Imported Horror
185 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsPreviews of upcoming international horror movies and shows on American streaming services. Reviews of our favorites. New, spoiler-free episodes every Thursday morning.
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Episodes
Spoilercast: Under the Shadow
February 10, 2020 09:30 - 20 minutes - 20.4 MBMarcus and Melissa nearly spoiled some key details in their full episode on Babak Anvari's "Under the Shadow." They dive in on this spoilercast. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We recommend you listen to the previous full episode before listening to this spoilercast.
Terrified in Tehran: Under the Shadow (United Kingdom, Jordan, Qatar & Iran, 2016)
February 06, 2020 09:30 - 59 minutes - 61.3 MBAmerican horror films often inject terror into ordinary suburbs and quiet forest cabins. Babak Anvari skipped that trope. Instead, he resurrected his childhood terrors from the Iran/Iraq War, when civilians were indiscriminately targeted by missiles, and added a sinister djinn to one family's nightmares. The result is a frightening and deeply authentic film. Also - what foreign horror role should be portrayed by Nic Cage? Motion Picture Terror Scale: 3 (Marcus) / 4 (Melissa). Quality: 5/4+...
Spoilercast: Eerie
February 03, 2020 09:30 - 19 minutes - 19.9 MBEerie's ghost story ended with surprisingly strong feels. Its second half also included a strange detail that Melissa cannot let go. Our hosts break down the ending and plot progression of the spooky tale. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We recommend you listen to the previous full episode before listening to this spoilercast.
Haunted Habits: Eerie (The Philippines & Singapore, 2018)
January 30, 2020 06:35 - 48 minutes - 49.3 MBIf you could speak with the spirits haunting a girl's Catholic school, what would you say? Mikhail Red's Eerie is a chilling jump scare-fest that seamlessly blends Latin and Asian horror tropes with spooky stories about ghosts, nuns, religion and mental illness. Also - what politicians would you cast for a Blair Witch-style film, and do ghosts really just want personal favors? Motion Picture Terror Scale: 2 (Marcus) / 3- (Melissa). Quality: 3+ Personal enjoyment: 4+ Articles mentioned in...
Spoilercast: The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead
January 27, 2020 09:30 - 16 minutes - 17.2 MBSvyatoslav Podgaevskiy's The Mermaid: Lake of the Dead is a campy romp through Slavic folklore, low-tech special effects and vintage monster tropes. It also leaves viewers with a few unanswered questions. Marcus and Melissa explore the film's ending and trope-y plot points. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We recommend you listen to the previous full episode before listening to this spoi...
Attack of the Killer Mermaid: Mermaid: Lake of the Dead (Russia, 2018)
January 23, 2020 07:11 - 57 minutes - 59.1 MBThanks to Disney, many Americans stereotype mermaids as mute and charming redheads. In Russia, though, the rusalka isn't sweet - she's got claws and a taste for blood. Marcus and Melissa dive in to Slavic folklore, spectacularly creepy makeup and a vintage campy monster movie. Also, would you rather die to spare your friends a horror death, or run for the hills and leave everyone to fend for themselves? Motion Picture Terror Scale: 2. Quality: 4. Personal enjoyment: 5 (Marcus) / 4 (Melissa...
Spoilercast: Backcountry
January 20, 2020 14:00 - 20 minutes - 20.8 MBAdam MacDonald's Backcountry is crisp and brutal. Its ending leaves viewers with all the feels - and potentially a major misunderstanding of a critical piece of camping safety. Marcus and Melissa break down the gripping conclusion and explore what the film and its characters got right and wrong about wilderness survival. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We recommend you listen to the pre...
Beary Scary Movie: Backcountry (Canada, 2014)
January 16, 2020 09:30 - 51 minutes - 52.6 MBNature is stone cold savage. So is Adam MacDonald's "Backcountry." The film about lost campers in bear country uses deeply disorienting cinematography and stellar acting - both scripted and improvisational - to make the viewer feel exposed and hunted. Also, would you rather watch a film where chattering raccoons fend off a zombie horde, or become possessed by aliens and go on a killing spree? In both cases, the raccoons are subtitled a la "The Great Outdoors." Motion Picture Terror Scale: ...
Dissident Brains: Juan of the Dead (Spain & Cuba, 2011)
January 09, 2020 09:30 - 44 minutes - 46.1 MBEver wonder how a zombie plague would shake out in Cuba? Juan of the Dead is a fresh, gory and original zombie flick with genuine laughs and impressive tracking shots. Zombie slaying montages also mask subversive commentary on a nation that is frequently demonized and misunderstood by outsiders. Also, do you remember the 90s? Would you rather deal with an evil Ghostwriter, or an evil Wishbone? Motion Picture Terror Scale: 2 (Marcus), 1+ (Melissa). Quality: 5/4+ Personal enjoyment: 5/5 Ar...
Spoilercast: Ju-On: The Grudge & The Grudge
January 02, 2020 09:35 - 8 minutes - 7.89 MBMarcus, Melissa and Grady discuss standout jump scares and stranger plot points in Ju-On and The Grudge. They also make Futurama jokes. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We recommend you listen to the previous full episode on Ju-On: The Grudge and The Grudge before listening to this spoilercast.
The Little Boy Says Meow: Ju-On: The Grudge (Japan, 2002) & The Grudge (USA and Japan, 2004)
January 02, 2020 09:30 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBWhen someone dies in an extreme rage, a curse is born. When it happens in Japan, it becomes a cult classic and spawns several sequels and remakes. But are they deserved? Is Ju-On a nostalgic reminder of a famous cultural moment for Japanese horror, or has it aged well as a uniquely frightening film? Marcus, Melissa and Grady dive into the Japanese original and the 2004 American remake. Also, is Tina Belcher the reincarnation of its famous groaning ghost? Articles mentioned in this episode:...
Spoilercast: Anna and the Apocalypse
December 19, 2019 09:35 - 17 minutes - 18.1 MBAnna and the Apocalypse begins and ends in two very different places. Melissa and Marcus explore the film's abrupt change in tone, the emotional decisions in its third act and how the movie could have voiced the same theme without feeling so jarring. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We recommend you listen to the previous full episode on Anna and the Apocalypse before listening to this s...
Deck the Halls with Bowels of Holly: Anna and the Apocalypse (United Kingdom, 2017)
December 19, 2019 09:30 - 1 hour - 77.7 MBIf you were running from zombies, would you sing about it? The offbeat and catchy "Anna and the Apocalypse" creatively blends Christmas, the zombie apocalypse and high school musicals, winning deserved comparisons to several sing songy cult classics. The film struggles with tone deaf inconsistencies, though. What begins as a rousing horror comedy abruptly changes keys into a mournful elegy that falls flat. Also: Would you rather be stalked by a killer elf on the shelf, or have to face sober ...
Creepy Twinsies: Goodnight Mommy (Austria, 2014)
December 12, 2019 09:30 - 45 minutes - 46.2 MBMost twins know what the other twin is thinking. They don't even have to speak - and in this haunting Austrian arthouse film, Lukas and Elias are creepy beyond and without words. At least, Melissa found them scary. Marcus is mostly unfazed by twinspeak. Also, would you rather have a ghost girl following you around threatening you in an adult man's voice, or a ghost boy following you around and wailing like a cat? Motion Picture Terror Scale: 2 (Marcus) / 3- (Melissa). Quality: 3+ . Persona...
Death by Ancient Mud: The Golem (Israel, 2018)
December 05, 2019 09:30 - 46 minutes - 48.9 MBAn ancient Jewish legend comes to life as "The Golem," a monster wrought of mud and wrath that becomes an uncontrollable double-edged sword. The film is visually stunning and entirely convincing as a fable and period piece; as a monster horror film, though, Marcus and Melissa found it lacking. Also, would you rather watch a movie about zombies rampaging through a Jewish deli or a savage grandmother terrorizing India? Motion Picture Terror Scale: 1. Objective Quality: 3 (Marcus), 4 (Melissa...
Spoilercast: Marianne
November 28, 2019 09:35 - 20 minutes - 21 MBThe final episode of Marianne is deeply tense. It absolutely works on an emotional level. Logically, though, it misses a few beats. Marcus and Melissa try to plug a handful of plot holes and criticize the inevitable season two - a decision that feels based on business considerations, not on the story itself. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We highly recommend you listen to the previous ...
Terrifying on a Thursday: Marianne (France, 2019 - )
November 28, 2019 09:30 - 50 minutes - 51.9 MBNovels are supposed to be fiction - even novels about horrifying and possessive medieval witches. But Marianne is real, haunting the picturesque seaside town of Elden and its most famous author. Marcus and Melissa binge France's "Marianne," a show that reflects the best of "It" and Stephen King. Also, would you rather right a flock of murderous super turkeys, or get lost in a cranberry bog with a hodag? Motion Picture Terror Scale: 4- (Marcus), 4+ (Melissa). Quality: 5- . Personal enjoymen...
Spoilercast: Shutter
November 25, 2019 09:30 - 20 minutes - 21.3 MBOn a spooky and technical level, the ending of Shutter was fantastic. On an ethical level, though, its portrayal of some pretty heavy topics was problematic. Marcus and Melissa consider what holds up and what doesn't about the Thai original and American remake. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We highly recommend you listen to the previous full episode on Shutter before listening to this...
Look at This Photograph! Every Time I Do, It Makes Me Scared: Shutter (Thailand, 2004)
November 21, 2019 09:30 - 50 minutes - 52 MBHave you ever been terrified by a polaroid? You will be. "Shutter" offers a master class in low-tech creepiness, mixing old school dark rooms with an unsettling ghost story. The American remake has a "super crush" from Melissa's younger years - but, sadly, that's the only remotely positive thing the film has going for it. Also, would you rather have a name that's frequently misgendered, or a name that nobody can pronounce? Motion Picture Terror Scale: 2. Quality: 3. Personal enjoyment: 4.
Ain't Nothing But a Hound Car: Diablero (Mexico, 2018 - )
November 14, 2019 09:30 - 56 minutes - 59.1 MBEverything looks better with a gothic Mexican paint job - especially when Cerberus graces the hood of a vintage Ford Galaxie aptly named The Hound. "Diablero" is Latin America's answer to "Supernatural," an unapologetic and campy tour of Mexico City and its vibrantly costumed demonio. Marcus and Melissa explore the blended indigenous and Roman Catholic roots of the show, its mythology, and its egalitarian commentary on Mexican identity. They also stumble across an impromptu "My Cousin Vinny"...
Pining for the Bloody Fjords: Dead Snow (Norway, 2009) and Dead Snow 2: Red vs Dead (Norway, 2014)
November 07, 2019 09:30 - 53 minutes - 56 MBNazis are bad. Zombies are bad, too. Nazi zombies are particularly nasty - especially when you're snowed into a remote wilderness cabin in the dead of winter. Marcus and Melissa are pining for the fjords as they set off to slay the fascist undead in Norway's "Dead Snow" and "Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead." Both are bloody entertaining, but the original feels more sincere and horrifying. Also, at what temperature does fake blood freeze? Dead Snow: Motion Picture Terror Scale: 2+. Quality scor...
Dead But Delicious: What We Do In The Shadows + Halloween Trivia
October 31, 2019 06:30 - 1 hour - 71.2 MBOn All Hallow's Eve, we are all creatures of the night. To celebrate we set our dark powers to Halloween trivia featuring never-before-heard guest co-hosts Emily and Grady. Then, we turn our dark bidding to the famously quotable What We Do In the Shadows (New Zealand, 2014) and it's inventive American television counterpart (USA, 2019-). Also, did the demon from The Exorcist get bored when his host was alone? 2014 Film: Motion Picture Terror Scale: 0.5. Quality: 5 (Marcus) / 5 (Melissa) ...
Mystery Behind the Mic: The Kirlian Frequency (Argentina, 2017)
October 24, 2019 08:30 - 41 minutes - 34.3 MBThere's a lost town in Argentina, somewhere off the grid. Nobody knows how to get there, or why werewolves and witches seem so normal there, but everyone knows they have a radio station. Marcus and Melissa tune in to the offbeat Kirlian Frequency, a show where the eerie animation and creepy dialogue never seem to tell the same story. Melissa likens it to foreboding rural radio that's always got a warning; Marcus compares it to Welcome to Night Vale and explores its many Marshall McLuhan-isms...
Spoilercast: Ghoul
October 21, 2019 08:30 - 15 minutes - 12.8 MBThe ending of Patrick Graham's Ghoul left us grinning, but also with a few lingering questions. Marcus and Melissa explore the dystopian supernatural horror. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We highly recommend you listen to the previous full episode on Ghoul before listening to this spoilercast. Articles mentioned in this episode: "Netflix Has Reportedly Signed a 'Best Practices' Co...
Rattling the Fascist's Cage: Ghoul (India, 2018)
October 17, 2019 08:30 - 48 minutes - 50.7 MBEver wonder what's scarier than a black site detention center in a fascist dictatorship? Try an Islamic ghoul bent on exposing the guilt and shame of the interrogators. This week, Marcus and Melissa geek out about George Orwell and Patrick Graham's "Ghoul," a dystopian horror that's light on gore and deep on psychological unease. The also both miss Jon Stewart and wonder how Dana Scully would fare in a dictatorship. Motion Picture Terror Scale: 3 (Marcus) / 3 (Melissa). Quality: 4/4. Did m...
Spoilercast: The Babadook
October 14, 2019 08:30 - 12 minutes - 12.9 MBJennifer Kent's The Babadook says a great deal about mental illness. So does its ending. Marcus and Melissa break down the ending and the metaphor at the heart of the film. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We highly recommend you listen to the previous full episode on The Babadook before listening to this spoilercast.
Top Hat Terror: The Babadook (Australia & Canada, 2014)
October 10, 2019 08:30 - 42 minutes - 44.4 MBDon't look up - there might be a dapper monster skittering across your ceiling. Don't look down - it might be in the creepy pop-up book you're reading to your child. Marcus and Melissa dive deep into Jennifer Kent's "The Babadook," a terrifying film that combines stunning visuals with a surprisingly realistic take on mental illness. Also, they discuss the Babadook's post-movie life as a gay icon and liken the film to the Persian-language "Under the Shadow." Quality: 5 (Marcus) / 5 (Melissa...
Spoilercast: Suspiria
October 07, 2019 08:30 - 28 minutes - 29.9 MBLuca Guadagnino's Suspiria paints a haunting portrait of consent and female empowerment. It also has a confusing ending. Melissa, a first generation American from an Italian family, explains the film's conclusion and compares it to the surprisingly different 1977 original. Also, Marcus is flabbergasted by Tilda Swinton's powers of deception. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We highly rec...
Dance Till You're Dead: Suspiria (Italy, 2018)
October 03, 2019 08:30 - 47 minutes - 49.6 MBAn ancient coven of witches masquerades as a prominent dance troupe during the day - but at night, they're far more interested in human sacrifice, nudity and the macabre. Luca Guadagnino's remake of the Italian cult classic exploits darkness and 70s film techniques to compose deep feelings of dread in near constant motion, both physically and metaphorically. Marcus and Melissa debate whether this film tries too hard to be deep or succeeds by bringing rich allegories to the screen, and how ma...
Don't Stop Me Now: Shaun of the Dead (United Kingdom, 2004)
September 26, 2019 08:30 - 45 minutes - 48 MBCan one film be a cliche romcom, a shocking zombie horror and unashamed fan fiction all at once? This week, Marcus and Melissa head back to the Winchester for a pint and Shaun of the Dead, which has almost as much behind the scenes mythology as Apocalypse Now. Along the way they nerd out about tracking shots and Queen. Also, Melissa makes an arcane distinction between slow zombies and fast "rage virus" victims and Marcus finds himself in a throwaway line at the end of Happy Death Day. Qual...
Spoilercast: Train to Busan
September 23, 2019 08:30 - 10 minutes - 11.2 MBTrain to Busan offers a textbook example of how to end a horror movie. It even made Melissa cry. M&M discuss the ending and debate a mansplaining allegation. Spoilercasts are short bonus episodes that break down spoilers and endings for movies and television shows covered in previous episodes. We highly recommend you listen to the previous full episode on Train to Busan before listening to this spoilercast.
Strangers on a Train Eating Brains: Train to Busan (South Korea, 2016)
September 19, 2019 08:30 - 39 minutes - 41.6 MBSome zombie movies start from scratch. Director Sang-ho Yeon wanted the first South Korean zombie blockbuster to be down-to-Earth and relatable for Korean audiences, not over-the-top like American films. As a result, Train to Busan feels like the freshest take on the living dead in years. Also, Marcus and Melissa drag their feet hard on a discussed American remake and break down two major types of horror movie endings. Quality: 5/5. MPTS: 3 (Marcus) / 2+ (Melissa). Did my future wife watch...
Spoilercast: Pan's Labyrinth
September 16, 2019 08:30 - 20 minutes - 21.1 MBMarcus and Melissa explore spoilers and the ending of Pan's Labyrinth. They also share shocking true stories of people who confused weird eyeball palms and fairies Pan's Labyrinth with weird dancing puppets and David Bowie Labyrinth. Spoilercasts are small episodes exploring spoilers. We recommend you listen to the full episode on Pan's Labyrinth before playing this spoilercast.
Fairies, Fascists and Nightmares, oh my: Pan's Labyrinth (2006, Mexico & Spain)
September 12, 2019 08:30 - 40 minutes - 42.7 MBHere’s the secret about fairy tales: They’re not for kids. In the aftermath of the hellish Spanish Civil War, a little girl named Ofelia wanders into a mystical labyrinth with a secretive faun, mute fairies and a haunting monster with eyeballs in its palms. Meanwhile, the “real world” around her falls into bloodshed, torture and chaos. This is Guillermo del Toro at his finest – a stunning work blending Latin American mysticism with a raw indictment of Franco-era fascism. Quality: 5. Motion...
Origin Story
September 03, 2019 21:01 - 34 minutes - 36.6 MBEvery scary story has a beginning. In their launch episode, Marcus and Melissa break down what haunts and intrigues them about foreign horror movies. They're unpredictable, fresh and frightening, but also challenging and informative. In an America filled with horror cliches, can global horror offer something new? Articles discussed in this episode: "Netflix thought it would have 5 million new subscribers this quarter. Instead it added 2.7 million," by Peter Kafka "Why Netflix is lo...