell and shot on location in Fort Worth, the film features Rani Alowairdi, Terri Merritt Bennett, Ryan Bijan, and a supporting cast who look convincingly terrified to be anywhere near that church. Now that it’s out on streaming, the question becomes whether this entry in the found‑footage canon brings anything fresh to the genre or simply adds another creepy church to the cinematic map. Your co‑hosts dive into the dust, dread, and documentary chaos to share their thoughts.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

With March 2026 already in full swing, the moment feels ripe—if just a touch belated—to cast our eyes toward the cinematic horizon and take stock of what the year promises. The landscape ahead is a sprawling mix of theatrical releases, video‑on‑demand debuts, and those ever‑reliable genre offerings destined to make their first appearance on disc. Looking back, 2025 proved to be an unexpectedly strong year for horror and genre cinema, delivering a surprising number of standout titles and a higher-than-usual concentration of hidden treasures. Yet even with that momentum, 2026 seems poised to outshine its predecessor, with a slate that feels unusually rich, varied, and ambitious. Add to that the return of several acclaimed genre‑leaning television series, and the year begins to look like a feast for fans of the strange, the suspenseful, and the supernatural.

As always, Dark Discussions steps forward to survey the terrain with a blend of curiosity and enthusiasm. Our annual tradition continues: sifting through the release calendar, spotlighting the heavy hitters that will dominate conversations, and shining a light on the quieter, quirkier projects that might otherwise slip beneath the radar. The big studio tentpoles and prestige horror entries naturally demand attention, but part of the thrill lies in discovering the unexpected—the films with modest profiles that may, by December, be the ones we’re still talking about. Genre cinema has a long history of producing masterpieces from the margins, and this year’s lineup suggests that lightning may strike again.

In the months ahead, we’ll be tracking everything from long‑anticipated sequels to bold original visions, from festival darlings to direct‑to‑disc curiosities that could turn out to be genuine revelations. Whether you’re drawn to atmospheric slow burns, creature features, psychological thrillers, or blood‑pumping action‑horror hybrids, 2026 appears ready to deliver something worth savoring. Dark Discussions invites you to join us as we explore what’s coming, what’s promising, and what might just become essential viewing by the time the year draws to a close.

A brand new podcast on the Dark Discussions News Network talking about each episode weekly on the television series MONARCH: A LEGACY OF MONSTERS streaming on Apple+.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

Clowns may be the giggling darlings of birthday parties and big tops, but drop them into a horror movie and suddenly the greasepaint feels a lot less whimsical. Pennywise and Art the Clown have already proven that nothing kills childhood nostalgia faster than a toothy grin and a blood-soaked prop. Now joining this illustrious lineage of nightmare fuel is SUPER HAPPY FUN CLOWN (2026), a film whose title sounds like a Saturday‑morning cartoon but whose content absolutely does not.

According to IMDb, the story follows “a battered former wunderkind” who decides that if life won’t give her a spotlight, she’ll carve one out herself—armed with an obsession for clowning, serial killers, and classic movie monsters. It’s a premise that practically begs for chaos, and the film gleefully obliges, turning self‑reinvention into a full‑blown spree of technicolor infamy.

Helmed by Patrick Rea—yes, the same mind behind They Wait in the Dark—and written by Eric Winkler, the film stars Jennifer Seward as the world’s least huggable clown. She’s joined by Nicole Hall, Matt Leisy, and Deborah Madick, whose turn as a mother‑gone‑bad is unsettling enough to make you call your own mom just to check in. Your co‑hosts dive into this freshly unboxed 2026 release and share exactly what they make of its twisted circus.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

As we find ourselves already drifting through the heart of February 2026, the whirlwind of 2025 has slipped quietly into the rearview mirror, leaving behind a year brimming with cinematic curiosities, triumphs, and missteps. With the turning of the calendar comes the perfect moment to cast a thoughtful gaze backward and revisit the many films—both horror and genre-bending—that sought to thrill, unsettle, or simply bewilder us. Dark Discussions and its devoted co-hosts have once again gathered to sift through the shadows, assembling their annual retrospective to determine whether 2025 stood tall as a banner year for genre cinema or faltered under the weight of its own ambitions.

Each co-host curated a personal selection of films worthy of recommendation, resulting in two distinct collections: one devoted to pure horror and another celebrating the broader realms of speculative fiction. From these individual offerings, the team wove together the definitive Dark Discussions lists—carefully balanced, lovingly debated, and reflective of the year’s most memorable achievements. Familiar titles such as SINNERS and FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES naturally claimed their place, yet the lists also shine a light on quieter gems like RED ROOMS and DROP, films that may have slipped beneath the mainstream radar but lingered in the minds of those who discovered them.

But the celebration doesn’t end with the films themselves. Dark Discussions dives deeper, presenting an array of additional highlights: the most striking and disastrous scenes, the reigning scream queens, the breakout performers who emerged from the shadows, and countless other delights that color the tapestry of the year. With this comprehensive wrap-up, the podcast ties a neat bow around 2025, offering listeners not only reflection but also a treasure trove of titles to seek out, savor, and perhaps even fear.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

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Faux‑documentary horror has been lurking around the genre’s basement for years, occasionally creeping upstairs to terrify critics and earn cult‑classic status. Titles like THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES (2007), THE TAKING OF DEBORAH LOGAN (2014), and the ever‑whispered THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT (1999) have long held the crown for “films most likely to convince your friend it’s real.” And now, shambling into the spotlight in 2025, comes a new contender with a name that sounds like a farmers’ market gone horribly wrong: STRANGE HARVEST.

According to IMDB, the film follows detectives on the trail of “Mr. Shiny,” a serial killer whose return ushers in a fresh wave of grotesque, possibly cosmic crimes. Because of course—why settle for a run‑of‑the‑mill murderer when you can have one powered by eldritch forces and questionable fashion choices? The premise promises a blend of true‑crime grit and supernatural weirdness, the kind of combo that makes you wonder whether you should turn on a light or just move to a new house entirely.

Written and directed by Stuart Ortiz, STRANGE HARVEST features Peter Zizzo, Terri Apple, and Andy Lauer trying their best to survive both the plot and the documentary‑style lens pointed at them. With reviews already leaning impressively positive, your co‑hosts dive into this unsettling new entry in the genre to see whether it’s a fresh crop worth gathering—or something better left unpicked.

Body horror has always been the unruly cousin at the horror family reunion—the one everyone side‑eyes but can’t stop gossiping about later. David Cronenberg practically built the house this cousin lives in, wallpapered it with viscera, and handed out the keys to generations of filmmakers who gleefully keep the tradition alive. Enter TOGETHER (2025), a film that doesn’t just dip a toe into the subgenre—it cannonballs in, using the human body as both battleground and blunt instrument.

According to IMDb, the story follows Tim and Millie, a couple who decide that moving to the country will fix their relationship—because that always works out well in horror movies. Naturally, instead of fresh air and farmers’ markets, they stumble into an “unnatural force” that threatens not only their love but their very flesh. Nothing says couples therapy like eldritch corruption nibbling at the edges of your anatomy.

Penned and directed by Michael Shanks, TOGETHER stars real‑life spouses Dave Franco and Alison Brie, proving that nothing tests a marriage quite like acting out supernatural bodily doom together. Damon Herriman joins the fun, rounding out a cast that critics have been applauding with gusto. With glowing reviews rolling in, your co‑hosts dive into the film’s squirm‑inducing delights—joined by award‑winning actor Dan Lench, who brings his own flair to the dissection.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

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Hello, my lovelies—guess who has crawled back out of the crypt and into your earbuds? That’s right, I’ve returned to the land of podcasting to resurrect the Fishnets and Phantoms Podcast after a hiatus long enough to qualify as its own ghost story. Over a year away, wandering the shadowy realms of Real Life™, but now I’m back to unleash new episodes upon the Dark Discussions News Network once more.

It’s me—podcaster Amy, your horror‑loving hostess who never met a spooky tangent she didn’t adore. I’ve dusted off the mic, lit the ceremonial black candles, and bribed the resident poltergeist to keep quiet while I record. Why? Because I’m finally ready to deliver something deliciously dreadful: a full, fear‑soaked list of the 13 best horror films of 2025.

And let me tell you, 2025 was a wild year for horror. Monsters got weirder, ghosts got sassier, and filmmakers everywhere seemed determined to make sure none of us ever sleep again. I’ve sifted through the jump scares, the psychological spirals, the blood‑splattered artistry, and the “why did I watch this alone at night” regrets to bring you the cream of the creepy crop.

So settle in, dim the lights, and maybe keep a blanket nearby—just in case something decides to tap you on the shoulder while you listen. The countdown is coming, and trust me, these 13 films are worth every shiver.

Pets in horror movies are always a minefield. Audiences will happily watch a dozen hapless humans get yeeted into the void, but the second a golden retriever whimpers ominously, everyone’s suddenly a film critic with strong moral objections. Enter GOOD BOY (2025), a movie that clearly looked at that emotional weak spot and said, “Yes… let’s poke it.”

But instead of serving up another tragic pet casualty, this film flips the script. The star isn’t the doomed sidekick—it’s the dog himself. We experience the creeping dread through the eyes of Indy, a very good boy trying to make sense of the weird, possibly supernatural nonsense infesting his owner’s isolated old house. Think The Conjuring, but with more sniffing and a better protagonist.

IMDB sums it up like this:

“A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.”

Directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written by Alex Cannon, the film proudly features Indy the dog as its leading actor—finally, a performer who doesn’t need CGI to convey raw emotion. Shane Jensen and Arielle Friedman round out the human cast, presumably doing their best to keep up with their four‑legged co-star.

Your co-hosts dive into this canine-centric creep-fest and share their thoughts on whether GOOD BOY earns a treat… or needs to go back outside.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

New Year’s resolutions hit everyone differently. Some people vow to slim down, shake up their love life, chase a new career, or finally finish that long‑abandoned project. Others aim for something a little more fun. Co‑host Mike admitted he’s been sitting on a mountain of genre films he’s never seen, so we figured—why not turn that into our annual tradition? Each co‑host picked a genre title they’d always meant to watch, dove in, and came back ready to talk about it.

This year’s cinematic spread is a wild one: Lucio Fulci’s 1981 Lovecraft‑soaked nightmare The HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY, the 2015 supernatural noir HE NEVER DIED, the 2025 festival‑favorite EDGAR ALLEN POE’S THE OVAL PORTRAIT, HBO Max’s electrifying STRANGER THINGS Season 4, and the scrappy, sci‑fi‑comedy debut from John Carpenter and Dan O’Bannon, DARK STAR.

As we kick off another year of deep dives and dark delights, Dark Discussions wishes all our listeners a fantastic 2026. A special shout‑out goes to our Patreon supporters—new faces and longtime friends alike. We’d love to hear which unseen films you’re planning to tackle this year. Drop us a line at darkdiscussions@aol.com and share your picks.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

A weekly podcast discussing the GAME OF THRONES spinoff show on HBO Max entitled A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

Back in 2009, James Cameron made a film that changed the way to make movies. That film was called AVATAR which was nominated for multiple awards and became the top grossing film of all time. After returning to the series in 2022 with AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER, which also became a top 10 box office film of all time, he's back with the third in the series entitled AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (2025).

From IMBD: "Jake and Neytiri's family grapples with grief, encountering a new, aggressive Na'vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges."

The movie brings back the main characters from the prior two films, and the entire Na'vi people, but builds on the world with an introduction to the Ash People (known as the Mangkwan), and their leader. Receiving fabulous reviews from audiences at a whopping 90% approval, your co-hosts take a look at the latest in the AVATAR franchise and give their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

Pete Davidson, the comedian, actor, and tabloid personality, has become an A-lister having been on Saturday Night Live for years. Now he's breaking out doing standup and films. His latest film is the psychological horror movie, THE HOME (2025).

From IMDB: "Follows Max, who realizes that the residents and caretakers in the retirement home he started working at hide sinister secrets."

THE HOME was directed and co-written by James DeMonaco who wrote and directed the first three THE PURGE films, and wrote the remainder. THE HOME stars Pete Davidson along with Bruce Altman, John Glover, among others. Though receiving mixed reviews, the movie has gained somewhat of a cult following. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing the Amazon Prime Fallout television series.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

Twenty-eight years after the Rage virus first tore through the UK, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland return to the franchise that redefined zombie horror. 28 Years Later picks up on a remote island where survivors have carved out a fragile existence, only to be drawn back into the mainland’s quarantine zone—where secrets fester and the infected aren’t the only threat. With a cast led by Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, the film dives deep into the psychological toll of survival, the ethics of containment, and the terrifying evolution of humanity itself.

Join the crew as we dissect the film’s themes of isolation and resurgence, compare it to its predecessors (28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later), and debate whether this third installment delivers on its legacy—or simply mutates it. We also explore the film’s visual grit, Young Fathers’ haunting score, and the implications of a new trilogy in the making.

So grab your hazmat suit and tune in—because the Rage virus isn’t done with us yet.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

The Philippou brothers, Danny and Michael, of Australia hit it big with the horror film TALK TO ME (2022). That film received rave reviews, had a mainstream feel, and made a lot of money for its budget at the theaters. Now they are back with their latest horror effort, BRING HER BACK (2025).

From RottenTomatoes: “A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.”

The movie stars in an absolutely fabulous performance by Sally Hawkins, and includes a cast of Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, and Jonah Wren Phillips. Just like TALK TO ME, the film has received rave reviews. And yet, it is more arthouse and most certainly won’t be for everyone. Your co-hosts take a look at the brothers’ follow up film and give their thoughts.

Zombie films seem to have found their place in cinema. After a breakout back in the early 2000’s, an over saturation almost killed off the genre. But one thing is that if you are an independent filmmaker, it is one of the best types of films to attempt. The new film ZOMBIECON, VOL. 1 (2025) is one of them and has received some good buzz.

From IMDB: “A group of cosplaying friends trigger a zombie apocalypse and are forced to traverse a zombie-infested Los Angeles to save their loved one.”

The film is directed by Kyle Valle, and co-written by Valle along with stars Erin Aine and Manny Luke. Besides Aine and Luke, the films cast includes Punkie Johnson, Christian Casillas, Carlo Mendez, and Nichole McAuley. Though having mixed reviews, the film has gained somewhat of a cult following because of its cosplay aspect. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

The iconic character Red Sonja first appeared as a character called Red Sonya of Rogatino by author Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan. Many years later she appeared as a barbarian warrior in 1973 in Marvel Comics. Today her story continues in the comics by Dynamite and has a dedicated following. A new movie, simply titled RED SONJA (2025), is now out. With a short run at theaters, it is now available to rent.

From RottenTomatoes: “Captured. Chained. Forced to fight for survival. Red Sonja must battle her way through the blood-soaked pits of a tyrant’s empire and rally an army of outcasts to reclaim her freedom and take down Dragan and his ruthless bride, Dark Annisia.

Directed by MJ Bassett and written by Tasha Huo, the international cast includes Matilda Lutz as Red Sonja, and also Wallis Day, Robert Sheehan, and Luca Pasqualino. A passion project by Bassett and Huo, the film has actually received positive reviews for a limited budget epic. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

Zach Cregger has become a different voice in film. His first big break was the movie BARBARIAN (2022) which had a unique flair to it as it stretched between being grounded (and even message bringing) to over the top grindhouse. Now in 2025 his latest film, WEAPONS, has arrived and is it a great follow up or not?

From IMDB: When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

WEAPONS is directed and written by Zach Cregger. The cast includes an ensemble cast including Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreidch, and Benedict Wong. With a budget of $38M USD and earned an amazing $268M USD while receiving great reviews. Your co-hosts take a look at Cregger’s latest and give their thoughts.

A weekly podcast discussing each episode of the HBO Max television series IT: WELCOME TO DERRY.

Home invasion films can be some of the most frightening movies of the horror genre. When strangers enter your house and then begin to do psychological and physical harm to the residents, it can be a harrowing experience for the audience. There is a new entry to this subgenre called the quite appropriate title of EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE.

From IMDB: “An entrepreneur is attempting to reconnect with his daughter on her Birthday. The party is interrupted and they are taken hostage by two masked female robbers who appear to have real problems with the Patriarchy.”

EVERYONE IS GOING TO DIE was directed by Craig Tuohy from his own script. The cast is led by Jaime Winstone and includes Chiara D’Anna, Brad Moore, among others. Receiving mixed reviews, your co-hosts take a stab at the film and give their thoughts.

Animated films seem to be as common as live action movies nowadays. But out of the blue, an immediate classic, brilliant in its own way, appears and transcends animation to just be one of the best films ever made. The Latvian film, FLOW (2024), happens to be one of those movies. Winning best Oscar for animated motion picture and nominated for foreign film as well, FLOW finally reached world audiences in Q1 of 2025 after the awards shows ended.

From IMDB: “Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences.”

FLOW is both an adventure film and a post-apocalyptic movie all in one. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, and written with co-producer Matiss Kaža, the movie was remarkably done on a budget of only 3.5M Euros, during a time many animated films cross over 150M Euros to make. Your co-hosts decided to take a look at this fabulous film, give their thoughts, and praise its wonderful story.

The new big thing!  KPOP DEMON HUNTERS (2025) is even more than that. It is a phenomenon and part of the zeitgeist. When it first appeared on Netflix, it was immediately became a thing. This animated movie has catchy songs, a brilliant story, enough originality to not be lost in the mix, and focuses on the new big craze of Far East Asian pop culture.

From IMDB: “A world-renowned K-Pop girl group balance their lives in the spotlight with their secret identities as demon hunters.”

The movie is co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans from the script by Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang, and Chris Appelhans, based on the story by Maggie Kang. Though a Netflix original, the movie has become a cash cow for the network. Your co-hosts decided to take a look at all the hype and discuss the movie.

Along with bears, wolves, tigers, and lions, sharks can be known to be man eaters. Films, such as horror and thrillers, have used them quite well to send chills upon people. Should you go in the water again. The new horror film DANGEROUS ANIMALS (2025) take a new spin on the threat of the shark and adds a serial killer into the mix.

From IMDB: “When Zephyr, a savvy and free-spirited surfer, is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.”

From the script by Nick Lepard, the film is directed by Sean Byrne (THE LOVED ONE’S, DEVIL’S CANDY). The cast includes Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, Ella Newton, and Josh Houston. Released in the first half of 2025, the movie received good reviews from critics and audiences alike. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

A weekly after show and discussion of each episode of the Hulu series, ALIEN: EARTH.

A weekly after show and discussion of each episode of the Hulu series, ALIEN: EARTH.

Lost on an island, during World War 2, with your sworn enemy? What do you do? Well, the new horror film MONSTER ISLAND (2025) helps answer that question when you are also sharing it with a monster. 

IMDB summary: “Set in the Pacific, 1942. A Japanese soldier and a British prisoner of war are stranded on a deserted island, hunted by a deadly creature. Two mortal enemies must come together to survive the unknown.”

After playing the festival circuit in 2024, the movie was released in the United States on Shudder in Q3 of 2025. This “bottle film” was written and directed by Mike Wiluan and stars Dean Fujioka and Callum Woodhouse. Though not noticed by many critics, the film has been promoted on Shudder on its front page. Your co-hosts are joined by actor Dan Lench to discuss this “little” movie.