Horror Movie Survival Guide
554 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 101 ratingsHorror Movie Survival Guide is a weekly podcast where two long time chums (and unlikely gorehounds) watch and talk about horror films from a survival point of view. We ask the question - how can *we* end up as the final girl? Join Julia Marchese and Teri Gamble as we take a deep dive into everything from OG horror to newly released films (but preferably classics on VHS). We'll talk about obscure details that no one else notices, spin off into alternate casting universes, crush on some foxy, dodgy fellows (and creepy uncles), and arm ourselves with the knowledge necessary to become The Final Girl!
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Episodes
The Invitation - They're a little Mansony
December 02, 2019 08:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBKaryn Kusama's 2015 film The Invitation focuses on Will, a troubled man who has suddenly been invited to a gathering at the house he shared with his ex-wife after 2 years of silence. It starts out uncomfortable and just goes downhill from there. A sharp script, good acting and some bloody twists make this one fun. Support the Show.
The Invitation - They're a little Mansony
December 02, 2019 08:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBKaryn Kusama's 2015 film The Invitation focuses on Will, a troubled man who has suddenly been invited to a gathering at the house he shared with his ex-wife after 2 years of silence. It starts out uncomfortable and just goes downhill from there. A sharp script, good acting and some bloody twists make this one fun. Support the show
HMSG Michael Varrati Interview
November 25, 2019 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBWe are so incredibly excited to have another special guest interview this week - with writer/director Michael Varrati! Julia and Michael have been friends for years, so of course she and Teri were so thrilled to speak with him! Michael has his own podcast about queer horror Dead for Filth (check out his interview with Julia on that show here), and has written several television shows and movies - including a few Christmas movies you might know (check your local listings!) Other things to loo...
HMSG Interview Michael Varrati! - "From Beyond"
November 25, 2019 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBWe are so incredibly excited to have another special guest interview this week - with writer/director Michael Varrati! Julia and Michael have been friends for years, so of course she and Teri were so thrilled to speak with him about Stuart Gordon's FROM BEYOND (1986)! Michael has his own podcast about queer horror Dead for Filth (check out his interview with Julia on that show here), and has written several television shows and movies - including a few Christmas movies you might know (chec...
Dreamcatcher - Peanut butter calms me down
November 18, 2019 08:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBThis star studded 2003 film has all the makings of success - based on a novel by Stephen King, written by William Goldman, directed by Lawrence Kasdan - starring Morgan Freeman, Tom Sizemore, Timothy Olyphant, Thomas Jane, Damian Lewis and Jason Lee. And yet...doesn't quite hit the mark. Actually, is off the mark by a sizeable amount. Support the Show.
Dreamcatcher - Peanut butter calms me down
November 18, 2019 08:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBThis star studded 2003 film has all the makings of success - based on a novel by Stephen King, written by William Goldman, directed by Lawrence Kasdan - starring Morgan Freeman, Tom Sizemore, Timothy Olyphant, Thomas Jane, Damian Lewis and Jason Lee. And yet...doesn't quite hit the mark. Actually, is off the mark by a sizeable amount. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HorrorMovieSurvivalGuide)
Puppetmaster - I'm the Master
November 11, 2019 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBThis 1989 video store classic hinges on a cool premise - what if puppets could murder you? A group of psychics come together to get revenge on their evil nemesis that has crossed them, but they discover their colleague had more tricks up his sleeve than they thought - starting with being dead. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HorrorMovieSurvivalGuide)
Puppetmaster - I'm the Master
November 11, 2019 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBThis 1989 video store classic hinges on a cool premise - what if puppets could murder you? A group of psychics come together to get revenge on their evil nemesis that has crossed them, but they discover their colleague had more tricks up his sleeve than they thought - starting with being dead. Support the Show.
Absentia - You can see me?
November 04, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBIn 2011, just before Mike Flanagan directed HMSG favorite Oculus, he directed this low budget film that he kickstarted and shot in his own apartment. The film uses its limited locations to the fullest and Flanagan creates a super spooky film, fraught with human interaction and relationships, angry dead and a hinted at evil underworld just lurking beneath it all. Support the show
Absentia - You can see me?
November 04, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBIn 2011, just before Mike Flanagan directed HMSG favorite Oculus, he directed this low budget film that he kickstarted and shot in his own apartment. The film uses its limited locations to the fullest and Flanagan creates a super spooky film, fraught with human interaction and relationships, angry dead and a hinted at evil underworld just lurking beneath it all. Support the Show.
HMSG John Amplas Interview
October 28, 2019 07:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBJust in time for Halloween Teri and Julia interviewed Martin himself, Mr. John Amplas! In addition to starring as the title role in Romero's 1978 film, Martin, he also worked with the maestro on Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Creepshow and Knightriders, as well as acting in many other films and stage productions. Now teaching acting at Point Park University, HMSG got to talk to him about his incredible career, and he told us so many wonderful stories - treats to make sure you celebrate...
Don't Look Now - Fetch him back!
October 21, 2019 07:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBNicolas Roeg's 1973 film Don't Look Now is a masterful film with outstanding performances that pinpoints a grief stricken Venetian gloomy atmosphere with fantastic precision. Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland shine as a a married couple living abroad after the accidental death of their daughter - their realism, honesty and love for one another truly comes through, and makes this a film that rises above the normal horror movie. Support the Show.
Season of the Witch - Because I dig sex
October 14, 2019 07:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBGeorge Romero is best remembered for his Night/Dawn/Day of the Dead trilogy (and rightly so because they're masterpieces) but we'd like to take you deeper into his catalogue, to 1973's Season of the Witch. Romero's eye for cinema is always so keen, even when constrained by budgets, that his films are always a delight to watch, and he'll always focus on characters and a story that will be surprising to you, which is a great talent for any director to have. This time his focus is on suburban h...
Shaun of the Dead - We're coming to get you, Barbara
October 07, 2019 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBEdgar Wright' 2004 film is one of the most endearing love letters to horror cinema ever put to film. Simon Pegg's Shaun is the unlikely hero waging war against cannibalistic zombie hordes with his friends and family, and every line, every song, every location is cleverly fraught with meaning (and double meaning) with moments of genuine gore, genuine laughs and genuine tears - this movie hits all of the right beats, and has a blast doing it - how's that for a slice of fried gold? Support th...
It Follows - Pass it Along
September 30, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBDavid Robert Mitchell's break out 2015 smash It Follows feels like a quirky indie film, while delivering some serious scares and introducing a new kind of monster - one that's sexually transmitted and laser focused on finding you, wherever you are. Ambiguous time periods and ethereal lighting transposed with disturbing imagery made It Follows a unique new voice in horror. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HorrorMovieSurvivalGuide)
It Follows - Pass it Along
September 30, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBDavid Robert Mitchell's break out 2015 smash It Follows feels like a quirky indie film, while delivering some serious scares and introducing a new kind of monster - one that's sexually transmitted and laser focused on finding you, wherever you are. Ambiguous time periods and ethereal lighting transposed with disturbing imagery made It Follows a unique new voice in horror. Support the Show.
TerrorVision - Survival Oriented
September 23, 2019 07:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBAfter interviewing the incredible Diane Franklin, we knew we needed to talk about one of her horror films, and TerrorVision (1986) is so much fun, we couldn't resist. A psychosexual -monster-movie-live-action-cartoon of sorts, with all of the actors cranked up to full (and there are so many great actors here to watch joyously chew the scenery!) It's a film made in the 80's, making fun of the 80's, and way ahead of its time. TerrorVision is truly a film unlike any other! Support the Show.
TerrorVision - Survival Oriented
September 23, 2019 07:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBAfter interviewing the incredible Diane Franklin, we knew we needed to talk about one of her horror films, and TerrorVision (1986) is so much fun, we couldn't resist. A psychosexual -monster-movie-live-action-cartoon of sorts, with all of the actors cranked up to full (and there are so many great actors here to watch joyously chew the scenery!) It's a film made in the 80's, making fun of the 80's, and way ahead of its time. TerrorVision is truly a film unlike any other! Support the show (ht...
HMSG Interview with Diane Franklin
September 16, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBDiane Franklin is an actress, known for such cult classics as The Last American Virgin, Better Off Dead and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, as well as for her work in the horror films Amityville 2, The Amityville Murders and Terrorvision. Teri and Julia talk to Diane about her start in the business and her memories & experiences working on some of the most loved films of the 1980's, as well as discussing the 2015 film The Id, starring Diane's friend and co-star from Better Off Dead, Aman...
HMSG Interview with Diane Franklin
September 16, 2019 07:00 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBDiane Franklin is an actress, known for such cult classics as The Last American Virgin, Better Off Dead and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, as well as for her work in the horror films Amityville 2, The Amityville Murders and Terrorvision. Teri and Julia talk to Diane about her start in the business and her memories & experiences working on some of the most loved films of the 1980's, as well as discussing the 2015 film The Id, starring Diane's friend and co-star from Better Off Dead, Aman...
The Stuff-I've been through a lot
September 09, 2019 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBLarry Cohen's 1985 creamsploitation film The Stuff wins for the most unlikely of killers in a horror film - delicious creamy dessert product! Artwork by Pizza Party Printing Support the Show.
Annihilation-Now Beacon, Now Sea
September 02, 2019 07:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB2018's Annihilation is smart, scary, beautiful, groundbreaking and criminally under seen. Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Oscar Isaac, Tessa Thompson and Gina Rodriguez star in this incredible sci-fi horror thriller. Support the show
Annihilation-Now Beacon, Now Sea
September 02, 2019 07:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB2018's Annihilation is smart, scary, beautiful, groundbreaking and criminally under seen. Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Oscar Isaac, Tessa Thompson and Gina Rodriguez star in this incredible sci-fi horror thriller. Support the Show.
The Devil's Rain-My Faith Against Yours
August 26, 2019 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB"The Ultimate Cult Movie" stars William Shatner, Ernest Borgnine, Tom Skerritt, Ida Lupino and a pre-Carrie John Travolta and features the ultimate battle against good and evil taking place in a Western ghost town. Intrigued? Artwork by Lou Rusconi Support the Show.
Right At Your Door-It was instinct
August 19, 2019 07:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBRory Cochrane stars in this little seen but excellent indie thriller about a man trapped in Los Angeles when a dirty bomb strikes the city and chaos begins to break out. This film is so realistic and intense Julia almost left the theater upon first viewing - it was making her panic. More people need to see this cool, unsettling flick! Support the Show.
April Fools Day - Your fly's open
August 12, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB1986 had it's fair share of teenage slasher flicks, and April Fool's Day has a little bit of fun with the whole genre. The film has a great cast (who are clearly having fun) playing a group of friends heading over to their wealthy friend Muffy St. John's remote, secluded island home. Horny drunk teenagers left alone on an island together over Spring Break - what could possibly go wrong? Teri's first watch! Support the show
April Fools Day - Your fly's open
August 12, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MB1986 had it's fair share of teenage slasher flicks, and April Fool's Day has a little bit of fun with the whole genre. The film has a great cast (who are clearly having fun) playing a group of friends heading over to their wealthy friend Muffy St. John's remote, secluded island home. Horny drunk teenagers left alone on an island together over Spring Break - what could possibly go wrong? Teri's first watch! Support the Show.
The Quiet Ones - Scientific evidence
August 05, 2019 07:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBThis 2014 film is one of Hammer's releases, and is set in Oxford 1974 where Sam Claflin's shy cameraman Brian gets roped into documenting a science experiment that's way over his head. Led by Jared Harris' sinister professor, who is very dubiously trying to cure Olivia Cooke's fragile Jane Harper of her mental illness - or perhaps possession? Analogue fun for everyone! Teri's first watch! This is the first film in Julia's month long round of choosing the flicks! Support the Show.
The Quiet Ones - Scientific evidence
August 05, 2019 07:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBThis 2014 film is one of Hammer's releases, and is set in Oxford 1974 where Sam Claflin's shy cameraman Brian gets roped into documenting a science experiment that's way over his head. Led by Jared Harris' sinister professor, who is very dubiously trying to cure Olivia Cooke's fragile Jane Harper of her mental illness - or perhaps possession? Analogue fun for everyone! Teri's first watch! This is the first film in Julia's month long round of choosing the flicks! Support the show (https://...
The Perfection - You pay the price
July 29, 2019 07:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBBrand spanking new, the is the most recent film we have ever spoken about on the podcast, and it's certainly a humdinger! This film twists and turns and keeps you on your toes until the very last second, and it's a wild ride! Allison Williams and Logan Browning give astonishing performances, and completely keep you guessing! A first watch for both! This is the fourth and final film in Teri's month long round of choosing the flicks! Support the Show.
The Perfection - You pay the price
July 29, 2019 07:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBBrand spanking new, the is the most recent film we have ever spoken about on the podcast, and it's certainly a humdinger! This film twists and turns and keeps you on your toes until the very last second, and it's a wild ride! Allison Williams and Logan Browning give astonishing performances, and completely keep you guessing! A first watch for both! This is the fourth and final film in Teri's month long round of choosing the flicks! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HorrorMovieSurv...
The Descent - Don't leave me
July 22, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBJulia had avoided this film since it's release because she is terrified of caves, and this film sure did it's job of reaffirming Julia's fears! Intense, gory, surprising and brutal, this film is so incredibly well made, with terrific performances all around. Plus, you gotta love a horror films that features almost entirely women! A first watch for both! This is the third film in Teri's month long round of choosing the flicks! Support the Show.
The Descent - Don't leave me
July 22, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBJulia had avoided this film since it's release because she is terrified of caves, and this film sure did it's job of reaffirming Julia's fears! Intense, gory, surprising and brutal, this film is so incredibly well made, with terrific performances all around. Plus, you gotta love a horror films that features almost entirely women! A first watch for both! This is the third film in Teri's month long round of choosing the flicks! Support the show
Sister, Sister - Why'd you stop us playing?
July 15, 2019 07:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBThis 1987 film is Bill Condon's directorial debut, which takes place deep in the Louisiana bayou and stars Eric Stolz and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Steamy romances, fragile broken women, gators, revenge, voyeurism and lots and lots of secrets are involved! This film is from the original horror movie notebook! Teri's first viewing! This is the second film in Teri's month long round of choosing the flicks! Support the Show.
Sister, Sister - Why'd you stop us playing?
July 15, 2019 07:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBThis 1987 film is Bill Condon's directorial debut, which takes place deep in the Louisiana bayou and stars Eric Stolz and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Steamy romances, fragile broken women, gators, revenge, voyeurism and lots and lots of secrets are involved! This film is from the original horror movie notebook! Teri's first viewing! This is the second film in Teri's month long round of choosing the flicks! Support the show
Jennifer's Body - Hell is a teenage girl
July 08, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBWhen you see the name Diablo Cody on a script, you know you're in for a whip smart, crackerjack, pop culture referencing good time, and Jennifer's Body is no exception! It's hard to convince people that your best friend is actually evil, and not just high school evil, when you live in a town called Devil's Kettle. Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried have a wicked good time, and there's plenty of blood to appeal to even the hardest core of gore hounds, to boot! Teri's first viewing! This is the f...
Jennifer's Body - "Hell is a Teenage Girl"
July 08, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBJENNIFER'S BODY (2009) When you see the name Diablo Cody on a script, you know you're in for a whip smart, crackerjack, pop culture referencing good time, and Jennifer's Body is no exception! It's hard to convince people that your best friend is actually evil, and not just high school evil, when you live in a town called Devil's Kettle. Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried have a wicked good time, and there's plenty of blood to appeal to even the hardest core of gore hounds, to boot! Teri's first ...
Jennifer's Body - Hell is a teenage girl
July 08, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBWhen you see the name Diablo Cody on a script, you know you're in for a whip smart, crackerjack, pop culture referencing good time, and Jennifer's Body is no exception! It's hard to convince people that your best friend is actually evil, and not just high school evil, when you live in a town called Devil's Kettle. Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried have a wicked good time, and there's plenty of blood to appeal to even the hardest core of gore hounds, to boot! Teri's first viewing! This is the f...
Slither -"Marriage is a Sacred Bond"
July 01, 2019 07:00 - 38 minutes - 17.4 MBSLITHER (2006) James Gunn's 2006 film is like a half dozen sci-fi/horror classics all rolled into one - if you mashed up The Blob, The Fly, The Thing, Night of the Living Dead and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and then ramped up the gore to 11, you'd get this madcap romp of a film. This film ends our round of movies neither Teri nor Julia have seen before. Support the Show.
Slither-Marriage is a sacred bond
July 01, 2019 07:00 - 38 minutes - 17.4 MBJames Gunn's 2006 film is like a half dozen sci-fi/horror classics all rolled into one - if you mashed up The Blob, The Fly, The Thing, Night of the Living Dead and Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and then ramped up the gore to 11, you'd get this madcap romp of a film. This film ends our round of movies neither Teri nor Julia have seen before. Support the show
They Look Like People - "I don't think I'm schizophrenic"
June 24, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBThey Look Like People (2015) This 2015 low budget film uses what it has - a enigmatic storyline, good actors and a minimal script to tell the story of childhood friends brought back together in a way neither one of them expected. This film continues our round of movies neither Teri nor Julia have seen before. Support the Show.
They Look Like People-I don't think I'm schizophrenic
June 24, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBThis 2015 low budget film uses what it has - a enigmatic storyline, good actors and a minimal script to tell the story of childhood friends brought back together in a way neither one of them expected. This film continues our round of movies neither Teri nor Julia have seen before. Support the show
The Ritual - "You will kneel before it"
June 17, 2019 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBThe Ritual (2017) - "You will kneel before it" This film is like a punch in the face, in the most glorious way. Intense, relentless, gory and honest, with one of the most creative monster designs we have ever seen, not to mention some mind blowingly amazing performances, this film delivers! This film continues our round of movies neither Teri nor Julia have seen before. Support the Show.
The Ritual-You will kneel before it
June 17, 2019 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBThis film is like a punch in the face, in the most glorious way. Intense, relentless, gory and honest, with one of the most creative monster designs we have ever seen, not to mention some mind blowingly amazing performances, this film delivers! This film continues our round of movies neither Teri nor Julia have seen before. Support the show
The Woman-Boys will Be boys
June 10, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBLucky McKee's 2011 film isn't for the faint of heart - guaranteed there's something in this film to make you uncomfortable - but isn't that what horror is really all about? Enjoying uncomfortable feelings! Pollyanna McIntosh is incredible as the title character, playing it with honesty and brutality. This film starts our round of films neither Teri nor Julia have seen before. Support the show
The Woman - "Boys will Be Boys"
June 10, 2019 07:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBThe Woman - "Boys will Be Boys" Lucky McKee's 2011 film isn't for the faint of heart - guaranteed there's something in this film to make you uncomfortable - but isn't that what horror is really all about? Enjoying uncomfortable feelings! Pollyanna McIntosh is incredible as the title character, playing it with honesty and brutality. This film starts our round of films neither Teri nor Julia have seen before. Support the Show.
The Kiss "I Want some Fritos!"
June 03, 2019 08:00 - 34 minutes - 15.9 MBMeredith Salenger stars in this little seen 1988 film about a family curse that involves sucking the life force out of young girls - when Amy's mysterious Aunt Felice shows up and begins to turn her world upside down, she must fight for survival - while also looking super cool at the mall. Support the Show.
28 Days Later "The chimps are infected."
May 27, 2019 08:00 - 56 minutes - 25.7 MBDanny Boyle's 2002 film 28 Days Later exploded the zombie film into the millieumnum - by turning the slow, shambling undead into sprinting, blood spraying infected with rage. Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris are electric. This films is incredible and well deserving of our 100th episode. Art by Mike Saputo Support the Show.
The Love Witch "I give the rainbow to you."
May 20, 2019 20:00 - 36 minutes - 16.8 MBAnna Biller's 2016 film The Love Witch is psychedelic occult frivolous yet meaningful eye candy with the stunning Samantha Robinson as Elaine, a hapless witch caught out of time with a deep obsession for making men fall in love with her. Colorful and sexy, deep and playful, this film is truly beautiful and unique. Art by Mike Saputo Support the Show.
The Omen "It's all for you."
May 14, 2019 14:00 - 36 minutes - 16.6 MB1976's The Omen has a powerhouse performance by Gregory Peck, supported by the amazing Billie Whitelaw, Lee Remick and David Warner. The evil kid film to end all evil kid films, this one is masterfully directed by Richard Donner, and features some unforgettable horror imagery! Art work by Mark Welser Support the Show.