Southern Gothic: The Skeleton Key

It's almost Halloween, and I'm back from the third annual Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival in Eureka Springs! I'm discussing my favorite shorts and features, thanking the locals and volunteers who make this event happen, and sharing my first experience at the Zombie Crawl that closes out the festival. Tune in for a spooky-season celebration of independent horror!

As autumn settles over the quiet village of Sleepy Hollow, strange legends and local folklore come to life in Washington Irving’s timeless tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. Grab a cup of cider and listen closely as we revisit one of the most enduring ghost stories in American literature.

I’ve been visiting Eureka Springs, Arkansas, my whole life, and in recent years, I’ve watched its popularity grow, especially within the horror community. In this episode, I sit down with Colton Scrivner, executive director of Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival and the Zombie Crawl, to chat about horror fandom, what to expect at this year’s festival, and how one quirky Arkansas town is becoming an unforgettable destination for all things weird.Learn more about the festival:Nightmare in the OzarksGet Coltan’s book:Morbidly Curious by Coltan Scrivner

In this episode, I’m joined by friend of the show Bob to kick off the Southern Gothic series with a discussion of The Skeleton Key from 2005. We’re exploring what makes this film a quintessential Southern Gothic story—from its decaying plantation and dark history to its eerie use of mirrors, hoodoo rituals, and folklore.Set against a rain-soaked Louisiana landscape and building toward an unforgettable twist, The Skeleton Key remains one of the most atmospheric ghost stories of the 2000s. We’re taking a closer look at what makes its horror so effective, and the deeper themes hiding beneath its supernatural story.Listen:Straight Chilling: Horror Movie ReviewRead:Guide to Southern Gothic: 10 Dark Must-Reads

Pennywise the clown has become an enduring icon, terrifying kids for generations. In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Matt and Jackie to revisit the It miniseries that started it all. We’re discussing Tim Curry’s unforgettable performance, the bond of the Losers Club, Derry’s dark history, and that infamous ending—spider, deadlights, and all.Related Episodes: Stephen King Detour: IT Welcome to DerryLive from Bangor MaineLight & Shadow: The BoogeymanFollow:The Cinemigos PodcastTough Luck Cinema ClubWatch:Pennywise: The Story of IT

In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Jacqueline to discuss Jacob's Ladder from 1990. Together, we explore the film's most disturbing moments, the real-world inspirations behind its story, and the lasting impact it has had on horror films and other popular media.We unpack how Jacob's Ladder uses unreliable perception, spiritual symbolism, and unsettling body horror to examine themes of death, grief, attachment, and acceptance. Along the way, we also reminisce about Bravo's The 100 Scariest Movie Moments—the series that first introduced both of us to the film—and how it served as a gateway into a deeper appreciation of horror.Listen:A Cut Above Horror ReviewRead:JACOB’S LADDER: Rung by Rung (Letterboxd)Hallucinogen Experiments at Edgewood Arsenal in MarylandWatch:Bravo's 100 Scariest Movie Moments

In this episode, I’m joined by friends of the show Matt and Jackie to discuss The Stand (1994). Join us as we explore the epic scope of the miniseries, analyzing how it holds up after 30 years, its themes of faith, chaos, and community, and the intricate characters that populate this post-apocalyptic world.Listen: Light & Shadow: The Stand 2020Follow:The Cinemigos PodcastTough Luck Cinema Club

In this episode, I'm joined by friend of the show Logan to discuss the complexity of faith and family dynamics in Frailty. We're also discussing Old Testament themes, Bill Paxton’s career and the great state of Texas! Listen: Ghoulish UniversityWatch:The Making of FrailtyRead:Dread Central With Brent Hanley and David Blocker

In this Religion in Horror episode, I’m exploring the complicated intersection of faith, reason, and devotion in the 1973 classic, The Wicker Man. I’ll also dive into the history and symbolism of May Day celebrations and examine how The Wicker Man helped define and popularize the folk horror subgenre.Listen:Religion in Horror: MidsommarRead:ROBIN HARDY ON 'THE WICKER MAN' (1973)

In this episode, I’m joined by friend of the show Randy to discuss the groundbreaking and confounding series, Twin Peaks. We’re chatting about why we love it, the impact it’s had on the media landscape, and much more.Read: But Who Is the Dreamer? Twin Peaks: The ReturnWatch:Twin Peaks Full Series RecapListen:Straight Chilling Horror Review