ScaryCrit: A Black Horror Podcast

I Am Him - American Psycho (2000) ft. ElJa Bowens

NINE-NINE We've got one question... Do you like Phil Collins?   Get ready for a deep dive into the dark and stylish world of American Psycho (2000) as we dissect the enigmatic Patrick Bateman. Join Lauren, Jared, and returning guest El'Ja Bowens for a thrilling discussion on this psychological thriller, exploring the film's satirical edge, haunting visuals, and Christian Bale's unforgettable performance. We'll unravel the layers of Bateman's psyche, discussing the blurred lines between rea...

Halloween: Nonsensical - Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

Is is really Spooky Season if we're not talking about a Halloween movie? Get ready for a side-splitting episode as we delve into the sequel that is 'Halloween: Resurrection' (2002). Join Lauren and Jared for a deep dive into this ironically iconic installment where Michael Myers returns once again to murder and mame LIVE on the internet.  We'll explore the portrayal of Blackness, the misuse of the Black characters in the film, and the impact this film had on the 'Halloween' franchise. From...

RepMArations - Ma (2019)

"Hey, guys!" In our latest podcast episode, we take you on a journey into the unique world of Ma (2019).  Join us as we dissect the complex psyche of the unforgettable character portrayed by the illustrious Octavia Spencer (we love you!), and the harrowing transformation of a seemingly ordinary house into a place of unspeakable horrors. We'll explore the themes of isolation, obsession, and the haunting consequences of past secrets, all while taking a closer look at the exceptional performan...

Sandbox - The Cell (2000)

We are playing hella mindgames in this episode of ScaryCrit, where we get lost in the trappings of the 2000s trippy thriller The Cell. This has been an episode long in the making and it makes quite a step in our #Roadto100! Bolstered by Melle's delicious passion for this underrated gem, we explore Jennifer and Vince's uncharacteristic roles, the movie essentially being two different stories, the illustration of fantasy and darkness through the mind and the mind itself being the perfect sandb...

Don't Be Yellin' - Dead Silence (2007)

Beware the stare of Mary Shaw. She had no children, only dolls. And if you see her in your dreams... You BEST bet'not scream!!! Tf? Today on ScaryCrit, we're taking a trip down to dreary Raven's Fair to hang with the good sis Mary and her vociferous dolls and dish about Dead Silence (2007). A brainchild of the fathers of Saw (2005), Leigh Whannel and James Wan, we have a fun time analyzing how this film holds up in the possessed/haunted doll subgenre, toying with the idea of if the movie...

Hell and Back - As Above, So Below (2014)

Today on ScaryCrit, we're getting lower than low, crittin' the 2014 found-footage horror gem As Above, So Below. Quite an underrated entry in the genre, drop down with us as we chat about the film's not quite on-the-nose take on Dante's Inferno, the first act's noteworthy genre shift/blend, the film's take on what hell is and how this personally affected each of the characters. Remember, once you're in hell, the only way out is down. So pray, repent, press play and dive on in! Sign Up for ...

Pandora's Hand - Talk to Me (2023)

     This season of ScaryCrit keeps coinciding with some must-watch horror releases and we'd be remiss if we didn't take full advantage! This week's episode is no different as we grab hold of A24's horror feature Talk to Me (2023), having seen it on its opening night. We think that Talk to Me is a unique film in that it operates parallel to your typical possession horror flick (which makes for some unforgettable results).      Listen in as we unpack that as well as the Philippou bros.'s di...

Triggered Hinges - Insidious: The Red Door (2023)

We return to the Further in today's episode as we crit the recently released Insidious: The Red Door, the fifth installment of the iconic supernatural horror series! Some of the things we discuss are whether or not the series was able to maintain its scare factor, the complicated father/son relationships that frame the story, the refreshing inclusion of Dalton's college friend Chris (shout-out to actress Sinclair Daniel!), and Patrick Wilson's debut as director. So, grab your lanterns, make ...

'Till Tomorrow - Near Dark (1987)

When we tell you Lauren has been dying to talk about Near Dark (1987)  since season 1! Kathryn Bigelow's genre bending cult classic holds a special place in our hearts and if you haven't seen this vampire-cowboy-romance then strap in for the ride of your night. For this crit, we discuss the true meanings of relationships, loneliness, and the canonical depictions of vampires and how this film flips what we expect to see in a film like this.  Sign Up for our Newsletter Find Us Online www.sc...

I Can't Stand the Spades - The Blackening (2023)

Wassup Podcast People! After a break to recharge and plan WE. ARE. BACK. And what a season opener we've got in store for you! We call the Negronomicon off the shelf to give you updates on the WGA strike and talk about the games of the summer, Diablo IV and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Then, we crit one of the most anticipated horror films this year, The Blackening (2023);  our theater experience, the duality between horror and comedy, and what we think made this film so authe...

Mother, Slay I - Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Timing was on our side for our season 8 finale, as we decided to go with a good ol' fashioned bookend—anybody remember the season premiere? That's right! Our film for today is none other than the just-released Evil Dead Rise (2023)! The trope for this one centers on murderous mothers so you know we get into all the things possessive, obsessive and manipulative parenting (which goes a bit differently in the Evil Dead universe). Now, if y'all have not seen the movie and don't want to be spoile...

Goated - The VVitch (2015)

Our trope this week dear Critters is that of witches, who we stan over at ScaryCrit. For this one, we're lighting a candle and opening the book to Robert Egger's 2015 folk-horror gem, The VVitch. From Egger's ardent direction when it came to historical authenticity, to Thomasin's plight and Jared's passion for good for her!  stories, there's so much to conjure up while talking about this film: The actual factual history of witches being in direct opposition to patriarchy and the stringent ...

Devil's Doll - Dolly Dearest (1991)

Ooooh, it's playtime over at ScaryCrit today as we unbox 1991's plastic horror Dolly Dearest. While the 90s are well known to have been in the grip of another tiny terror, Dolly Dearest still offers a lot for us to talk about, from Dolly's design, the family dynamics of the Wades, stark cultural differences and the uncanny.  So come join us in the dollhouse—it's teatime! Sign Up for our Newsletter Find Us Online www.scarycritpodcast.com Twitter @ScaryCritPod Instagram @ScaryCritPod Times...

Slash Clown - Terrifier (2016)

It's a funhouse over at ScaryCrit today as we encounter Art the Clown in 2016's indie gore-fest, Terrifier. Coulrophobia, what may have inspired Terrifier, the strong and weak points of the film and how ridiculousness is Terrifier's fuse box are just some of the crazy things discussed in today's episode. And for our The Last of Us Part II (2020) players, Jared has finally made it to that moment; be sure to skip the cold opening if you want to avoid spoilers! Sign Up for our Newsletter Find...

Devils On My Shoulder - Wendell and Wild (2022)

Ever make a deal with the devil? In the Crit this week on ScaryCrit, Lauren and Jared discuss sour deals and  alt-Black Girl Magic with Henry Selick's Netflix phenom Wendell and Wild (2022). Rate and review ScaryCrit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!   Sign Up for our Newsletter Find Us Online www.scarycritpodcast.com Twitter @ScaryCritPod Instagram @ScaryCritPod Timestamps 16:11 - Negronomicon 41:45 - Crit 01:48:38 - Final Curls Gems from E85 Shazam: Fury of the Gods (2023) Antman and ...

The Denial Dinner - The Invitation (2015)

So, let's say your ex disappears for 2 years, pops back up with a new man, and invites you to a get-together out of the blue to "reconnect?" Well, that's just what happens to our buddy Will in 2015's indie thriller The Invitation, which we use as the crux for our trope this week: cults. Listen as we explore what cults are and why they have a draw, Will's trauma as a catalyst, the concept of the film's unnerving dinner party and The Invitation's theme of sacrifice and denial. As a bonus, we a...

Escape! - The Boy Behind the Door (2020)

Scooby Doo and the gang been taught us, y'all: the monsters are (almost)  always human. That's our trope this week on ScaryCrit, with Lauren and Jared taking a look at one of the most harrowing horror/suspense films in recent memory, The Boy Behind the Door (2020). A vicious juxtaposition of violence against innocence, this Crit explores the intersectionality that instigates Bobby and Kevin's precarious situation as they try to get out of it, the film's genius, subversive handling of audienc...

Mother Pipes - Ghostwatch (1992)

Lemme tell y'all about the original ghoul, the first found footage horror, the one who was causing paranormal activity over a decade before Micah set up that camera. Our trope this week is found footage and we're taking a trip across the pond to discuss the poltergeist Mr. Pipes and his supernaturally effective 15 minutes of fame in 1992's Ghostwatch.  From the scares, filming technique, highly entertaining and effective format, greenlighting process and 31 year legacy, we have a lot of fun ...

Sam's Solo - The Night Eats the World (2018)

Our trope this week is one of the undead... Zombies! While we're so used to all the death, destruction, and chaos that this trope brings, we're actually talking about a more stripped down approach to the subject by taking a look at the 2018 French horror film The Night Eats the World. What happens when you give a misanthrope a whole apartment building to survive in solo during the zombie apocalypse? We try and answer this question by sitting down with the character of Sam, his loneliness, th...

Hoodon't - The Skeleton Key (2005)

"So you wanted a twist, aye?" Well, you're gettin' one because our trope for this week is twist endings! Forget a locksmith--we've got The Skeleton Key (2005) to Crit this week. We unlock thoughts and feelings about twist endings, the perception and motives of the film's "antagonists," situational awareness across the characters and their cultures, and why this film personally gives Lauren the ick. Rate and review ScaryCrit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!   Sign Up for our Newsletter Find ...

Giving You LIFE! - Re-Animator (1985)

Everybody remembers their first mad scientist, right? Maybe Herbert West was yours back in '85! On today's episode, after we dust off the Negronomicon (14:34) we're covering the aforementioned "Mad Scientist" trope in all its white-lab-coat-glory via Re-Animator (1985).  Get ready for a humorously experimental discussion (37:11)  of science, morality, this film's influence,  one-liners, and Mace the security guard. Want to support your favorite podcast? Leave us a five-star review! Sign U...

Bleghhhh! - Videodrome (1983)

Strap in, Critters! Hearkening back to our humble beginnings of super-long episodes, we've got a lot to get through this week! After flipping through a stacked Negronomicon featuring our reviews of Velma (2023) and the premiere episode of The Last of Us (2023), your favorite horror pod hosts dust off our VCRs and press play on a true crit of David Cronenberg's Videodrome (1983). The trope for this weeks episode:  body horror. Get ready for some analysis, reactions and a classic media studie...

The Cruel Kids - Village of the Damned (1995)

An invasion? A mystery... kind of? Freaky children?! John Carpenter's remake of  Village of the Damned holds a 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, but it holds a special place in Lauren's heart. This week, we examine the story of the children of Midwich. The gimmicks, the cast, and the plot in between. Sign Up for our Newsletter Find Us Online www.scarycritpodcast.com Twitter @ScaryCritPod Instagram @ScaryCritPod Timestamps 03:48 - Negronomicon 24:38 - Crit 01:26:33 - Final Curls Gems from E77 G...

Raw Deal - The Evil Dead (1981)

Oh how we've missed you, Podcast People! What Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and all the things in between.  For our S8 premiere we finally finally  crit the one, the only, The Evil Dead. You don’t just watch The Evil Dead, you experience it. So much has been said about this cult phenomenon, so check out our thoughts on Sam Raimi's beloved classic! Rate and review ScaryCrit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!   Sign Up for our Newsletter Find Us Online www.scarycritpodcast.com Twitter @ScaryC...

Scream Queens - Scream (1996) ft. The Carpenter Queens

For our 75th, you know we had to do something special. And you've all probably been wondering why we haven't tackled a certain horror classic. Well, wonder no more! In our super-sized season 7 finale, we finally hopped on the slay-train to Woodsboro and caught up with everyone's favorite and fabulous video clerks, The Carpenter Queens to discuss the one and only, tried and true, sharp-tongued and slasher-rific Scream (1996)!  The iconography of the Ghostface mask, Kevin Williamson's pen ga...

Revamp - Blade (1998)

It's not spooky season if we don't talk about one of its most iconic creatures, the vampire! Or, in this case, the Daywalker! That's right, put on your finest black leather trench and get ready to slice and dice your way through our crit about 1998's Blade.  From its blaxploitation vibes and Wesley's iconic portrayal of the Marvel comic character to how the film was able to demystify its own lore, we have more here than you can shake a stake at. So get ready for the real world and pull that ...

Spaulding's Capstone - House of 1000 Corpses

In E73, we venture through the gory, insane funhouse that is Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses  (2003). Join Lauren, Jared, and Intern Andrew as we chat about the pure unconventionality of the editing and narrative style in this film, Sid Haig's beloved performance as Captain Spaulding, and why (or, in a certain somebody's case, why not) this film is a foundational horror film. Sign Up for our Newsletter Find Us Online www.scarycritpodcast.com Twitter @ScaryCritPod Instagram @ScaryCr...

Paranormal Pavlov - Paranormal Activity (2007)

According to Lauren, it's officially spooky season! What better way to ring in the Halloween Spirit than by covering one of the creepiest found footage films in the genre, Paranormal Activity (2007)?  Aside from taking a peek at what made this film so noteworthy and effective, we also wonder about Micah and Katie's economic situational awareness, their frightfully  toxic relationship dynamic, how writer and director Oren Peli "trained" us to jump when scared, and of course the film's genius ...

Backwoods Top 40 - Wrong Turn (2003)

It's your typical group-of-young-adults-get-stranded/stuck-in-a-remote-location-and-then-get-hunted-down-by-the-savage-cannibalistic-locals picture but you know what? That's what makes it work! Have a seat with Lauren and Jared as they discuss 2003's backwoods horror romp Wrong Turn. Our hosts get into why they each consider it foundational in their horror upbringings and why the film following  a tried and true formula makes it such a palatable piece in the genre. Rate and review ScaryCrit...

Surviving Wonderland - Resident Evil (2002)

 A digital Red Queen, glimpse of white rabbits, what could be seen as zombified "cards," and an amnesia-afflicted girl named Alice... Who knew Resident Evil (2002) could be seen as the action-horror remix of a beloved fairytale? We discuss this and more in our 70th(!) episode, like what sets Resident Evil apart from other video-game adaptations, the icon that is Michelle Rodriguez, understanding the complexities of the story as an adult and what one Karl Marx might think of Alice's adventure...

Furthermore - Insidious (2010)

Join us as we journey into The Further to discuss one of the most effective PG-13 horror films in modern memory: Insidious (2010). One-word title mastery, first reactions to the film, the dissonant score, and how scary we still find this movie are just a few things Lauren and Jared get into this week. Timestamps 9:42 - Negronomicon 43:56 - Crit 1:37:32 - Final Curls Find Us Online Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarycritpodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com...

Death Rattle and Roll - The Grudge (2004)

Jared and Lauren take on the curse of Kayako in 2004's The Grudge.  They discuss what made it so scary, the effectiveness of the non-linear storytelling, PG-13 vs. the unrated version,  the complexity of the story, and how it personally changed what horror could look like for us. Timestamps 3:00 - Audience Question 26:42 - Negronomicon 42:00 - Crit 1:34:44 - Final Curls Find Us Online  Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarycritpodcast Instagram: http://insta...

Stranger Danger -The Strangers (2008)

Listen as Lauren and Jared break into 2008's creepy The Strangers and discuss director's Bryan Bertino's inspirations, the terror of the absence of a motive, the fact that no one is locking their doors again (a cardinal horror sin of Jared's), and what makes the three masked assailants so memorable 14 years later. Timestamps 5:39 - Negronomicon  27:22- Crit 1:12:42 - Final curls Find Us Online  Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarycritpodcast Instagram: ht...

Ring It Back - The Ring (2002)

There's a podcast. After you listen to it, they say you get a call. And the person on the other end says that you're gonna have another episode to listen to in seven days, raaaargh!  ....Okay, so maybe not as ominous as our subject of today's Crit but we tried. Get comfortable as we rewind 2002's unsettling but very vibe-y The Ring (2003), America's gateway to J-horror remakes and a film that made us all paranoid about blank tapes and TVs. From Gore Verbinski's masterful and immersive direc...

Ring It Back - The Ring (2003)

Shackled - Saw (2004)

It's time for a buzzworthy good time as we get into a movie that changed and really cut into the horror genre: James Wan and Leigh Whannel's Saw (2004)! Character analyses, Jigsaw's motives, Danny Glover being typecast, the legacy of the Saw franchise and how well Saw would've worked if it was a standalone film rather than a series—these are just some of the "rules" discussed in this game of an episode, as well as a hello from one of our interns! Happy listening, Critters! Timestamps 3:34 -...

Collusion n' Consequences - Final Destination 2 (2003)

Taking it back to 2003, Jared and Melle buckle up for the wild ride that is Final Destination 2 and debate on how well it holds up nearly 20 years later. Everyone is scared, everyone is panicking, and everyone is asking how Officer Burke could afford that apartment… Timestamps 5:35 - Negronomicon 16:40 - Crit 1:12:43 - Final Curls Find Us Online  Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarycritpodcast Instagram: http://instagram.com/scarycritpodcast Remember to r...

Bringing Down the Ghost House - Thir13en Ghosts (2001)

Welcome to another season of Scary Crit, folks! We missed y'all and hope the feeling's mutual. For  S7, we've decided to take on the classics, but with a little twist. These are the horror classics that made us. Those films that imprinted on us with scares that will last a lifetime, if only in memory. First up is a 90s baby childhood classic, Thir13en Ghosts (2001). Come along with us as we throw stones in a glass house and talk about the film's technical aspects, framing, character dept...

Kill It Before It Lays Eggs! - Aberration (1997)

Well, wouldn't you know it? Another season finale! Season six has been quite sickening if we don't say so ourselves but it wouldn't have been such a success without our wonderful guest stars–give it up for AJ and Jonne from D180 Podcast (A Dry Squeeze), Eric Thompson (Downward), Sasha Banks (Buggin') and Brandon Evans (Picky Eater)!!! We had so much fun and can't wait to add to our list of guest Critters in future episodes. For our season 6 finale, we basically do an episode of Everything ...

Survival, Interrupted - Sweetheart (2019)

Please note: We've all seen Dr. Strange by now, right? If you haven't, skip ahead (11:09) to avoid spoilers! Get shipwrecked with us as we find ourselves on a verdant, lonely island where the unknown lurks around at night with a hunger for flesh... That's right, y'all! We're bringing back a gem we we briefly mentioned in the past, J.D. Dillard's underrated Sweetheart (2019). From being a perfect entry in our Creature Feature season to the nuances and handling of Black women hysteria and su...

Survival, Interrupted - Sweetheart (2019)

Please note: We've all seen Dr. Strange by now, right? If you haven't, skip ahead (11:09) to avoid spoilers! Get shipwrecked with us as we find ourselves on a verdant, lonely island where the unknown lurks around at night with a hunger for flesh... That's right, y'all! We're bringing back a gem we we briefly mentioned in the past, J.D. Dillard's underrated Sweetheart (2019). From being a perfect entry in our Creature Feature season to the nuances and handling of Black women hysteria and su...

Apex Anger - Predator 2 (1990)

I mean, we did Alien (1979). We couldn't not do a Predator  film next. ...Though Lauren is a bit adamant we chose the wrong one. Join us as we crack open the Negronomicon (2:50) before jumping in the hot and sticky urban jungle that is near-future 1997 LA in the sci-fi action horror romp, Predator 2 (1990). We gathered some healthy game to dissect (17:40) with this one, like Mike Harrigan and his anger, the Predator being coded as Black and the overkill of this film, from its production desi...

Size Matters - Alien (1979)

Diving right into the Crit this week sans Negronomicon, Lauren and Jared join the crew on the Nostromo to discuss (13:20) the sci-fi horror classic Alien (1979). From Ridley Scott's direction of a veteran and newcomer (hi, Sigourney!) mixed cast, the intersectionality of Parker and Lambert, and Bolaji Badejo's deft use of height, there's a lot here to whet your Xenomorphic appetite. Timestamps 13:20 - Crit 1:26:30 - Final Curls Find Us Online - Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com - Twitte...

Picky Eater - Jeepers Creepers (2001) ft. Brandon Evans

What's eating you? Brandon Evans joins Lauren and Jared on the podcast as the last Guest Critter of S6! We crack open the Negronomicon to talk Kingdom Hearts x Cochella and Fantastic Beasts before jumping into the crit to look at a film that's haunted our nightmares, Jeepers Creepers (2001).  Timestamps 5:50 - Theme song 12:44 - Negronomicon 34:20 - Crit  1:26:14 - Final Curls Find Us Online - Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com - Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarycritpodcast - Instagram: ...

Picky Eater - Jeepers Creepers (2001)

What's eating you? Brandon Evans joins Lauren and Jared on the podcast as the last Guest Critter of S6! We crack open the Negronomicon to talk Kingdom Hearts x Cochella and Fantastic Beasts before jumping into the crit to look at a film that's haunted our nightmares, Jeepers Creepers (2001).  Time Stamps 5:50 - Theme song 12:44 - Negronomicon 34:20 - Crit  1:26:14 - Final Curls Find Us Online - Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com - Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarycritpodcast - Instagram:...

Buggin' - Mimic (1997) ft. Sasha Banks

It's weird science. Sasha Banks joins Lauren and Jared on the pod this week to talk about a late 90's gem, Mimic. There was a lot of drama behind the scenes of del Toro's commissioned film. Even though he was Bill Gunn-ed in the end, there is still a lot to look at in Mimic. We discuss classicism, access, and how we determine value in this week's crit. Have you signed up for our newsletter? Check our most recent newsletter here and sign up to stay in the loop! Timestamps: 13:40 - Negro...

Buggin' - Mimic (1997) ft. Sasha Banks

It's weird science. Sasha Banks joins Lauren and Jared on the pod this week to talk about a late 90's gem, Mimic. There was a lot of drama behind the scenes of del Toro's commissioned film. Even though he was Bill Gunn-ed in the end, there is still a lot to look at in Mimic. We discuss classicism, access, and how we determine value in this week's crit. Have you signed up for our newsletter? Check our most recent newsletter here and sign up to stay in the loop! Timestamps: 13:40 - Negro...

Mist Connections - The Mist (2007)

Fear changes everything. Lauren and Jared are solo on the crit this week! What happens when the world is ending and a group of people are trapped together? We discuss that and more in our crit of another early aughts classic, The Mist (2007). Timestamps: 3:08 - Negronomicon 35:47 - Crit: The Mist (2007) 1:40:14 - Final curls Find Us Online - Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com - Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarycritpodcast - Instagram: http://instagram.com/scarycritpodcast    Credits - ...

Downward - The Descent (2005) ft. Eric Thompson

Why go to therapy when you can go to North Carolina? Lauren and Jared are joined by Lauren's long time friend LB to crit one of the best horror films from the early aughts, The Descent.    Find Us Online - Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com - Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarycritpodcast - Instagram: http://instagram.com/scarycritpodcast    And Find our Wonderful Guest Critter!  Eric LB Thompson - instagram.com/lyricallyblessed7 Credits - Host and Producer: Lauren La Melle - instagram.com...

Downward - The Descent (2005) ft. Erick Thompson

Why go to therapy when you can go to North Carolina? Lauren and Jared are joined by Lauren's long time friend LB to crit one of the best horror films from the early aughts, The Descent.    Find Us Online - Website: www.scarycritpodcast.com - Twitter: http://twitter.com/scarycritpodcast - Instagram: http://instagram.com/scarycritpodcast    And Find our Wonderful Guest Critter!  Eric LB Thompson - instagram.com/lyricallyblessed7 Credits - Host and Producer: Lauren La Melle - instagram.com...