Troy and Roger dive into Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell (2009), a horror ride that mixes jump scares with slapstick in only the way Raimi can. They unpack the plight of Christine Brown, a loan officer whose one bad choice leads to a curse that makes her life.....well....absolute hell. From gross-out gags involving dentures and goats to the unforgettable showdown with Mrs. Ganush, the guys revel in the film’s balance of camp and terror. They also dig into the morality at the film’s core, questioning whether Christine really deserved her fiery fate. Along the way, they gush over Raimi’s signature style, the film’s inventive sound design, and that jaw-dropping ending. It’s a conversation that proves horror doesn’t always have to be serious to still pack a punch.
Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co
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Episode 171 – Bay of Blood (1971)
After a much-needed break, Roger and Troy are back together and kicking things off with some tales from their time at the Houston Horror Film Festival before diving headfirst into Mario Bava’s gloriously twisted Bay of Blood. They unpack the tangled web of greed, betrayal, and backstabbing (literal and otherwise) that drives this proto-slasher classic, all while marveling at just how ahead of its time it was in terms of creative kills. The duo discuss the film’s famously brutal death scenes, its undeniable influence on later horror hits, and why keeping track of the body count here feels like a sport. There’s talk of pacing, atmosphere, and the strange charm of a movie where everyone seems to have murder on their mind. And of course, they can’t help but chew on that shocker of a final scene that proves in Bava’s world, no one is safe. It’s a blood-soaked reunion you won’t want to miss.
Find out more at https://dark-night-of-the-podcast.pinecast.co
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Episode 170 – Beware! Children at Play (1989)
For their 5-year anniversary episode, Roger and Troy unwrap the unhinged madness of Beware! Children at Play, a 1989 oddity where kids go feral, parents go ballistic, and Beowulf somehow gets dragged into the mess. They chomp into the film, marveling at the bonkers opening, the literary pretensions, and the psychic who shows up mostly to waste everyone's time. There's cannibalism, child murder, and dialogue so wooden it could splinter, all leading to a finale that will leave you slack-jawed, horrified, or just deeply confused. The hosts question who thought any of this was a good idea, why every adult seems incompetent, and whether the film secretly hates everyone. It’s a chaotic celebration of low-budget horror, kids with knives, and five years of laughing through the screams. Join them as they party like it’s 1989, just keep an eye on the playground.
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Episode 169 – The Bay (2012)
Troy and Roger wade into murky waters with 2012's The Bay , a found footage eco-horror gem that’s equal parts gross-out and gut-punch. They dive into the film’s creepy realism, squirm-inducing body horror, and surprisingly sharp political bite. From parasitic isopods to a town-wide meltdown, the guys unpack how the chaos unfold, and how the mayor fumbles literally everything. They chat about the film’s unique structure, emotional resonance, and a few moments that maybe needed another take. Despite a slightly soggy ending, Roger and Troy agree that The Bay manages to crawl under your skin and stay there. It’s disgusting, disturbing, and just grounded enough to feel way too possible.
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Episode 168 – The Church (1989)
Troy and Roger crack open the cursed seal of The Church, Michele Soavi’s ambitious Italian horror film where stunning visuals clash with a script that feels like it was possessed mid-scene. They dive into the film’s wild opening massacre, its uneven rules around demonic possession, and a cast of characters who often seem as confused as the audience. From awkward romantic subplots to questionable dubbing choices, the guys try to make sense of the beautiful chaos unfolding inside a haunted cathedral built on a foundation of medieval sins. They debate whether the film’s atmosphere makes up for its narrative gaps, and why so many people keep wandering off alone in a literal demon church. It’s messy, moody, and somehow still manages to be memorable, even if it leaves you with more questions than answers.
Avid horror fans and filmmakers (and noted homosexuals) Troy Escamilla and Roger "The Scream Queer" Conners have many opinions on film. Tune in weekly to hear these two discuss and dissect some of the horror genre's most iconic, overlooked, and often underrated films.
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