On this episode, Aaron and Derek discuss 1995's haunted machine film "The Mangler" directed by Tobe Hooper and based off the 1972 Stephen King short story. They talk about how Hooper combined his humorous horror sensibilities with King's insane creative energy and adding more to what is an otherwise direct adaptation of the short story. They also get into Hooper's use of lighting and set dressing, the not so subtle exploration of capitalism and lack of oversight consuming everything, and how Hoo...
Aug 21, 2025•2 hr 23 min•Ep. 169
On this episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 2001's psychological horror film "Frailty" directed by and starring Bill Paxton. They talk about Bill Paxton's creepy earnestness, how the writing cleverly handles multiple twists and reveals, and what makes this an effective horror movie without any jumpscares. They also get into McConaughey's proto-True Detective mannerisms, this flick's place between late 90s and aughts horror, and many other aspects of the movie. Aaron and Derek know that destroying de...
Aug 07, 2025•2 hr 14 min•Ep. 168
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Jaws," Damian returns to the show to talk the 1975 masterpiece film directed by Steven Spielberg and adapted from the 1974 novel by Peter Benchley. They discuss why "Jaws" is a horror movie first, the effect on merchandise pre-Star Wars, and how it popularized the summer blockbuster. They also get into personal experiences with the movie, the horrors of an uncaring force of nature, differences compared to the book, and many other aspects of the flick. Damian...
Jul 17, 2025•2 hr 56 min•Ep. 167
On this episode, Heather returns to discuss 2002's post-apocalyptic horror film "28 Days Later" directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland. They get into how the lo-fi quality helps enhance the movie, the effect it had on horror and pop culture, and what this did for the careers of Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris. They also talk about how this watch was different for Derek, the characterization of Selena, and many other aspects of the film. Aaron, Derek, and Heather will never hear ano...
Jul 01, 2025•2 hr 37 min•Ep. 166
For this Friday June 13th, actress Katie O'Hagan (Mia Winters in Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village) returns on short notice to discuss a personal favorite 1981 slasher sequel "Friday the 13th Part 2" directed by Steve Miner in his directorial debut with Derek and Aaron. They talk about the consistency of the Friday the 13th franchise, how the sequel tries to outdo the first, and the acceptance of Jason's death plot hole. They also get into memorable characters and kills, what makes this ...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 165
On this episode, Derek and Aaron discuss 1990's psychological horror film "Jacob's Ladder" directed by Adrian Lyne. They talk about how screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin's spiritual journey and beliefs influenced the script, the heavy inspiration this movie had on the Silent Hill video game franchise, and how this sits somewhere between cult hit and horror masterpiece. They also get into the exploration of Vietnam and government experimentation, Lyne and Rubin's specific ideas on what they wanted in...
May 30, 2025•2 hr 43 min•Ep. 164
Aaron's brother Josiah returns to the show to discuss 1992's New Zealand comedy splatter film "Braindead" ("Dead Alive" in North America) directed by Peter Jackson with the Spoop Bois. They talk about the wild nature of Peter Jackson's career trajectory, the amount of fake blood used with the practical effects, and the insane humor and how it works. They also get into their favorable scenes, why setting the film as a 1950s period piece helps enhance certain themes, mother-son dynamics, and many ...
May 11, 2025•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 163
On this episode, Derek and Aaron discuss 2000's science fiction psychological horror film "The Cell" directed by Tarsem Singh. They talk about how style over substance helps this movie, the Hollywoodization of mental illness and serial killers, and how much of the plot takes place as a true crime thriller vs the dream horror scenes. They also get into how the cast features Jennifer Lopez, Vincent D'Onofrio and a slew of character actors, Tarsem Singh's music video directing career, and many othe...
Apr 21, 2025•2 hr 38 min•Ep. 162
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its release, Aaron and Derek discuss Italian giallo film "Deep Red ('Profondo rosso' in Italian)" directed by Dario Argento. They talk about what makes this a quintessential giallo film, the straightforward slasher elements, and how the movie challenges perception and memory. They also get into the film's portrayal of sexual orientation and gender dynamics, the thematic use of the color red, what makes it accessible for newer audiences to the subgenre, and ma...
Mar 29, 2025•2 hr 15 min•Ep. 161
In time for Saint Patrick's Day, actress Katie O’Hagan (Mia Winters in Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village) returns to the podcast to discuss 2015's British-Irish co-produced supernatural horror movie "The Hallow" directed by Corin Hardy with Aaron and Derek! They get into the portrayal of Irish folklore with nature and vegetation, distrust of outsiders, and the horrors of changelings. They also talk about the Lebor Gabála Érenn , the encroachment of modern humanity against old magic, and ...
Mar 16, 2025•2 hr 24 min•Ep. 160
On this episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 1990's horror film "Def by Temptation" written, directed, and produced by James Bond III who is also the star. They talk about how this became James Bond III's passion project, the progressive and problematic aspects of the story, and Kadeem Hardison's portrayal of K through the plot. They also get into the the excellent soundtrack, the shadow of politics in a post-Reaganism urban America, and many other aspects of the movie. Aaron and Derek use a cigarett...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 159
Rest in peace, David Lynch! This episode, Aaron's wife Heather returns to discuss 1986's neo-noir psychological thriller "Blue Velvet" written and directed by David Lynch with Aaron and Derek. They get into Lynch's exploration of the horrific dark underbelly of a white picket fences Americana town, Dennis Hopper's horrifying portrayal of the villainous Frank Booth, and dynamics of sex and violence. They also discuss some of Lynch's real life inspirations for the story, the concept of love conque...
Feb 07, 2025•2 hr 20 min•Ep. 158
Aaron and Derek start 2025 off by tackling 2007's vampire horror film "30 Days of Night" directed by David Slade and based on the comic book of the same name. They talk about the severe isolation and how unforgiving the environment is to anyone unprepared, the animalistic portrayal of the vampires, and the addition of certain character relationships not shown in the comics. They also get into the concept of becoming a monster to fight monsters, whether or not the runtime is warranted, and many o...
Jan 24, 2025•2 hr 36 min•Ep. 157
Happy holidays! For the 2024 holiday episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 1980's Santa slasher "Christmas Evil" (originally "You Better Watch Out," and also known as "Terror in Toyland") written and directed by Lewis Jackson. They compare it with other dark holiday horror movies, discuss the dangerous nature of the deranged Santa's interaction with children, and the thematic elements of working class stress. They also talk about Lewis Jackson's inception of the plot, the dream-like climax, and many o...
Dec 24, 2024•2 hr 7 min•Ep. 156
On this episode, Heather Gunnell returns to the show to discuss 1981's supernatural horror film "Ghost Story" directed by John Irvin and based on the 1979 novel by Peter Straub. They talk about how this is a great horror movie for winter, the tradition of telling ghost stories, and revelations of town elite thematically being more relevant now than ever. They also get into unnecessary character inclusions, Peter Straub's reaction to the movie, the effectiveness of the ghost, and many other aspec...
Dec 15, 2024•2 hr 39 min•Ep. 155
For Thanksgiving, the Spoop Bois are joined by returning guest Shelby Novak of Scare You To Sleep Podcast and Bloody Disgusting fame to tackle the 1980s cult holiday slasher film "Blood Rage" directed by John Grissmer. They discuss why they chose this film and what makes it perfect horror viewing for Thanksgiving. They also dig into what Shelby thought about the movie and her opinions on character motivations. Derek is not Aaron. Shelby is eating leftovers on the floor. Surprise, that's not cran...
Nov 28, 2024•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 154
On their 150th, Aaron and Derek tackle 2020's sci-fi psychological horror film "Possessor" written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg. They discuss the nature of class and privacy shown in the movie, the bleakness of an alternative 2008, and the idea of possession through unexplained scientific means. They also get into comparisons of Brandon's work with his father's, the purposeful use of gore and violence, losing yourself, and many other aspects of the film. Derek is cleaning cat litter. Aaron...
Nov 15, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Ep. 153
It's the 2024 Halloween episode in which Derek and Aaron cover the last "IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE!!!!!!" themed Season of Spoop film! They talk about the 1988 sci-fi horror remake of "The Blob" (original released in 1958) directed by Chuck Russell and written by Russell and Frank Darabont. They discuss the amazing practical effects, how this remake made the Blob actually scary, and the movie's critiques on society, government and the original movie. They also get into the subversive writing, fli...
Oct 31, 2024•2 hr 55 min•Ep. 152
The "IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE!!!!!!" themed Season of Spoop rolls on. Aaron and Derek are joined by James to talk 1985's British science fiction horror flick "Lifeforce" directed by Tobe Hooper, adapted by Dan O'Bannon, and based on the novel "The Space Vampires" by Colin Wilson. They discuss spirituality mixed with science fiction, how many horror subgenres and themes are packed into one movie, and the inconsistent pacing. They also get into the over the top climax, the portrayal of women, Hoop...
Oct 24, 2024•2 hr 10 min•Ep. 151
2024 Season of Spoop starts now! The movie theme this year is IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE!!!!!!! To begin, Aaron and Derek are joined by Katie the other cohost of the podcast "True Crime Campfire" to discuss 1988's science fiction comedy horror "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" written, directed and produced by the Chiodo Brothers. They talk about the Chiodo brothers experience with special effects, the amazing practicality under low budget circumstances, and how this movie tongue-in-cheek ignores p...
Oct 07, 2024•2 hr 9 min•Ep. 150
On this episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 2005's Japanese found footage horror movie "Noroi: The Curse" directed and co-written by Kōji Shiraishi. They discuss how the pseudo-documentary presentation compliments found footage, the foreboding dread and methodical pacing, and Japanese culture and folklore inspiring the curse's lore within the movie. They also talk about the limited distribution outside of Japan, the reasoning for cameras being present in every scene making sense, and many other aspe...
Oct 01, 2024•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 149
The Spoop Boiz are joined by their avenging angel/college pal Caitlyne to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their favorite gothy sadboy revenge tale - The Crow! They explore the original James O'Barr indie comic book, director Alex Proyas' music video visuals that brought this trashfire dystopian classic to life, the soundtrack's impact on the MTV grunge generation, and star Brandon Lee's stunning charisma and tragic legacy. Put on your face paint, grab your leather duster, and rock out with you...
Sep 14, 2024•2 hr 48 min•Ep. 148
On this extra special episode, Aaron's little brother Josiah joins to discuss 1979's science fiction horror masterpiece "Alien" directed by Ridley Scott and written by Dan O'Bannon. They talk about their personal experiences with the movie including their first exposure to it and what they take away from the film. They also get into how it helped contribute to the blockbuster zeitgeist, it's inspirations from "Dark Star" to "Star Wars," the insane pedigree of everyone involved in the film's maki...
Aug 30, 2024•2 hr 21 min•Ep. 147
On this episode, the Spoop Bois Aaron and Derek cover 1987's killer toy flick "Dolls" directed by Stuart Gordon. They talk about the role of toys as a childhood attachment and gateway to fantasy, the exploration of younger generations moving away from toys, and the strange juxtaposition of kindertrauma and adult horror through the movie. They also touch on the history of dolls and killer toy movies, how the plot is simple and surreal, uncanny valley with living toys, whether or not the sub-genre...
Aug 17, 2024•2 hr•Ep. 146
Jonathan returns in the guest seat to discuss 1989's Japanese experimental sci-fi body horror movie "Tetsuo: The Iron Man" directed, written, produced, and edited by Shinya Tsukamoto in his first first feature length film with Spoop Bois Aaron and Derek. They get into the themes or lack thereof, personal interpretations of what's happening in the movie, and how it assaults the senses. They also talk about Tsukamoto's journey to making this, the brutal experience shooting it, the practicality beh...
Aug 02, 2024•2 hr 19 min•Ep. 145
On this episode, Aaron and Derek tackle Guillermo del Toro's first feature film and independent horror movie "Cronos" from 1992. They talk about Ron Perlman's casting in a Spanish language horror movie, del Toro's intention for this being his first feature, and how this provides the blueprint for del Toro's filmography. They also get into the nature of vampirism in the movie, how del Toro blends popular ideas into originality, and many other aspects of "Cronos." Derek has the toy. But Aaron is k...
Jul 19, 2024•2 hr 9 min•Ep. 144
On this episode, Aaron and Derek tackle 1985's horror film "Silver Bullet" directed by Dan Attias and adapted from Stephen King's 1983 novella "Cycle of the Werewolf." They talk about the surprising darker themes present in the flick, the creativity of Stephen King bleeding through, and the interesting character reveal of the villain. They also discuss the positive changes between King's novella and his script for this movie, the realistic sibling relationship, and many other aspects of the film...
Jul 03, 2024•2 hr 24 min•Ep. 143
Aaron's wife Heather returns to the show to discuss 2019's folk horror film "Midsommar" written and directed by Ari Aster. They talk about whether or not the morality of Dani's choices in the ending matter, what it means to find true freedom, and "The Wicker Man's" massive influence on this film and folk horror as a whole. They also get into the variety of reads and themes, the familiar and unknowable nature of the fictional cult, the subdued yet visceral display of gore, and many other aspects ...
Jun 21, 2024•2 hr 32 min•Ep. 142
First time guest Angela joins Aaron and Derek to discuss 2019's psychological horror film "Saint Maud" written and directed by Rose Glass in her feature directorial debut. They get into how the movie explores adult spirituality juxtaposed with trauma, the nature of isolation and repression, and how Maud blends various Christian beliefs. They also talk about the religious practices depicted, Maud's perception of reality, and their own personal experiences with religion. Angela is telling Derek an...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 141
On this episode, James Hales returns to discuss 1985's Italian supernatural horror film "Demons" (Italian: Dèmoni ) directed by Lamberto Bava and produced by Dario Argento with Aaron and Derek. They talk about Bava's involvement with the project in comparison with Argento and other collaborators, how the movie seems to genre hop, and several of the usual Italian horror film tropes. They also get into the meta plot set up with the fictional movie and theater, red herrings and plot holes, the unne...
May 24, 2024•2 hr 8 min•Ep. 140
