"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...
Mar 16, 2019•57 min•Ep. 52
Horror films can scare, scar, and shock, but the world's original tales of terror come from legend and mythology. In A24's newest pick-up "The Hole in the Ground," an Irish folk tale threatens to come a lot closer to home than protagonist Sarah could ever imagine, and Barnabas and Samael have their exclusive review of the film! Also, this week's Cult Corner features a nostalgic class in the form of "The Night of the Comet," and on the Chopping Block is Hulu's newest installment of the Into the D...
Mar 09, 2019•46 min•Ep. 51
The Oscars have long been the grandest filmmaking award ceremonies for the upper crust of Hollywood, but not always the most inclusive. Since the inception of the Academy Awards, horror films have been largely overshadowed, but does the recent resurgence of the genre signal a shift into visibility? In this episode, Barnabas and Samael assume an outside perspective on horror's history at the event, and ponder what must happen for it to re-establish a powerful presence. Also featured are the Cult ...
Mar 02, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 50
Love is in the air! Or is that the smell of delinquent teenage blood? No matter which way you slice them, people can't seem to stop falling in love in horror films, for better or worse. Barnabas and Samael return from their lonely graves to bring you this special Valentine's Day-themed episode in which they review "Happy Death Day 2U," an innovative sequel to a unique slasher movie. Will the frightening fiends fall in love with it, or will it be the start of another ill-fated loop? Also featured...
Feb 24, 2019•58 min•Ep. 49
We would do anything for our children, right? Even if they wanted to harm us? The horror films featured in this episode - covering perhaps the most personal type of horror - ask that very question, but the answers may not be what you expect. The killer kid subgenre sees a renewal this year with the release of "The Prodigy," which Barnabas and Samael are apt to review. Rounding out the discussion are the film that perhaps started it all, "The Omen," and a fresh spin with Dread's "The Golem."
Feb 17, 2019•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 48
The genius of Wes Craven's "Scream" captivated audiences, critics, and filmmakers alike, leading to a memorable era of horror. Unfortunately, that era was slashed short, but what really led to its decline? In this episode, Barnabas and Samael channel their childhoods for #90shorrorweek and explore the dying days of the self-aware late 90s horror boom and the factors that caused it to finally end. Tied in is an examination of the classic sci-fi horror "The Faculty," and new Netflix production "Ve...
Feb 10, 2019•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 47
In the most variable and insane genre in cinema, every role is crucial when crafting a cinematic tale of terror. None, however, is perhaps more crucial than that of the director; following in the footsteps of legends such as Wes Craven, John Carpenter, and Stuart Gordon, modern-day horror directors have pretty big shoes to fill. This episode features an in-depth discussion on the very men and women - like Leigh Whannell, Ari Aster, and Jennifer Kent - who will revolutionize the genre for decades...
Feb 02, 2019•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 46
You know the theme song, you know the suits, and most importantly... you know not to cross the streams! "Ghostbusters" has become one of the most beloved and revered franchises in film, and despite not being horror in the classic sense, the paranormal hijinks of New York's premiere spectral entrapment service are still well-regarded in the horror community. With the announcement of "Ghostbusters 3" comes a copious amount of hype and speculation, and Barnabas and Samael take the opportunity to di...
Jan 26, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 45
After a banner year for the horror genre in 2018, this year promises to deliver even more scares and mind-melting terror! With the arrival of original films such as "Us" and "Piercing" to adaptations, reboots, and sequels like "It: Chapter 2" and "Child's Play," there will be no shortage of horror in 2019, but will the quality hold up? In this episode, Barnabas and Samael explore the year's upcoming horror and discuss their expectations about content, trends, and what they hope not to see. Prepa...
Jan 19, 2019•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 44
The new year has already given horror fans a box-office hit in the form of "Escape Room", a fun but eerily familiar genre thriller. Barnabas and Samael ring in 2019 by asking a very important question: do the sales numbers reflect the quality of this puzzle-filled terror flick? This episode features our exclusive review of Adam Robitel's junior effort as well as discussions on "New Year's Evil" and the late 2018 smash hit "Bird Box!"
Jan 12, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 43
The year may be over, but the horror will never be forgotten. From the incredible stories of Hereditary and Mandy to the year's greatest disappointments, the genre was nothing short of exciting. But which films were the best of the best? Barnabas and Samuel wrap up 2018 with their lists of the ten best horror films of the year! 2018 was also the beginning of Grave Discussions, but not the end. Thank you to all of the fans that tuned in and made this podcast possible. A big thank you to Sports Ra...
Dec 31, 2018•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 42
They've made their lists and checked them twice, and this holiday season the movies are full of fright! Have yourself a gory little Christmas with Barnabas and Samael - your jolly ghosts love holiday horror, can't you tell? This special holiday episode is filled to the brim with spooky slasher classics set in the snow and terrifying Christmas-themed monsters. Tune in now for a discussion of films like "Black Christmas," "Krampus," and "Silent Night, Deadly Night." Happy Horrordays, fiends!
Dec 21, 2018•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 41
"Jaws isn't a horror movie," or "Hereditary was more of a family drama!" Here's the best: "It was really more of a thriller..." We've heard it all before. Despite unanimous consensus, some films seem to straddle the line of horror and "anything else." In this episode, Barnabas and Samael strip the surface labels away and examine what actually makes something a horror movie. Featured in the Cult Corner and Chopping Block this week are "Sleepaway Camp" and new Shudder original "You Might Be the Ki...
Dec 15, 2018•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 40
In Hollywood's latest installment of its "young American girl gets possessed by a demon" franchise, "The Possession of Hannah Grace" attempts to stand out among the horrid masses. Barnabas and Samael dissect the new supernatural flick in this week's episode; will the film - led by a composed Shay Mitchell - bring the scares or rot forever on the slab? Also featured is an exclusive interview with Detroit 48 Hour Film Horror Project producer Jennifer Gentner where she discusses the competition and...
Dec 10, 2018•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 39
Our favorite film genre is rife with sexual exploitation, but there are few leading ladies that stick in our minds after the dust settles. They are the final girls, or better known as "scream queens!" As integral to horror as the scares themselves, horror vixens have dominated the hearts and minds of fans over the decades. In this episode, Barnabas and Samael take a closer look at what makes a scream queen truly worthy of her crown.
Dec 01, 2018•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 38
Horror is endless. Though you may see a handful of genre films take the spotlight at any given moment, there are countless others that lurk in the shadows, unknown to the masses. In this episode, Barnabas and Samael highlight four hidden gems across various segments in order to introduce fresh, blood-soaked horror to more people. Tune in and see what treasures lie beyond.
Nov 26, 2018•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 37
While witches have existed in the annals of history for centuries, their appearances in horror films have been spotty. That is, until recently. Following 2018's Suspiria and the popularity of Netflix's Sabrina reboot, Barnabas and Samael decide to examine the witch character and its resurgence in the genre. Angsty teens, true love, and dark spells are the special ingredients for this brew of an episode!
Nov 18, 2018•54 min•Ep. 36
Let's get weird. Luca Guadagnino's reboot of Argento's 1977 neon-filled masterpiece has arrived with ferocity, polarizing audiences nationwide. It's arthouse approach demands a lot, but not too much for horror buffs Barnabas and Samael. In this episode, the perilous pair offer their thoughts on the oddity that is 2018's Suspiria and also hail the return of two beloved segments with evaluations of Jacob's Ladder and Netflix original film Apostle.
Nov 14, 2018•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 35
Halloween has finally arrived. You've been putting up your spooky decorations, dressing up in splat-tacular costumes, and most importantly watching horror movies! This episode features discussions of some of the most Halloween-focused films in horror, with a special focus on beloved anthology Trick 'r Treat. Get your candy, sit back, and enjoy the spookiest installment of Grave Discussions yet. Oh, and don't forget - NEVER blow out a jack o'lantern before midnight... This marks part five of the ...
Nov 03, 2018•41 min•Ep. 34
The Shape. Michael Myers. Evil. Whatever you prefer to call him, he is perhaps the most prolific cinematic killer in history. For the first time in forty canonical years, Michael Myers returns to Haddonfield in David Gordon Green's Halloween, and the Grave Discussions team has a lot of opinions about it. The episode features a full review of arguably the most anticipated horror film of the year, covering every gory detail. This marks part four of the month-long Grave Discussions Halloween series...
Oct 27, 2018•59 min•Ep. 33
As human beings, you fear the unknown, so what's more terrifying than a hideous monster? Halloween just isn't quite right without them, and Barnabas and Samael explore that very subject this episode by highlighting two deliciously frightening creature features: Silver Bullet and Fright Night! The ghouls discuss practical effects makeup, themes, and just what elements make these movie monsters so legendary and terrifying. This marks part three of the month-long Grave Discussions Halloween series.
Oct 19, 2018•53 min•Ep. 32
A Nightmare on Elm Street gave the world Freddy Krueger, but Wes Craven's foray into horror was much humbler and a whole lot lewder. In this episode, Barnabas and Samael are joined by special guest The Caretaker of Clean Slate Productions to discuss the works and legacy of the indomitable genre master. From classics such as The Hills Have Eyes to underrated gems like My Soul to Take, the Grave Discussions team aims to highlight one of horror's greatest filmmakers and his insurmountable contribut...
Oct 16, 2018•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 31
It's officially the greatest time of the year to be a horror fan! Halloween season is in full swing, and what better way to start it off than by reliving your childhood? Or maybe your own children want to feel spooky? Barnabas and Samael explore these familial desires by delving into a couple of tried-and-true Halloween classics: Halloweentown and Hocus Pocus! This episode marks the first of Grave Discussions' special October series highlighting Halloween-themed horror.
Oct 06, 2018•50 min•Ep. 30
Halloween is the biggest event of the year for horror fanatics, and nobody knows that better than Barnabas and Samael. The pernicious pair have meticulously created an October survival guide just for YOU! If you need horror movie recommendations, event information, or cool locations to visit this Halloween season, then look no further. They also cover a classic Halloween-time cartoon, Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island, and then check out the buzzing new sci-fi/horror film The Endless.
Sep 28, 2018•56 min•Ep. 29
The Predator has arrived chock-full of explosions, post-war trauma, and nasty alien mandibles. Barnabas and Samael return to give an exclusive review of the film following it's powerful opening weekend. Will it live up to the 1987 classic, or will it fall just a couple of "choppas" short? The ghoulish g-hosts also discuss Alice, Sweet Alice and the new paranormal anthology film Ghost Stories.
Sep 21, 2018•49 min•Ep. 28
Valak has arrived, and with the release of "The Nun" comes this review from the most bluntly honest pair of misfits in horror, with Barnabas and Samael conjuring up their thoughts on the prequel. They also highlight a classic just in time for the Halloween season, "Night of the Demons," and give their opinions on Thai ghost flick "Shutter."
Sep 14, 2018•53 min•Ep. 27
"The Conjuring" has become synonymous with modern paranormal horror. In this episode, your ghoulish hosts Barnabas and Samael explore the universe created by maestro James Wan, all leading up to their review of "The Nun". They also explore "Dawn of the Dead," which just turned 40, and little-known 80's throwback "The Barn."
Sep 07, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 26
Put your flip-floppies and sun-"scream" away, fiends! Summer is practically over, but horror is just beginning. Barnabas and Samael return from beyond to offer their thoughts on the year in horror so far, and cap the episode with a timely discussion of "Summer of 84." Also featured is lesser-known teen slasher "Ripper: Letter from ."
Aug 31, 2018•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 25
They say that if you see him, you'll slowly go mad. Is the same true for his movie? Barnabas and Samael have seen the "Slender Man" film and survived to give you their full review in this episode. Also featured are cult classic "A Nightmare on Elm Street," and new Netflix release "Emelie" for this week's Chopping Block.
Aug 29, 2018•58 min•Ep. 24
Small-town mystery and murder. What drives people to kill the ones they love? Greed? Secrets? Something more... evil? Hulu's brand new series "Castle Rock" addresses these burning questions, and Barnabas and Samael return from a short hiatus to discuss and theorize the Stephen King-produced show in gory detail!
Aug 17, 2018•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 23
