Sitting in the Dark Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/sitting-in-the-dark Sitting in the Dark is a podcast about horror, but not the kind that hides in a single shadow. Each month, hosts Tommy Metz III, Kynan Dias, and Pete Wright pick a theme — an idea, a trope, a nightmare that keeps winding back — and explore it through three films that share its DNA. Sometimes the connections are obvious, sometimes they’re unexpected, and sometimes they lead you deeper into the maze than you expected to go. One month might bring The Drac Pack, three wildly different takes on cinema’s most famous vampire. Another, a journey through The Bride, the Boy, and the Firetruck, unpacking coded queer horror across decades. We’ve explored maternal terror in Mommy Acts This Way Because She Loves You, broken into the home-invasion subgenre, tiptoed through haunted houses, and stared down both classic monsters and blockbuster franchises. What ties it all together is a love of horror as a labyrinth — a twisting path where every turn reveals something new about our fears, desires, and cultural obsessions. With smart conversation, dark humor, and a willingness to look behind the curtain (or under the bed), Sitting in the Dark invites you to settle in, turn down the lights, and find out what connects the nightmares. © TruStory FM d47141b8-2763-5056-9098-3ae87605eb09 no Join Us... Sitting in the Dark! en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:53:37 -0700 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:02:47 -0700 https://trustory.fm/sitting-in-the-dark https://img.transistorcdn.com/b6WisOoQPE16FQIRWoW60q2yoIRhm4VWlxOApVUnS7E/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzM4ODk1LzE2NzY3/NTU4NjEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg Sitting in the Dark https://trustory.fm/sitting-in-the-dark episodic TruStory FM Sitting in the Dark is a podcast about horror, but not the kind that hides in a single shadow. Each month, hosts Tommy Metz III, Kynan Dias, and Pete Wright pick a theme — an idea, a trope, a nightmare that keeps winding back — and explore it through three films that share its DNA. Sometimes the connections are obvious, sometimes they’re unexpected, and sometimes they lead you deeper into the maze than you expected to go. One month might bring The Drac Pack, three wildly different takes on cinema’s most famous vampire. Another, a journey through The Bride, the Boy, and the Firetruck, unpacking coded queer horror across decades. We’ve explored maternal terror in Mommy Acts This Way Because She Loves You, broken into the home-invasion subgenre, tiptoed through haunted houses, and stared down both classic monsters and blockbuster franchises. What ties it all together is a love of horror as a labyrinth — a twisting path where every turn reveals something new about our fears, desires, and cultural obsessions. With smart conversation, dark humor, and a willingness to look behind the curtain (or under the bed), Sitting in the Dark invites you to settle in, turn down the lights, and find out what connects the nightmares. Sitting in the Dark is a podcast about horror, but not the kind that hides in a single shadow. TruStory FM shows@trustory.fm No Yes Invaders from Within 4 4 7 7 Invaders from Within full 83c2c299-5e98-4549-8703-439346f5abff https://share.transistor.fm/s/8610f4df Tommy steps in as host this month with a triple feature about invaders that don't need to knock. Assassination Nation turns a Salem high school into a digital witch trial when a hacker dumps everyone's private data into the open. Return of the Living Dead lets the contamination loose inside a single warehouse-and-cemetery block, where the dead come back complaining and the living can't decide who's in charge. The Cell sends an empath into the dreamscape of a serial killer and asks whether the rescue mission is the same thing as the trespass.

The conversation keeps finding throughlines the collection didn't have to spell out. The witch hunt as American operating system. The body as joke, as prison, as kingdom. Style as argument — three films that all chose excess and never apologized for it. Where they part ways is in their relationship to the rage they put on screen: Levinson's is righteous, O'Bannon's is gleeful, Tarsem's is mournful.

The trigger warning that opens Assassination Nation gets read three different ways. The "it hurts to be dead" line in Return of the Living Dead gets a vote. The Cell becomes a real-time test case for whether visual ambition can carry a thin script. The answer depends on who's talking.

The Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:34) - The Invaders from Within
  • (03:28) - Assassination Nation
  • (31:01) - Return of the Living Dead
  • (49:18) - The Cell
  • (01:08:27) - Coming Attractions: The AI Girlfriend Experience

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]]> Tommy steps in as host this month with a triple feature about invaders that don't need to knock. Assassination Nation turns a Salem high school into a digital witch trial when a hacker dumps everyone's private data into the open. Return of the Living Dead lets the contamination loose inside a single warehouse-and-cemetery block, where the dead come back complaining and the living can't decide who's in charge. The Cell sends an empath into the dreamscape of a serial killer and asks whether the rescue mission is the same thing as the trespass.

The conversation keeps finding throughlines the collection didn't have to spell out. The witch hunt as American operating system. The body as joke, as prison, as kingdom. Style as argument — three films that all chose excess and never apologized for it. Where they part ways is in their relationship to the rage they put on screen: Levinson's is righteous, O'Bannon's is gleeful, Tarsem's is mournful.

The trigger warning that opens Assassination Nation gets read three different ways. The "it hurts to be dead" line in Return of the Living Dead gets a vote. The Cell becomes a real-time test case for whether visual ambition can carry a thin script. The answer depends on who's talking.

The Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:34) - The Invaders from Within
  • (03:28) - Assassination Nation
  • (31:01) - Return of the Living Dead
  • (49:18) - The Cell
  • (01:08:27) - Coming Attractions: The AI Girlfriend Experience

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]]> Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4357 Tommy steps in as host this month with a triple feature about invaders that don't need to knock. Assassination Nation turns a Salem high school into a digital witch trial when a hacker dumps everyone's private data into the open. Return of the Living Dead lets the contamination loose inside a single warehouse-and-cemetery block, where the dead come back complaining and the living can't decide who's in charge. The Cell sends an empath into the dreamscape of a serial killer and asks whether the rescue mission is the same thing as the trespass.

The conversation keeps finding throughlines the collection didn't have to spell out. The witch hunt as American operating system. The body as joke, as prison, as kingdom. Style as argument — three films that all chose excess and never apologized for it. Where they part ways is in their relationship to the rage they put on screen: Levinson's is righteous, O'Bannon's is gleeful, Tarsem's is mournful.

The trigger warning that opens Assassination Nation gets read three different ways. The "it hurts to be dead" line in Return of the Living Dead gets a vote. The Cell becomes a real-time test case for whether visual ambition can carry a thin script. The answer depends on who's talking.

The Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:34) - The Invaders from Within
  • (03:28) - Assassination Nation
  • (31:01) - Return of the Living Dead
  • (49:18) - The Cell
  • (01:08:27) - Coming Attractions: The AI Girlfriend Experience

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]]> No Ultra-Low-Budget Horror: The Battery, Starry Eyes & Hellbender 4 4 6 6 Ultra-Low-Budget Horror: The Battery, Starry Eyes & Hellbender full d53ce048-0405-4aa8-aac2-54e63bd03565 https://share.transistor.fm/s/91894ad2 What does it actually take to make a horror film that matters? Not a studio green light. Not a VFX budget. Not a catering line.

This month, Chelsea Stardust curates three films that answer that question on their own uncompromising terms. Jeremy Gardner's The Battery strips the zombie apocalypse down to two former baseball players, a Discman, and a friendship slowly coming apart at the seams. Starry Eyes follows a young actress as the machinery of Hollywood ambition grinds her into something unrecognizable — and possibly exactly what she always wanted to be. And Hellbender, made by a real family in their real backyard, turns the mother-daughter relationship into a folk horror inheritance no one asked for and no one can refuse.

Together, these three films share a preoccupation with death and rebirth — not as plot mechanics, but as the thing transformation actually costs. Chelsea, Pete, Kynan, and Tommy dig into what it means to make something from almost nothing, and why the best low-budget horror isn't resourceful so much as honest.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (03:34) - The Battery
  • (28:49) - Starry Eyes
  • (50:01) - Hellbender
  • (01:09:23) - Coming Attractions

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]]> What does it actually take to make a horror film that matters? Not a studio green light. Not a VFX budget. Not a catering line.

This month, Chelsea Stardust curates three films that answer that question on their own uncompromising terms. Jeremy Gardner's The Battery strips the zombie apocalypse down to two former baseball players, a Discman, and a friendship slowly coming apart at the seams. Starry Eyes follows a young actress as the machinery of Hollywood ambition grinds her into something unrecognizable — and possibly exactly what she always wanted to be. And Hellbender, made by a real family in their real backyard, turns the mother-daughter relationship into a folk horror inheritance no one asked for and no one can refuse.

Together, these three films share a preoccupation with death and rebirth — not as plot mechanics, but as the thing transformation actually costs. Chelsea, Pete, Kynan, and Tommy dig into what it means to make something from almost nothing, and why the best low-budget horror isn't resourceful so much as honest.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (03:34) - The Battery
  • (28:49) - Starry Eyes
  • (50:01) - Hellbender
  • (01:09:23) - Coming Attractions

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4395 What does it actually take to make a horror film that matters? Not a studio green light. Not a VFX budget. Not a catering line.

This month, Chelsea Stardust curates three films that answer that question on their own uncompromising terms. Jeremy Gardner's The Battery strips the zombie apocalypse down to two former baseball players, a Discman, and a friendship slowly coming apart at the seams. Starry Eyes follows a young actress as the machinery of Hollywood ambition grinds her into something unrecognizable — and possibly exactly what she always wanted to be. And Hellbender, made by a real family in their real backyard, turns the mother-daughter relationship into a folk horror inheritance no one asked for and no one can refuse.

Together, these three films share a preoccupation with death and rebirth — not as plot mechanics, but as the thing transformation actually costs. Chelsea, Pete, Kynan, and Tommy dig into what it means to make something from almost nothing, and why the best low-budget horror isn't resourceful so much as honest.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (03:34) - The Battery
  • (28:49) - Starry Eyes
  • (50:01) - Hellbender
  • (01:09:23) - Coming Attractions

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]]> No BIG MONSTERS 4 4 5 5 BIG MONSTERS full 24884778-e032-42f0-9cac-99b29855334a https://share.transistor.fm/s/5720b3f3 This month on Sitting in the Dark, we go big: big monsters, big fear, and big systems that respond to catastrophe with the confidence of a guy who just Googled “what is monster” on his way into the meeting. Kynan, Chelsea Stardust, Tommy Metz III, and Pete Wright take on three modern giant-creature films—Bong Joon-ho’s The Host (2006), André Øvredal’s Troll Hunter (2010), and Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One (in its Minus Color presentation)—and find a weirdly consistent thread across wildly different cultures: when the giant thing shows up, the institutions mostly don’t.


The Host kicks things off with tonal whiplash as a feature, not a bug. The film’s mix of grief, comedy, and political bite becomes its own kind of monster, and the conversation circles what Bong is really lampooning, what still lands, and what hits differently on a rewatch. The creature design gets its due too—full daylight, hard to pin down, impossible to “know”—but what lingers is the movie’s sense that people become collateral long before anything with teeth arrives.


Troll Hunter shifts the vibe without letting you off the hook. The group gets into the found-footage push-pull—shaky cam, “why are you still filming,” all that—then pretty quickly agrees that Hans, the deadpan troll hunter, is the secret weapon. The film’s charm is how seriously it takes the ridiculous premise: folklore becomes logistics, mythology becomes fieldwork, and the jokes don’t erase the danger. It’s one of those movies that makes you laugh… then reminds you you’d die immediately.


Godzilla Minus One brings it home with a version of Godzilla that’s less “spectacle” and more “reckoning.” The group talks about the postwar setting, the human story at the center, why the black-and-white presentation changes the feel of the effects, and how this movie earns its impact through quiet scenes as much as destruction.


Across all three films, the episode keeps returning to the same uncomfortable idea: these are blue-collar fights. The people who do anything meaningful aren’t the polished experts. They’re ordinary, exhausted, under-resourced, and improvising. Which might be the scariest part.


Next month, Chelsea flips the table for her birthday picks with an ultra low-budget lineup: The Battery (2012), Hellbender (2021), and Starry Eyes (2014).


🎬 Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:21) - The Host
  • (28:30) - Trollhunter
  • (50:28) - Godzilla Minus One
  • (01:21:27) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> This month on Sitting in the Dark, we go big: big monsters, big fear, and big systems that respond to catastrophe with the confidence of a guy who just Googled “what is monster” on his way into the meeting. Kynan, Chelsea Stardust, Tommy Metz III, and Pete Wright take on three modern giant-creature films—Bong Joon-ho’s The Host (2006), André Øvredal’s Troll Hunter (2010), and Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One (in its Minus Color presentation)—and find a weirdly consistent thread across wildly different cultures: when the giant thing shows up, the institutions mostly don’t.


The Host kicks things off with tonal whiplash as a feature, not a bug. The film’s mix of grief, comedy, and political bite becomes its own kind of monster, and the conversation circles what Bong is really lampooning, what still lands, and what hits differently on a rewatch. The creature design gets its due too—full daylight, hard to pin down, impossible to “know”—but what lingers is the movie’s sense that people become collateral long before anything with teeth arrives.


Troll Hunter shifts the vibe without letting you off the hook. The group gets into the found-footage push-pull—shaky cam, “why are you still filming,” all that—then pretty quickly agrees that Hans, the deadpan troll hunter, is the secret weapon. The film’s charm is how seriously it takes the ridiculous premise: folklore becomes logistics, mythology becomes fieldwork, and the jokes don’t erase the danger. It’s one of those movies that makes you laugh… then reminds you you’d die immediately.


Godzilla Minus One brings it home with a version of Godzilla that’s less “spectacle” and more “reckoning.” The group talks about the postwar setting, the human story at the center, why the black-and-white presentation changes the feel of the effects, and how this movie earns its impact through quiet scenes as much as destruction.


Across all three films, the episode keeps returning to the same uncomfortable idea: these are blue-collar fights. The people who do anything meaningful aren’t the polished experts. They’re ordinary, exhausted, under-resourced, and improvising. Which might be the scariest part.


Next month, Chelsea flips the table for her birthday picks with an ultra low-budget lineup: The Battery (2012), Hellbender (2021), and Starry Eyes (2014).


🎬 Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:21) - The Host
  • (28:30) - Trollhunter
  • (50:28) - Godzilla Minus One
  • (01:21:27) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 5025 This month on Sitting in the Dark, we go big: big monsters, big fear, and big systems that respond to catastrophe with the confidence of a guy who just Googled “what is monster” on his way into the meeting. Kynan, Chelsea Stardust, Tommy Metz III, and Pete Wright take on three modern giant-creature films—Bong Joon-ho’s The Host (2006), André Øvredal’s Troll Hunter (2010), and Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus One (in its Minus Color presentation)—and find a weirdly consistent thread across wildly different cultures: when the giant thing shows up, the institutions mostly don’t.


The Host kicks things off with tonal whiplash as a feature, not a bug. The film’s mix of grief, comedy, and political bite becomes its own kind of monster, and the conversation circles what Bong is really lampooning, what still lands, and what hits differently on a rewatch. The creature design gets its due too—full daylight, hard to pin down, impossible to “know”—but what lingers is the movie’s sense that people become collateral long before anything with teeth arrives.


Troll Hunter shifts the vibe without letting you off the hook. The group gets into the found-footage push-pull—shaky cam, “why are you still filming,” all that—then pretty quickly agrees that Hans, the deadpan troll hunter, is the secret weapon. The film’s charm is how seriously it takes the ridiculous premise: folklore becomes logistics, mythology becomes fieldwork, and the jokes don’t erase the danger. It’s one of those movies that makes you laugh… then reminds you you’d die immediately.


Godzilla Minus One brings it home with a version of Godzilla that’s less “spectacle” and more “reckoning.” The group talks about the postwar setting, the human story at the center, why the black-and-white presentation changes the feel of the effects, and how this movie earns its impact through quiet scenes as much as destruction.


Across all three films, the episode keeps returning to the same uncomfortable idea: these are blue-collar fights. The people who do anything meaningful aren’t the polished experts. They’re ordinary, exhausted, under-resourced, and improvising. Which might be the scariest part.


Next month, Chelsea flips the table for her birthday picks with an ultra low-budget lineup: The Battery (2012), Hellbender (2021), and Starry Eyes (2014).


🎬 Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:21) - The Host
  • (28:30) - Trollhunter
  • (50:28) - Godzilla Minus One
  • (01:21:27) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No Overstayed 36 36 Overstayed full e17c43c0-e3d4-4c1f-a693-73a9b65042c0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6fe5f4f You know that moment when the room doesn’t change, exactly… but you do? A joke lands a little sideways, a silence settles in, and your brain starts doing that ridiculous math where staying feels safer than leaving—even when every part of you is quietly screaming, “Go.” That’s the engine of this month’s Sitting in the Dark, as Pete Wright sits down with Tommy Metz III, Chelsea Stardust, and Kynan Dias to unpack “Overstayed”: three films built around the fear of the open door you don’t walk through.

They start with Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation, a dinner party that weaponizes politeness, history, and that stubborn desire to not be the first person to say what everyone’s thinking. From there, they pivot to David Bruckner’s The Night House, where the trap isn’t social pressure—it’s grief, isolation, and a house that seems to rearrange itself into meaning when you’re not looking. And then there’s Damien McCarthy’s Caveat, a movie that takes the idea of being “stuck” and makes it aggressively literal, daring you to decide whether you’re watching realism… or a fable with teeth.

Along the way, the conversation keeps circling one question: what is it in us that wants answers more than safety? It’s a theme that feels uncomfortably familiar—and the kind of horror that lingers because it doesn’t ask what you’d do in a haunted house. It asks what you’d do at a party, in a marriage, in a moment where the cost of being wrong feels higher than the cost of staying.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:15) - The Concept
  • (03:09) - The Invitation
  • (29:23) - The Night House
  • (48:49) - Caveat
  • (01:07:49) - Coming Attractions

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> You know that moment when the room doesn’t change, exactly… but you do? A joke lands a little sideways, a silence settles in, and your brain starts doing that ridiculous math where staying feels safer than leaving—even when every part of you is quietly screaming, “Go.” That’s the engine of this month’s Sitting in the Dark, as Pete Wright sits down with Tommy Metz III, Chelsea Stardust, and Kynan Dias to unpack “Overstayed”: three films built around the fear of the open door you don’t walk through.

They start with Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation, a dinner party that weaponizes politeness, history, and that stubborn desire to not be the first person to say what everyone’s thinking. From there, they pivot to David Bruckner’s The Night House, where the trap isn’t social pressure—it’s grief, isolation, and a house that seems to rearrange itself into meaning when you’re not looking. And then there’s Damien McCarthy’s Caveat, a movie that takes the idea of being “stuck” and makes it aggressively literal, daring you to decide whether you’re watching realism… or a fable with teeth.

Along the way, the conversation keeps circling one question: what is it in us that wants answers more than safety? It’s a theme that feels uncomfortably familiar—and the kind of horror that lingers because it doesn’t ask what you’d do in a haunted house. It asks what you’d do at a party, in a marriage, in a moment where the cost of being wrong feels higher than the cost of staying.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:15) - The Concept
  • (03:09) - The Invitation
  • (29:23) - The Night House
  • (48:49) - Caveat
  • (01:07:49) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Fri, 30 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4252 You know that moment when the room doesn’t change, exactly… but you do? A joke lands a little sideways, a silence settles in, and your brain starts doing that ridiculous math where staying feels safer than leaving—even when every part of you is quietly screaming, “Go.” That’s the engine of this month’s Sitting in the Dark, as Pete Wright sits down with Tommy Metz III, Chelsea Stardust, and Kynan Dias to unpack “Overstayed”: three films built around the fear of the open door you don’t walk through.

They start with Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation, a dinner party that weaponizes politeness, history, and that stubborn desire to not be the first person to say what everyone’s thinking. From there, they pivot to David Bruckner’s The Night House, where the trap isn’t social pressure—it’s grief, isolation, and a house that seems to rearrange itself into meaning when you’re not looking. And then there’s Damien McCarthy’s Caveat, a movie that takes the idea of being “stuck” and makes it aggressively literal, daring you to decide whether you’re watching realism… or a fable with teeth.

Along the way, the conversation keeps circling one question: what is it in us that wants answers more than safety? It’s a theme that feels uncomfortably familiar—and the kind of horror that lingers because it doesn’t ask what you’d do in a haunted house. It asks what you’d do at a party, in a marriage, in a moment where the cost of being wrong feels higher than the cost of staying.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:15) - The Concept
  • (03:09) - The Invitation
  • (29:23) - The Night House
  • (48:49) - Caveat
  • (01:07:49) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> No Grin & Scare It 4 4 4 4 Grin & Scare It full 07b32760-9089-4f16-bf1b-bccb16e80b5c https://share.transistor.fm/s/85916485 This month, Sitting in the Dark smiles politely, locks the door, and then asks you to reconsider every coping mechanism you’ve ever trusted. Tommy Metz III is joined by filmmaker Chelsea Stardust and Pete Wright to excavate the uneasy trilogy formed by Smile, Smile 2, and the short-film patient zero, Laura Hasn’t Slept, all courtesy of writer-director Parker Finn—a man who looked at the concept of healing and said, “Yes, but what if absolutely not.”

The conversation begins with Laura Hasn’t Slept, a short film so assured it feels like a résumé quietly slid across the table while maintaining unsettling eye contact. Therapy, dreams, and sleep deprivation collide in a space that should feel safe and instead feels like a trapdoor with a co-pay. The group wrestles with the idea that this story may not be a beginning at all, but a closed loop—what it looks like once the monster has already moved in and started redecorating.

From there, the episode moves into Smile, a film that takes the metaphor of trauma and strips away subtlety. It’s tired of pretending this is going to end well. Broken promises pile up. Authority figures fail spectacularly. “Safe space” becomes an ironic term at best. The panel digs into the film’s clinical color palette, its fixation on mirrors, and its unrelenting thesis: awareness is not protection, healing is not guaranteed, and sometimes the best you can do is not make things worse for the next person.

Then Smile 2 kicks the door off its hinges. By shifting the curse to a global pop star, the sequel swaps quiet dread for public spectacle without sacrificing cruelty. Addiction, celebrity, parasocial obsession, and relentless visibility all become accelerants, pushing the franchise into its most confident—and most punishing—form. Naomi Scott’s Skye Riley is surrounded by people at all times and still utterly alone, a neat trick the film performs while tightening the noose.

Across all three entries, the episode circles the same bleak conclusion: these movies aren’t interested in defeating trauma. They’re interested in how efficiently it spreads, how convincingly it blends in, and how easily it convinces you that you’re doing just fine. Smile for the camera.

🎬 Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:31) - All Smiles
  • (04:43) - Laura Hasn't Slept
  • (12:21) - Looking Out the Window
  • (14:17) - SMILE 1
  • (26:37) - Smile 1
  • (27:09) - Smile 2
  • (27:55) - Smile 3
  • (28:15) - Smile 4
  • (28:29) - Smile 5
  • (28:51) - Smile 6
  • (29:03) - Smile 7
  • (41:43) - SMILE 2
  • (51:43) - Smile 8
  • (52:13) - Smile 10
  • (52:33) - Smile 11
  • (58:29) - HS 1
  • (58:47) - HS 2
  • (59:15) - Smile Necklace
  • (59:51) - Smile Mug
  • (01:00:47) - Smile 12
  • (01:01:25) - Smile 13

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> This month, Sitting in the Dark smiles politely, locks the door, and then asks you to reconsider every coping mechanism you’ve ever trusted. Tommy Metz III is joined by filmmaker Chelsea Stardust and Pete Wright to excavate the uneasy trilogy formed by Smile, Smile 2, and the short-film patient zero, Laura Hasn’t Slept, all courtesy of writer-director Parker Finn—a man who looked at the concept of healing and said, “Yes, but what if absolutely not.”

The conversation begins with Laura Hasn’t Slept, a short film so assured it feels like a résumé quietly slid across the table while maintaining unsettling eye contact. Therapy, dreams, and sleep deprivation collide in a space that should feel safe and instead feels like a trapdoor with a co-pay. The group wrestles with the idea that this story may not be a beginning at all, but a closed loop—what it looks like once the monster has already moved in and started redecorating.

From there, the episode moves into Smile, a film that takes the metaphor of trauma and strips away subtlety. It’s tired of pretending this is going to end well. Broken promises pile up. Authority figures fail spectacularly. “Safe space” becomes an ironic term at best. The panel digs into the film’s clinical color palette, its fixation on mirrors, and its unrelenting thesis: awareness is not protection, healing is not guaranteed, and sometimes the best you can do is not make things worse for the next person.

Then Smile 2 kicks the door off its hinges. By shifting the curse to a global pop star, the sequel swaps quiet dread for public spectacle without sacrificing cruelty. Addiction, celebrity, parasocial obsession, and relentless visibility all become accelerants, pushing the franchise into its most confident—and most punishing—form. Naomi Scott’s Skye Riley is surrounded by people at all times and still utterly alone, a neat trick the film performs while tightening the noose.

Across all three entries, the episode circles the same bleak conclusion: these movies aren’t interested in defeating trauma. They’re interested in how efficiently it spreads, how convincingly it blends in, and how easily it convinces you that you’re doing just fine. Smile for the camera.

🎬 Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:31) - All Smiles
  • (04:43) - Laura Hasn't Slept
  • (12:21) - Looking Out the Window
  • (14:17) - SMILE 1
  • (26:37) - Smile 1
  • (27:09) - Smile 2
  • (27:55) - Smile 3
  • (28:15) - Smile 4
  • (28:29) - Smile 5
  • (28:51) - Smile 6
  • (29:03) - Smile 7
  • (41:43) - SMILE 2
  • (51:43) - Smile 8
  • (52:13) - Smile 10
  • (52:33) - Smile 11
  • (58:29) - HS 1
  • (58:47) - HS 2
  • (59:15) - Smile Necklace
  • (59:51) - Smile Mug
  • (01:00:47) - Smile 12
  • (01:01:25) - Smile 13

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]]> Fri, 26 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4450 This month, Sitting in the Dark smiles politely, locks the door, and then asks you to reconsider every coping mechanism you’ve ever trusted. Tommy Metz III is joined by filmmaker Chelsea Stardust and Pete Wright to excavate the uneasy trilogy formed by Smile, Smile 2, and the short-film patient zero, Laura Hasn’t Slept, all courtesy of writer-director Parker Finn—a man who looked at the concept of healing and said, “Yes, but what if absolutely not.”

The conversation begins with Laura Hasn’t Slept, a short film so assured it feels like a résumé quietly slid across the table while maintaining unsettling eye contact. Therapy, dreams, and sleep deprivation collide in a space that should feel safe and instead feels like a trapdoor with a co-pay. The group wrestles with the idea that this story may not be a beginning at all, but a closed loop—what it looks like once the monster has already moved in and started redecorating.

From there, the episode moves into Smile, a film that takes the metaphor of trauma and strips away subtlety. It’s tired of pretending this is going to end well. Broken promises pile up. Authority figures fail spectacularly. “Safe space” becomes an ironic term at best. The panel digs into the film’s clinical color palette, its fixation on mirrors, and its unrelenting thesis: awareness is not protection, healing is not guaranteed, and sometimes the best you can do is not make things worse for the next person.

Then Smile 2 kicks the door off its hinges. By shifting the curse to a global pop star, the sequel swaps quiet dread for public spectacle without sacrificing cruelty. Addiction, celebrity, parasocial obsession, and relentless visibility all become accelerants, pushing the franchise into its most confident—and most punishing—form. Naomi Scott’s Skye Riley is surrounded by people at all times and still utterly alone, a neat trick the film performs while tightening the noose.

Across all three entries, the episode circles the same bleak conclusion: these movies aren’t interested in defeating trauma. They’re interested in how efficiently it spreads, how convincingly it blends in, and how easily it convinces you that you’re doing just fine. Smile for the camera.

🎬 Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:31) - All Smiles
  • (04:43) - Laura Hasn't Slept
  • (12:21) - Looking Out the Window
  • (14:17) - SMILE 1
  • (26:37) - Smile 1
  • (27:09) - Smile 2
  • (27:55) - Smile 3
  • (28:15) - Smile 4
  • (28:29) - Smile 5
  • (28:51) - Smile 6
  • (29:03) - Smile 7
  • (41:43) - SMILE 2
  • (51:43) - Smile 8
  • (52:13) - Smile 10
  • (52:33) - Smile 11
  • (58:29) - HS 1
  • (58:47) - HS 2
  • (59:15) - Smile Necklace
  • (59:51) - Smile Mug
  • (01:00:47) - Smile 12
  • (01:01:25) - Smile 13

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]]> No Night of the... 4 4 3 3 Night of the... full eefcbf0a-9704-4bdd-aef0-8533a6c2b8ca https://share.transistor.fm/s/09bf3a71 The 1980s were a golden age of VHS horror excess — when night was the time to party, die, or both. This month, Chelsea Stardust takes the hosting reins and brings us a triple feature of midnight mayhem: Night of the Comet (1984), Night of the Creeps (1986), and Night of the Demons (1988). What begins with a Christmas-morning apocalypse of Valley Girls and zombies spirals into brain-slug infestations and ends in a demon-filled funeral-parlor rave that only the most caffeinated teenagers could survive.

Pete, Kynan, Tommy, and Chelsea pull each film apart like a possessed VCR — celebrating Comet’s pastel apocalypse and genuinely progressive sister-heroes, Creeps’ mix of alien parasites and B-movie heart, and Demons’ glorious, unhinged chaos.  Expect debates over whether these movies actually knew they were camp, why 1980s “fun horror” felt lighter even when dripping in blood, and how mall culture, frat parties, and Halloween nights all became stages for teenage empowerment and bad decisions.

They also crown the best survivor of the trilogy (spoiler: justice for Roger!), nominate the worst audio mix in horror history, and reveal which lipstick trick broke Pete’s brain.  Plus, Tommy announces next month’s pick — the Smile franchise, beginning with the short Laura Hasn’t Slept — proving that even in 2025, we’re still chasing trauma through the dark with a flashlight and a laugh.

🎬 Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (00:43) - Night of the 80s
  • (03:05) - Night of the Comet
  • (24:19) - Night of the Creeps
  • (39:45) - Night of the Demons
  • (01:00:58) - Coming Attractions

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]]> The 1980s were a golden age of VHS horror excess — when night was the time to party, die, or both. This month, Chelsea Stardust takes the hosting reins and brings us a triple feature of midnight mayhem: Night of the Comet (1984), Night of the Creeps (1986), and Night of the Demons (1988). What begins with a Christmas-morning apocalypse of Valley Girls and zombies spirals into brain-slug infestations and ends in a demon-filled funeral-parlor rave that only the most caffeinated teenagers could survive.

Pete, Kynan, Tommy, and Chelsea pull each film apart like a possessed VCR — celebrating Comet’s pastel apocalypse and genuinely progressive sister-heroes, Creeps’ mix of alien parasites and B-movie heart, and Demons’ glorious, unhinged chaos.  Expect debates over whether these movies actually knew they were camp, why 1980s “fun horror” felt lighter even when dripping in blood, and how mall culture, frat parties, and Halloween nights all became stages for teenage empowerment and bad decisions.

They also crown the best survivor of the trilogy (spoiler: justice for Roger!), nominate the worst audio mix in horror history, and reveal which lipstick trick broke Pete’s brain.  Plus, Tommy announces next month’s pick — the Smile franchise, beginning with the short Laura Hasn’t Slept — proving that even in 2025, we’re still chasing trauma through the dark with a flashlight and a laugh.

🎬 Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (00:43) - Night of the 80s
  • (03:05) - Night of the Comet
  • (24:19) - Night of the Creeps
  • (39:45) - Night of the Demons
  • (01:00:58) - Coming Attractions

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]]> Fri, 28 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 3913 The 1980s were a golden age of VHS horror excess — when night was the time to party, die, or both. This month, Chelsea Stardust takes the hosting reins and brings us a triple feature of midnight mayhem: Night of the Comet (1984), Night of the Creeps (1986), and Night of the Demons (1988). What begins with a Christmas-morning apocalypse of Valley Girls and zombies spirals into brain-slug infestations and ends in a demon-filled funeral-parlor rave that only the most caffeinated teenagers could survive.

Pete, Kynan, Tommy, and Chelsea pull each film apart like a possessed VCR — celebrating Comet’s pastel apocalypse and genuinely progressive sister-heroes, Creeps’ mix of alien parasites and B-movie heart, and Demons’ glorious, unhinged chaos.  Expect debates over whether these movies actually knew they were camp, why 1980s “fun horror” felt lighter even when dripping in blood, and how mall culture, frat parties, and Halloween nights all became stages for teenage empowerment and bad decisions.

They also crown the best survivor of the trilogy (spoiler: justice for Roger!), nominate the worst audio mix in horror history, and reveal which lipstick trick broke Pete’s brain.  Plus, Tommy announces next month’s pick — the Smile franchise, beginning with the short Laura Hasn’t Slept — proving that even in 2025, we’re still chasing trauma through the dark with a flashlight and a laugh.

🎬 Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (00:43) - Night of the 80s
  • (03:05) - Night of the Comet
  • (24:19) - Night of the Creeps
  • (39:45) - Night of the Demons
  • (01:00:58) - Coming Attractions

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]]> No Sitting in the Dark... Literally 4 4 2 2 Sitting in the Dark... Literally full 9df830ba-040a-4ed1-899c-4e0a588bd23a https://share.transistor.fm/s/775a1d7b In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light.” But then, apparently, He got bored and switched it off just to see what would happen. Welcome to Sitting in the Dark, where this month Kynan, Chelsea, Tommy, and Pete explore what happens when filmmakers yank away humanity’s favorite nightlight. Their lineup: Wait Until Dark (1967), Don’t Breathe (2016), and Pitch Black (2000)—three films that remind us that darkness isn’t just the absence of light, it’s the presence of bad decisions.

We start with Wait Until Dark, in which Audrey Hepburn, recently blinded, gets harassed by Alan Arkin and a few other men who apparently missed the memo about “don’t terrorize vulnerable women.” Then we stumble into Don’t Breathe, where three young idiots break into the wrong house and discover that Stephen Lang’s blind war vet has taken “home security” to a level that can only be described as “OSHA violation.” Finally, the crew rockets to Pitch Black, where Vin Diesel proves once again that he can growl through any lighting condition. It’s a film so early-2000s it practically comes with a Nu Metal soundtrack and a free AOL disc.

So grab your flashlights, blow out your candles, and maybe keep one bulb unbroken… you know, just in case.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:05) - Between Light and Dark
  • (04:33) - Wait Until Dark
  • (25:44) - Don't Breathe
  • (47:20) - Pitch Black

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]]> In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light.” But then, apparently, He got bored and switched it off just to see what would happen. Welcome to Sitting in the Dark, where this month Kynan, Chelsea, Tommy, and Pete explore what happens when filmmakers yank away humanity’s favorite nightlight. Their lineup: Wait Until Dark (1967), Don’t Breathe (2016), and Pitch Black (2000)—three films that remind us that darkness isn’t just the absence of light, it’s the presence of bad decisions.

We start with Wait Until Dark, in which Audrey Hepburn, recently blinded, gets harassed by Alan Arkin and a few other men who apparently missed the memo about “don’t terrorize vulnerable women.” Then we stumble into Don’t Breathe, where three young idiots break into the wrong house and discover that Stephen Lang’s blind war vet has taken “home security” to a level that can only be described as “OSHA violation.” Finally, the crew rockets to Pitch Black, where Vin Diesel proves once again that he can growl through any lighting condition. It’s a film so early-2000s it practically comes with a Nu Metal soundtrack and a free AOL disc.

So grab your flashlights, blow out your candles, and maybe keep one bulb unbroken… you know, just in case.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:05) - Between Light and Dark
  • (04:33) - Wait Until Dark
  • (25:44) - Don't Breathe
  • (47:20) - Pitch Black

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4342 In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light.” But then, apparently, He got bored and switched it off just to see what would happen. Welcome to Sitting in the Dark, where this month Kynan, Chelsea, Tommy, and Pete explore what happens when filmmakers yank away humanity’s favorite nightlight. Their lineup: Wait Until Dark (1967), Don’t Breathe (2016), and Pitch Black (2000)—three films that remind us that darkness isn’t just the absence of light, it’s the presence of bad decisions.

We start with Wait Until Dark, in which Audrey Hepburn, recently blinded, gets harassed by Alan Arkin and a few other men who apparently missed the memo about “don’t terrorize vulnerable women.” Then we stumble into Don’t Breathe, where three young idiots break into the wrong house and discover that Stephen Lang’s blind war vet has taken “home security” to a level that can only be described as “OSHA violation.” Finally, the crew rockets to Pitch Black, where Vin Diesel proves once again that he can growl through any lighting condition. It’s a film so early-2000s it practically comes with a Nu Metal soundtrack and a free AOL disc.

So grab your flashlights, blow out your candles, and maybe keep one bulb unbroken… you know, just in case.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:05) - Between Light and Dark
  • (04:33) - Wait Until Dark
  • (25:44) - Don't Breathe
  • (47:20) - Pitch Black

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> No Death Edging with the Films of Final Destination 4 4 1 1 Death Edging with the Films of Final Destination full 41023cc1-a683-4ff4-8300-ff7c597cde95 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e31ad3df Sometimes horror doesn’t need a killer in a mask—it just needs gravity, leaky plumbing, and a loose screw. This week Pete, Tommy, Kynan, and Chelsea dive headlong into the beautifully deranged contraptions of fate in the Final Destination series. We zero in on films one, two, five, and six, skipping the middle entries (with Chelsea reluctantly leaving her beloved roller coaster behind) to track how the franchise evolved from eerie paranoia to glossy spectacle—and sometimes back again.

What makes these films so uniquely unnerving? They erase the safe distance of supernatural slashers and drop death right in our kitchens, on our highways, and even at the optometrist. From the infamous log truck pile-up in Final Destination 2 to the unexpectedly brilliant twist of Final Destination 5, the series keeps daring us to see everyday objects as lethal Rube Goldberg machines. Along the way, we debate the rules of death (are they rules or just improv?), celebrate Tony Todd as the connective tissue of the franchise, and wrestle with whether the overpolished look of Bloodlines makes its gore more cartoonish than chilling. And yes, we all pick our favorite kills—expect airbags, bathtubs, and gymnastic mats to come up in conversation.

It’s a franchise that’s as much about philosophy as phobia—existential dread wrapped in popcorn horror, where the fun lies in watching fate toy with its victims like a sadistic game master. Whether you love the paranoia of not knowing which object will strike next or the catharsis of absurd spectacle, Final Destination has a death with your name on it. Join us, as we laugh, squirm, and admit how these movies have ruined car rides, kitchen appliances, and even snow globes forever.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:26) - Final Destination
  • (11:49) - Final Destination
  • (22:27) - Final Destination 2
  • (36:18) - 3 & 4
  • (37:16) - Final Destination 5
  • (45:21) - "Death Edging" — Tommy
  • (48:01) - Final Destination Bloodlines
  • (01:05:05) - Favorite Kills
  • (01:10:19) - Coming Attractions

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]]> Sometimes horror doesn’t need a killer in a mask—it just needs gravity, leaky plumbing, and a loose screw. This week Pete, Tommy, Kynan, and Chelsea dive headlong into the beautifully deranged contraptions of fate in the Final Destination series. We zero in on films one, two, five, and six, skipping the middle entries (with Chelsea reluctantly leaving her beloved roller coaster behind) to track how the franchise evolved from eerie paranoia to glossy spectacle—and sometimes back again.

What makes these films so uniquely unnerving? They erase the safe distance of supernatural slashers and drop death right in our kitchens, on our highways, and even at the optometrist. From the infamous log truck pile-up in Final Destination 2 to the unexpectedly brilliant twist of Final Destination 5, the series keeps daring us to see everyday objects as lethal Rube Goldberg machines. Along the way, we debate the rules of death (are they rules or just improv?), celebrate Tony Todd as the connective tissue of the franchise, and wrestle with whether the overpolished look of Bloodlines makes its gore more cartoonish than chilling. And yes, we all pick our favorite kills—expect airbags, bathtubs, and gymnastic mats to come up in conversation.

It’s a franchise that’s as much about philosophy as phobia—existential dread wrapped in popcorn horror, where the fun lies in watching fate toy with its victims like a sadistic game master. Whether you love the paranoia of not knowing which object will strike next or the catharsis of absurd spectacle, Final Destination has a death with your name on it. Join us, as we laugh, squirm, and admit how these movies have ruined car rides, kitchen appliances, and even snow globes forever.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:26) - Final Destination
  • (11:49) - Final Destination
  • (22:27) - Final Destination 2
  • (36:18) - 3 & 4
  • (37:16) - Final Destination 5
  • (45:21) - "Death Edging" — Tommy
  • (48:01) - Final Destination Bloodlines
  • (01:05:05) - Favorite Kills
  • (01:10:19) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4406 Sometimes horror doesn’t need a killer in a mask—it just needs gravity, leaky plumbing, and a loose screw. This week Pete, Tommy, Kynan, and Chelsea dive headlong into the beautifully deranged contraptions of fate in the Final Destination series. We zero in on films one, two, five, and six, skipping the middle entries (with Chelsea reluctantly leaving her beloved roller coaster behind) to track how the franchise evolved from eerie paranoia to glossy spectacle—and sometimes back again.

What makes these films so uniquely unnerving? They erase the safe distance of supernatural slashers and drop death right in our kitchens, on our highways, and even at the optometrist. From the infamous log truck pile-up in Final Destination 2 to the unexpectedly brilliant twist of Final Destination 5, the series keeps daring us to see everyday objects as lethal Rube Goldberg machines. Along the way, we debate the rules of death (are they rules or just improv?), celebrate Tony Todd as the connective tissue of the franchise, and wrestle with whether the overpolished look of Bloodlines makes its gore more cartoonish than chilling. And yes, we all pick our favorite kills—expect airbags, bathtubs, and gymnastic mats to come up in conversation.

It’s a franchise that’s as much about philosophy as phobia—existential dread wrapped in popcorn horror, where the fun lies in watching fate toy with its victims like a sadistic game master. Whether you love the paranoia of not knowing which object will strike next or the catharsis of absurd spectacle, Final Destination has a death with your name on it. Join us, as we laugh, squirm, and admit how these movies have ruined car rides, kitchen appliances, and even snow globes forever.

Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:26) - Final Destination
  • (11:49) - Final Destination
  • (22:27) - Final Destination 2
  • (36:18) - 3 & 4
  • (37:16) - Final Destination 5
  • (45:21) - "Death Edging" — Tommy
  • (48:01) - Final Destination Bloodlines
  • (01:05:05) - Favorite Kills
  • (01:10:19) - Coming Attractions

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]]> No The Haunting Power of Belief: Folklore and Spirituality in Asian Horror 3 3 13 13 The Haunting Power of Belief: Folklore and Spirituality in Asian Horror full 4645f407-46fe-4baf-b461-d29393d727e7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6dbfc6e8 Out in the remote villages of South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand, belief isn’t just tradition—it’s infrastructure. In this month’s episode of Sitting in the Dark, guest host Andy Nelson takes Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Kynan Dias on a journey into three modern horror films that weaponize spiritual legacy: The Wailing (2016), Impetigore (2019), and The Medium (2021). Each film presents a different lens on the collision between folk belief and contemporary life, and none of them offers easy answers.

The panel dives deep into the disorienting tone shifts of The Wailing, where slapstick cops and demonic rituals clash with devastating consequences. They unpack the haunting beauty and brutal tradition behind Impetigore, a film that begins in a toll booth and ends in generational damnation. And The Medium, with its immersive mockumentary format, challenges our understanding of family, fate, and whether gods actually have your best interests at heart.

What unites these films? An unnerving thesis: belief might not protect you—it might damn you. These aren’t stories of good versus evil. They’re stories about what happens when spiritual systems—old and new, global and local—overlap and collapse. And in the end, maybe the most terrifying realization is that all these spirits, deities, and curses… simply don’t care what you believe.

Join us this month as we stare into the spiritual void, question the value of ritual, and contemplate the horror of legacy itself.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:19) - Asian Horror with Andy!
  • (15:13) - The Wailing
  • (31:21) - Impetigore
  • (49:27) - The Medium

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]]> Out in the remote villages of South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand, belief isn’t just tradition—it’s infrastructure. In this month’s episode of Sitting in the Dark, guest host Andy Nelson takes Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Kynan Dias on a journey into three modern horror films that weaponize spiritual legacy: The Wailing (2016), Impetigore (2019), and The Medium (2021). Each film presents a different lens on the collision between folk belief and contemporary life, and none of them offers easy answers.

The panel dives deep into the disorienting tone shifts of The Wailing, where slapstick cops and demonic rituals clash with devastating consequences. They unpack the haunting beauty and brutal tradition behind Impetigore, a film that begins in a toll booth and ends in generational damnation. And The Medium, with its immersive mockumentary format, challenges our understanding of family, fate, and whether gods actually have your best interests at heart.

What unites these films? An unnerving thesis: belief might not protect you—it might damn you. These aren’t stories of good versus evil. They’re stories about what happens when spiritual systems—old and new, global and local—overlap and collapse. And in the end, maybe the most terrifying realization is that all these spirits, deities, and curses… simply don’t care what you believe.

Join us this month as we stare into the spiritual void, question the value of ritual, and contemplate the horror of legacy itself.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:19) - Asian Horror with Andy!
  • (15:13) - The Wailing
  • (31:21) - Impetigore
  • (49:27) - The Medium

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]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 03:13:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 3886 Out in the remote villages of South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand, belief isn’t just tradition—it’s infrastructure. In this month’s episode of Sitting in the Dark, guest host Andy Nelson takes Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Kynan Dias on a journey into three modern horror films that weaponize spiritual legacy: The Wailing (2016), Impetigore (2019), and The Medium (2021). Each film presents a different lens on the collision between folk belief and contemporary life, and none of them offers easy answers.

The panel dives deep into the disorienting tone shifts of The Wailing, where slapstick cops and demonic rituals clash with devastating consequences. They unpack the haunting beauty and brutal tradition behind Impetigore, a film that begins in a toll booth and ends in generational damnation. And The Medium, with its immersive mockumentary format, challenges our understanding of family, fate, and whether gods actually have your best interests at heart.

What unites these films? An unnerving thesis: belief might not protect you—it might damn you. These aren’t stories of good versus evil. They’re stories about what happens when spiritual systems—old and new, global and local—overlap and collapse. And in the end, maybe the most terrifying realization is that all these spirits, deities, and curses… simply don’t care what you believe.

Join us this month as we stare into the spiritual void, question the value of ritual, and contemplate the horror of legacy itself.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:19) - Asian Horror with Andy!
  • (15:13) - The Wailing
  • (31:21) - Impetigore
  • (49:27) - The Medium

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]]> No Rug Pullers: Topsy-Turvy Horror Twists 3 3 12 12 Rug Pullers: Topsy-Turvy Horror Twists full d48f1fcb-da6c-4982-a12b-65ebed8819ff https://share.transistor.fm/s/3075ca43 Some horror films end with a twist. These films start with a premise, wait until you’ve buckled in, and then swerve into oncoming traffic. Welcome to Rug Pullers, the subgenre where the story you thought you were watching was the bait. This week, Tommy, Pete, Kynan, and guest Chelsea Stardust tear into three films that gleefully yank the floorboards out from under you: Ghostwatch (1992), the BBC broadcast that gaslit an entire country into thinking their telly was haunted; Barbarian (2022), a movie that weaponizes airbnbs; and Strange Darling (2023), a predator–prey thriller that rearranges itself so often it could qualify as Lego.

We debate whether Barbarian’s “mother” is a monster or the most tragic character in the film, whether Ghostwatch’s bumbling TV presenters are brilliant or just British, and whether Strange Darling’s chapter titles are clever or just yelling at you in big fonts. Chelsea Stardust brings a filmmaker’s take on horror tropes, Kynan grapples with whether rug-pulls are honest shocks or cinematic pranks, and Pete wonders if humanity should collectively agree never to go into creepy basement-basements again.

These movies sucker punch. They remind you that horror isn’t about the monster in the dark, it’s about the floor that you’re standing on... and how you never noticed that it is made of quicksand.


Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (03:02) - Introducing Chelsea Stardust!
  • (04:18) - Rug Pullers
  • (05:55) - Ghostwatch
  • (09:07) - GW1
  • (09:29) - Ghostwatch
  • (25:08) - GW2
  • (25:41) - Ghostwatch
  • (31:21) - GW3
  • (31:51) - Barbarian
  • (55:01) - Strange Darling
  • (01:16:23) - Coming Attractions

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]]> Some horror films end with a twist. These films start with a premise, wait until you’ve buckled in, and then swerve into oncoming traffic. Welcome to Rug Pullers, the subgenre where the story you thought you were watching was the bait. This week, Tommy, Pete, Kynan, and guest Chelsea Stardust tear into three films that gleefully yank the floorboards out from under you: Ghostwatch (1992), the BBC broadcast that gaslit an entire country into thinking their telly was haunted; Barbarian (2022), a movie that weaponizes airbnbs; and Strange Darling (2023), a predator–prey thriller that rearranges itself so often it could qualify as Lego.

We debate whether Barbarian’s “mother” is a monster or the most tragic character in the film, whether Ghostwatch’s bumbling TV presenters are brilliant or just British, and whether Strange Darling’s chapter titles are clever or just yelling at you in big fonts. Chelsea Stardust brings a filmmaker’s take on horror tropes, Kynan grapples with whether rug-pulls are honest shocks or cinematic pranks, and Pete wonders if humanity should collectively agree never to go into creepy basement-basements again.

These movies sucker punch. They remind you that horror isn’t about the monster in the dark, it’s about the floor that you’re standing on... and how you never noticed that it is made of quicksand.


Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (03:02) - Introducing Chelsea Stardust!
  • (04:18) - Rug Pullers
  • (05:55) - Ghostwatch
  • (09:07) - GW1
  • (09:29) - Ghostwatch
  • (25:08) - GW2
  • (25:41) - Ghostwatch
  • (31:21) - GW3
  • (31:51) - Barbarian
  • (55:01) - Strange Darling
  • (01:16:23) - Coming Attractions

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]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4912 Some horror films end with a twist. These films start with a premise, wait until you’ve buckled in, and then swerve into oncoming traffic. Welcome to Rug Pullers, the subgenre where the story you thought you were watching was the bait. This week, Tommy, Pete, Kynan, and guest Chelsea Stardust tear into three films that gleefully yank the floorboards out from under you: Ghostwatch (1992), the BBC broadcast that gaslit an entire country into thinking their telly was haunted; Barbarian (2022), a movie that weaponizes airbnbs; and Strange Darling (2023), a predator–prey thriller that rearranges itself so often it could qualify as Lego.

We debate whether Barbarian’s “mother” is a monster or the most tragic character in the film, whether Ghostwatch’s bumbling TV presenters are brilliant or just British, and whether Strange Darling’s chapter titles are clever or just yelling at you in big fonts. Chelsea Stardust brings a filmmaker’s take on horror tropes, Kynan grapples with whether rug-pulls are honest shocks or cinematic pranks, and Pete wonders if humanity should collectively agree never to go into creepy basement-basements again.

These movies sucker punch. They remind you that horror isn’t about the monster in the dark, it’s about the floor that you’re standing on... and how you never noticed that it is made of quicksand.


Featured Films

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (03:02) - Introducing Chelsea Stardust!
  • (04:18) - Rug Pullers
  • (05:55) - Ghostwatch
  • (09:07) - GW1
  • (09:29) - Ghostwatch
  • (25:08) - GW2
  • (25:41) - Ghostwatch
  • (31:21) - GW3
  • (31:51) - Barbarian
  • (55:01) - Strange Darling
  • (01:16:23) - Coming Attractions

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]]> No The Drac Pack 3 3 11 11 The Drac Pack full a2b3fee6-c620-4626-b4cf-76f96f45b09c https://share.transistor.fm/s/3e934141 Dracula may never stay dead, but his film incarnations sure evolve—or devolve—across decades. In this episode, Kyle Olson guides Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, and Tommy Metz III through three flavors of Dracula: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Dracula 2000, and Dracula Untold.

They dig into Coppola’s sweaty gothic melodrama, where Oldman chews the scenery and Keanu Reeves gets chewed out. Then it’s on to Dracula 2000, where Gerard Butler’s vampire has some serious history, and finally Dracula Untold, where Luke Evans broods his way through a Marvel-ified antihero origin story.

The team debates: Is Dracula sexy? Is he even supposed to be? Is he best as a metaphor for carnal desire, theological vengeance, or medieval honor? And what happens when you declaw the monster in hopes of building a cinematic universe?

Kyle signs off with a legacy worthy of the Count himself, and Tommy reveals next month’s theme: rug-pulling horror films with Barbarian, Strange Darling, and the legendary British TV special Ghostwatch.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (03:07) - Bram Stoker's Dracula
  • (29:07) - Dracula 2000
  • (45:02) - Dracula Untold
  • (01:03:37) - The Drac Pack
  • (01:10:09) - But Kyle promised immortality!
  • (01:12:08) - Coming Attractions

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]]> Dracula may never stay dead, but his film incarnations sure evolve—or devolve—across decades. In this episode, Kyle Olson guides Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, and Tommy Metz III through three flavors of Dracula: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Dracula 2000, and Dracula Untold.

They dig into Coppola’s sweaty gothic melodrama, where Oldman chews the scenery and Keanu Reeves gets chewed out. Then it’s on to Dracula 2000, where Gerard Butler’s vampire has some serious history, and finally Dracula Untold, where Luke Evans broods his way through a Marvel-ified antihero origin story.

The team debates: Is Dracula sexy? Is he even supposed to be? Is he best as a metaphor for carnal desire, theological vengeance, or medieval honor? And what happens when you declaw the monster in hopes of building a cinematic universe?

Kyle signs off with a legacy worthy of the Count himself, and Tommy reveals next month’s theme: rug-pulling horror films with Barbarian, Strange Darling, and the legendary British TV special Ghostwatch.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (03:07) - Bram Stoker's Dracula
  • (29:07) - Dracula 2000
  • (45:02) - Dracula Untold
  • (01:03:37) - The Drac Pack
  • (01:10:09) - But Kyle promised immortality!
  • (01:12:08) - Coming Attractions

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]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4549 Dracula may never stay dead, but his film incarnations sure evolve—or devolve—across decades. In this episode, Kyle Olson guides Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, and Tommy Metz III through three flavors of Dracula: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Dracula 2000, and Dracula Untold.

They dig into Coppola’s sweaty gothic melodrama, where Oldman chews the scenery and Keanu Reeves gets chewed out. Then it’s on to Dracula 2000, where Gerard Butler’s vampire has some serious history, and finally Dracula Untold, where Luke Evans broods his way through a Marvel-ified antihero origin story.

The team debates: Is Dracula sexy? Is he even supposed to be? Is he best as a metaphor for carnal desire, theological vengeance, or medieval honor? And what happens when you declaw the monster in hopes of building a cinematic universe?

Kyle signs off with a legacy worthy of the Count himself, and Tommy reveals next month’s theme: rug-pulling horror films with Barbarian, Strange Darling, and the legendary British TV special Ghostwatch.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (03:07) - Bram Stoker's Dracula
  • (29:07) - Dracula 2000
  • (45:02) - Dracula Untold
  • (01:03:37) - The Drac Pack
  • (01:10:09) - But Kyle promised immortality!
  • (01:12:08) - Coming Attractions

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]]> No The Bride, The Boy, and the Firetruck: Coded Queer Horror Cinema 3 3 10 10 The Bride, The Boy, and the Firetruck: Coded Queer Horror Cinema full 518375c7-a396-4b66-914d-4979ddae63f1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/72c65b61 This Pride Month edition of Sitting in the Dark shines a lavender light on the long-standing but often invisible relationship between horror cinema and queer identity. Host Kynan Dias traces horror’s appeal to outsiders—particularly LGBTQ+ viewers—who find coded representation in monsters, victims, and the margins of genre storytelling.

The episode dives deep into three genre-defining films.

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

James Whale’s campy sequel is reevaluated as a foundational queer text. The panel explores how Whale, an out gay director, infused the film with coded themes of same-sex companionship, rejection, and theatricality. From Dr. Pretorius’s foppish villainy to the Bride’s brief, iconic scream, the film is bursting with subtext—much of it retroactively interpreted through the lens of queer longing and societal othering. The group also riffs on Whale’s tonal whiplash, Elsa Lanchester’s cultural impact, and why “We belong dead” might be the most tragic queer line in horror history.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)

Often derided as a messy sequel, this film is now embraced by many as a camp classic of queer horror. The conversation covers the now-notorious creative denials around its subtext, the dynamic between actor Mark Patton and the filmmakers, and the striking presence of a “final boy” whose journey blurs lines between possession, repression, and queer awakening. The film’s overt homoeroticism—locker rooms, leather bars, and sweaty dance sequences—is discussed not just for laughs, but as meaningful queer coding in the Reagan-era horror landscape. The panel also reckons with Freddy as a metaphor for internalized shame, and what it means when a horror film can’t quite let its subtext become text.

Titane (2021)

Winner of the Palme d’Or and easily the most divisive film of the trio, Titane pushes the panel into complex conversations about gender fluidity, body horror, and the relationship between performance and identity. Is this a trans allegory? A critique of binaries? Or just a deeply weird tale of trauma and transformation? The hosts wrestle with the film’s ambiguity, discussing its uncompromising visuals, unexpectedly tender surrogate father-son relationship, and what it means to build a chosen family amidst radical bodily change. Some saw it as alienating; others, transcendent. All agreed: this one will be analyzed for decades.

This episode doesn’t wrap everything up with a rainbow bow—and that’s the point. Horror isn’t tidy, and queerness rarely comes with clean lines or clear labels. But if you’ve ever felt like the monster, the final someone, or the person who’s just a little too into the firetruck, this conversation might feel like coming home. Or at least like sitting in the dark with people who see what you see.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:33) - Coded Queer Horror
  • (04:31) - Dealing with the Morality Police
  • (10:49) - Bride of Frankenstein
  • (29:42) - A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge
  • (48:23) - Titane
  • (01:16:14) - Coming Attractions: The Drac Pack

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> This Pride Month edition of Sitting in the Dark shines a lavender light on the long-standing but often invisible relationship between horror cinema and queer identity. Host Kynan Dias traces horror’s appeal to outsiders—particularly LGBTQ+ viewers—who find coded representation in monsters, victims, and the margins of genre storytelling.

The episode dives deep into three genre-defining films.

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

James Whale’s campy sequel is reevaluated as a foundational queer text. The panel explores how Whale, an out gay director, infused the film with coded themes of same-sex companionship, rejection, and theatricality. From Dr. Pretorius’s foppish villainy to the Bride’s brief, iconic scream, the film is bursting with subtext—much of it retroactively interpreted through the lens of queer longing and societal othering. The group also riffs on Whale’s tonal whiplash, Elsa Lanchester’s cultural impact, and why “We belong dead” might be the most tragic queer line in horror history.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)

Often derided as a messy sequel, this film is now embraced by many as a camp classic of queer horror. The conversation covers the now-notorious creative denials around its subtext, the dynamic between actor Mark Patton and the filmmakers, and the striking presence of a “final boy” whose journey blurs lines between possession, repression, and queer awakening. The film’s overt homoeroticism—locker rooms, leather bars, and sweaty dance sequences—is discussed not just for laughs, but as meaningful queer coding in the Reagan-era horror landscape. The panel also reckons with Freddy as a metaphor for internalized shame, and what it means when a horror film can’t quite let its subtext become text.

Titane (2021)

Winner of the Palme d’Or and easily the most divisive film of the trio, Titane pushes the panel into complex conversations about gender fluidity, body horror, and the relationship between performance and identity. Is this a trans allegory? A critique of binaries? Or just a deeply weird tale of trauma and transformation? The hosts wrestle with the film’s ambiguity, discussing its uncompromising visuals, unexpectedly tender surrogate father-son relationship, and what it means to build a chosen family amidst radical bodily change. Some saw it as alienating; others, transcendent. All agreed: this one will be analyzed for decades.

This episode doesn’t wrap everything up with a rainbow bow—and that’s the point. Horror isn’t tidy, and queerness rarely comes with clean lines or clear labels. But if you’ve ever felt like the monster, the final someone, or the person who’s just a little too into the firetruck, this conversation might feel like coming home. Or at least like sitting in the dark with people who see what you see.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:33) - Coded Queer Horror
  • (04:31) - Dealing with the Morality Police
  • (10:49) - Bride of Frankenstein
  • (29:42) - A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge
  • (48:23) - Titane
  • (01:16:14) - Coming Attractions: The Drac Pack

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4802 This Pride Month edition of Sitting in the Dark shines a lavender light on the long-standing but often invisible relationship between horror cinema and queer identity. Host Kynan Dias traces horror’s appeal to outsiders—particularly LGBTQ+ viewers—who find coded representation in monsters, victims, and the margins of genre storytelling.

The episode dives deep into three genre-defining films.

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

James Whale’s campy sequel is reevaluated as a foundational queer text. The panel explores how Whale, an out gay director, infused the film with coded themes of same-sex companionship, rejection, and theatricality. From Dr. Pretorius’s foppish villainy to the Bride’s brief, iconic scream, the film is bursting with subtext—much of it retroactively interpreted through the lens of queer longing and societal othering. The group also riffs on Whale’s tonal whiplash, Elsa Lanchester’s cultural impact, and why “We belong dead” might be the most tragic queer line in horror history.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)

Often derided as a messy sequel, this film is now embraced by many as a camp classic of queer horror. The conversation covers the now-notorious creative denials around its subtext, the dynamic between actor Mark Patton and the filmmakers, and the striking presence of a “final boy” whose journey blurs lines between possession, repression, and queer awakening. The film’s overt homoeroticism—locker rooms, leather bars, and sweaty dance sequences—is discussed not just for laughs, but as meaningful queer coding in the Reagan-era horror landscape. The panel also reckons with Freddy as a metaphor for internalized shame, and what it means when a horror film can’t quite let its subtext become text.

Titane (2021)

Winner of the Palme d’Or and easily the most divisive film of the trio, Titane pushes the panel into complex conversations about gender fluidity, body horror, and the relationship between performance and identity. Is this a trans allegory? A critique of binaries? Or just a deeply weird tale of trauma and transformation? The hosts wrestle with the film’s ambiguity, discussing its uncompromising visuals, unexpectedly tender surrogate father-son relationship, and what it means to build a chosen family amidst radical bodily change. Some saw it as alienating; others, transcendent. All agreed: this one will be analyzed for decades.

This episode doesn’t wrap everything up with a rainbow bow—and that’s the point. Horror isn’t tidy, and queerness rarely comes with clean lines or clear labels. But if you’ve ever felt like the monster, the final someone, or the person who’s just a little too into the firetruck, this conversation might feel like coming home. Or at least like sitting in the dark with people who see what you see.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:33) - Coded Queer Horror
  • (04:31) - Dealing with the Morality Police
  • (10:49) - Bride of Frankenstein
  • (29:42) - A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge
  • (48:23) - Titane
  • (01:16:14) - Coming Attractions: The Drac Pack

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No Mommy Acts This Way Because she Loves You 3 3 9 9 Mommy Acts This Way Because she Loves You full 437217a7-d09b-49f1-b21f-bdc6d647c781 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6836524 Pete Wright hosts a brutally personal Mother’s Day episode of Sitting in the Dark, joined by regular co-conspirators Kyle Olson, Kynan Dias, and Tommy Metz III, as they dig into three films that ask a profoundly unsettling question: What if Mom is the monster?

We start with Run (2020), a film that’s more “Lifetime original” than it has any right to be. It’s clean, tight, and distressingly effective. Sarah Paulson’s performance is terrifying not because she twirls her mustache but because she doesn’t have one. And newcomer Kiera Allen rolls (yes, rolls) away with the movie by doing exactly what her character does best—staying two clever steps ahead.

Next, Goodnight Mommy (2014). Austrian, austere, and absolutely harrowing. It’s a film about maternal misrecognition, grief-fueled delusion, and the dangers of not labeling your twins’ toothbrushes. There’s a twist, and if you see it coming, that won’t make the third act any less of a gut punch. It’s what happens when grief curdles, and no one’s left to explain bedtime.

And then: mother! (2017). Darren Aronofsky’s symphonic descent into allegorical madness. Sure, it’s “about” the Bible. It’s also about climate change. It’s about patriarchy, artistic ego, and the cosmic price of hospitality. Or maybe it’s just a guy on a cocaine bender writing a play he’ll never finish. Whether you think it’s pretentious or profound (hint: it’s both), one thing is clear—Jennifer Lawrence earns every ounce of your attention and maybe a few gallons of blood.

Across these three films, the panel explores how motherhood in horror isn’t just about nurture gone wrong. It’s about architecture—both of the home and the psyche. It’s about women who are worshipped, consumed, blamed, and erased. And yes, sometimes it’s about cockroaches.

Films Discussed:

  • Run (2020) – dir. Aneesh Chaganty
  • Goodnight Mommy (2014) – dir. Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala
  • mother! (2017) – dir. Darren Aronofsky

Coming Attractions

For Pride Month, Kynan’s curating a trio of queer-coded and queer-explicit horror: from the monstrous repression of Nightmare on Elm Street 2, to the camp and creaturehood of Bride of Frankenstein, to the raw queer body-horror ballet of Titane. You won’t want to miss it.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:57) - The Horror Bond of Motherhood
  • (10:33) - Run
  • (27:35) - Goodnight Mommy
  • (44:31) - Mother!
  • (01:04:41) - Coming attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Pete Wright hosts a brutally personal Mother’s Day episode of Sitting in the Dark, joined by regular co-conspirators Kyle Olson, Kynan Dias, and Tommy Metz III, as they dig into three films that ask a profoundly unsettling question: What if Mom is the monster?

We start with Run (2020), a film that’s more “Lifetime original” than it has any right to be. It’s clean, tight, and distressingly effective. Sarah Paulson’s performance is terrifying not because she twirls her mustache but because she doesn’t have one. And newcomer Kiera Allen rolls (yes, rolls) away with the movie by doing exactly what her character does best—staying two clever steps ahead.

Next, Goodnight Mommy (2014). Austrian, austere, and absolutely harrowing. It’s a film about maternal misrecognition, grief-fueled delusion, and the dangers of not labeling your twins’ toothbrushes. There’s a twist, and if you see it coming, that won’t make the third act any less of a gut punch. It’s what happens when grief curdles, and no one’s left to explain bedtime.

And then: mother! (2017). Darren Aronofsky’s symphonic descent into allegorical madness. Sure, it’s “about” the Bible. It’s also about climate change. It’s about patriarchy, artistic ego, and the cosmic price of hospitality. Or maybe it’s just a guy on a cocaine bender writing a play he’ll never finish. Whether you think it’s pretentious or profound (hint: it’s both), one thing is clear—Jennifer Lawrence earns every ounce of your attention and maybe a few gallons of blood.

Across these three films, the panel explores how motherhood in horror isn’t just about nurture gone wrong. It’s about architecture—both of the home and the psyche. It’s about women who are worshipped, consumed, blamed, and erased. And yes, sometimes it’s about cockroaches.

Films Discussed:

  • Run (2020) – dir. Aneesh Chaganty
  • Goodnight Mommy (2014) – dir. Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala
  • mother! (2017) – dir. Darren Aronofsky

Coming Attractions

For Pride Month, Kynan’s curating a trio of queer-coded and queer-explicit horror: from the monstrous repression of Nightmare on Elm Street 2, to the camp and creaturehood of Bride of Frankenstein, to the raw queer body-horror ballet of Titane. You won’t want to miss it.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:57) - The Horror Bond of Motherhood
  • (10:33) - Run
  • (27:35) - Goodnight Mommy
  • (44:31) - Mother!
  • (01:04:41) - Coming attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 30 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4100 Pete Wright hosts a brutally personal Mother’s Day episode of Sitting in the Dark, joined by regular co-conspirators Kyle Olson, Kynan Dias, and Tommy Metz III, as they dig into three films that ask a profoundly unsettling question: What if Mom is the monster?

We start with Run (2020), a film that’s more “Lifetime original” than it has any right to be. It’s clean, tight, and distressingly effective. Sarah Paulson’s performance is terrifying not because she twirls her mustache but because she doesn’t have one. And newcomer Kiera Allen rolls (yes, rolls) away with the movie by doing exactly what her character does best—staying two clever steps ahead.

Next, Goodnight Mommy (2014). Austrian, austere, and absolutely harrowing. It’s a film about maternal misrecognition, grief-fueled delusion, and the dangers of not labeling your twins’ toothbrushes. There’s a twist, and if you see it coming, that won’t make the third act any less of a gut punch. It’s what happens when grief curdles, and no one’s left to explain bedtime.

And then: mother! (2017). Darren Aronofsky’s symphonic descent into allegorical madness. Sure, it’s “about” the Bible. It’s also about climate change. It’s about patriarchy, artistic ego, and the cosmic price of hospitality. Or maybe it’s just a guy on a cocaine bender writing a play he’ll never finish. Whether you think it’s pretentious or profound (hint: it’s both), one thing is clear—Jennifer Lawrence earns every ounce of your attention and maybe a few gallons of blood.

Across these three films, the panel explores how motherhood in horror isn’t just about nurture gone wrong. It’s about architecture—both of the home and the psyche. It’s about women who are worshipped, consumed, blamed, and erased. And yes, sometimes it’s about cockroaches.

Films Discussed:

  • Run (2020) – dir. Aneesh Chaganty
  • Goodnight Mommy (2014) – dir. Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala
  • mother! (2017) – dir. Darren Aronofsky

Coming Attractions

For Pride Month, Kynan’s curating a trio of queer-coded and queer-explicit horror: from the monstrous repression of Nightmare on Elm Street 2, to the camp and creaturehood of Bride of Frankenstein, to the raw queer body-horror ballet of Titane. You won’t want to miss it.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:57) - The Horror Bond of Motherhood
  • (10:33) - Run
  • (27:35) - Goodnight Mommy
  • (44:31) - Mother!
  • (01:04:41) - Coming attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> No Location Location Location! Haunted Spaces and the Haunted People Within Them 3 3 8 8 Location Location Location! Haunted Spaces and the Haunted People Within Them full 7c7a277f-a27e-4d45-86d8-5e848751aeb8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/980c77ba Welcome, you depraved ghouls and ghost enthusiasts, to another episode of Sitting in the Dark—the podcast where we ask the truly vital horror questions, like, “Is this house cursed by restless spirits, or is it just what happens when unresolved trauma and black mold get into a knife fight?” This week, host Tommy Metz III is joined by fellow ghost provocateurs Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, and Kyle Olson to dig into haunted house horror—though not just your average “the walls are bleeding, but let’s still stay the night” tales. No, we’re talking haunted spaces—as in, Session 9, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and The Others—three films that prove the scariest thing in any building isn’t the wallpaper peeling off the walls… it’s the emotional wreckage you brought with you.

Tommy kicks things off with a haunted homage to asbestos removal (yes, really), leading a deep dive into Brad Anderson’s Session 9—the only film that will make you afraid of abandoned hospitals and David Caruso’s dramatic whisper-acting. Then it’s on to Mike Flanagan’s miraculous studio rescue, Ouija: Origin of Evil—the rare horror prequel that’s smarter than its brand deal, sharper than its title suggests, and way too good to be based on a board game. Finally, the gang closes the coffin lid on Alejandro Amenábar’s The Others, Nicole Kidman’s masterclass in weaponized repression, ghostly guilt, and why sunlight is overrated anyway.

Along the way, expect critical mass levels of hot takes on ghost psychology, asbestos-based metaphors, PG-13 trauma horror, and why the real haunted house is sometimes the one you build inside your own mind. So pull the blackout curtains tight, polish your crucifixes, and maybe call your therapist—because tonight, we’re not just sitting in the dark. We are the dark.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:29) - Do you LOVE Ghost Stories
  • (04:59) - Thinking about Haunted House Tales
  • (11:25) - Session 9
  • (19:17) - Mysterious Peanut Butter
  • (21:01) - Session 9
  • (30:40) - Ouija: Origin of Evil
  • (50:13) - The Others

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]]> Welcome, you depraved ghouls and ghost enthusiasts, to another episode of Sitting in the Dark—the podcast where we ask the truly vital horror questions, like, “Is this house cursed by restless spirits, or is it just what happens when unresolved trauma and black mold get into a knife fight?” This week, host Tommy Metz III is joined by fellow ghost provocateurs Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, and Kyle Olson to dig into haunted house horror—though not just your average “the walls are bleeding, but let’s still stay the night” tales. No, we’re talking haunted spaces—as in, Session 9, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and The Others—three films that prove the scariest thing in any building isn’t the wallpaper peeling off the walls… it’s the emotional wreckage you brought with you.

Tommy kicks things off with a haunted homage to asbestos removal (yes, really), leading a deep dive into Brad Anderson’s Session 9—the only film that will make you afraid of abandoned hospitals and David Caruso’s dramatic whisper-acting. Then it’s on to Mike Flanagan’s miraculous studio rescue, Ouija: Origin of Evil—the rare horror prequel that’s smarter than its brand deal, sharper than its title suggests, and way too good to be based on a board game. Finally, the gang closes the coffin lid on Alejandro Amenábar’s The Others, Nicole Kidman’s masterclass in weaponized repression, ghostly guilt, and why sunlight is overrated anyway.

Along the way, expect critical mass levels of hot takes on ghost psychology, asbestos-based metaphors, PG-13 trauma horror, and why the real haunted house is sometimes the one you build inside your own mind. So pull the blackout curtains tight, polish your crucifixes, and maybe call your therapist—because tonight, we’re not just sitting in the dark. We are the dark.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:29) - Do you LOVE Ghost Stories
  • (04:59) - Thinking about Haunted House Tales
  • (11:25) - Session 9
  • (19:17) - Mysterious Peanut Butter
  • (21:01) - Session 9
  • (30:40) - Ouija: Origin of Evil
  • (50:13) - The Others

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]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4698 Welcome, you depraved ghouls and ghost enthusiasts, to another episode of Sitting in the Dark—the podcast where we ask the truly vital horror questions, like, “Is this house cursed by restless spirits, or is it just what happens when unresolved trauma and black mold get into a knife fight?” This week, host Tommy Metz III is joined by fellow ghost provocateurs Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, and Kyle Olson to dig into haunted house horror—though not just your average “the walls are bleeding, but let’s still stay the night” tales. No, we’re talking haunted spaces—as in, Session 9, Ouija: Origin of Evil, and The Others—three films that prove the scariest thing in any building isn’t the wallpaper peeling off the walls… it’s the emotional wreckage you brought with you.

Tommy kicks things off with a haunted homage to asbestos removal (yes, really), leading a deep dive into Brad Anderson’s Session 9—the only film that will make you afraid of abandoned hospitals and David Caruso’s dramatic whisper-acting. Then it’s on to Mike Flanagan’s miraculous studio rescue, Ouija: Origin of Evil—the rare horror prequel that’s smarter than its brand deal, sharper than its title suggests, and way too good to be based on a board game. Finally, the gang closes the coffin lid on Alejandro Amenábar’s The Others, Nicole Kidman’s masterclass in weaponized repression, ghostly guilt, and why sunlight is overrated anyway.

Along the way, expect critical mass levels of hot takes on ghost psychology, asbestos-based metaphors, PG-13 trauma horror, and why the real haunted house is sometimes the one you build inside your own mind. So pull the blackout curtains tight, polish your crucifixes, and maybe call your therapist—because tonight, we’re not just sitting in the dark. We are the dark.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:29) - Do you LOVE Ghost Stories
  • (04:59) - Thinking about Haunted House Tales
  • (11:25) - Session 9
  • (19:17) - Mysterious Peanut Butter
  • (21:01) - Session 9
  • (30:40) - Ouija: Origin of Evil
  • (50:13) - The Others

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]]> No Last Woman Standing 3 3 7 7 Last Woman Standing full 430a956d-d9af-498a-ae4a-e345a3669e19 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a253b197 For nearly a century, horror films have told us a story—one of terror, of survival, of the inevitable confrontation between innocence and brutality. But there’s one story, in particular, that has evolved in ways both subtle and seismic: the story of the Final Girl.

It begins in the shadows, in the screams of Janet Leigh, in the wide, terror-stricken eyes of Jamie Lee Curtis. The Final Girl is the last one standing, the one who fights back, who outwits the killer, who survives. But survival is never just survival, is it? It’s transformation.

It’s a reckoning. And it’s a mirror reflecting the anxieties of the era.

In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, Kyle Olson takes us on a journey—a journey that moves from the early days of horror’s damsels-in-distress to the fierce, unrelenting heroines of the modern era. With Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Kynan Dias by his side, the discussion turns to three films that redefine the trope for the 21st century: Prey (2022), Sweetheart (2019), and The Invisible Man (2020).

What do these films tell us about the evolution of gender in horror? How does the Final Girl of today differ from her predecessors? And perhaps most intriguingly, why are these stories—stories written by men—resonating so deeply with audiences yearning for something different?

From the jungles of Prey to the desolate island of Sweetheart to the omnipresent, unseen menace of The Invisible Man, this is an exploration of fear, of power, and of the ghosts that refuse to be ignored. Because in horror, as in life, survival is never just about making it to the end. It’s about what you become along the way.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:31) - Sweetheart
  • (19:33) - Prey
  • (40:49) - The Invisible Man
  • (01:02:16) - Coming Attractions

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]]> For nearly a century, horror films have told us a story—one of terror, of survival, of the inevitable confrontation between innocence and brutality. But there’s one story, in particular, that has evolved in ways both subtle and seismic: the story of the Final Girl.

It begins in the shadows, in the screams of Janet Leigh, in the wide, terror-stricken eyes of Jamie Lee Curtis. The Final Girl is the last one standing, the one who fights back, who outwits the killer, who survives. But survival is never just survival, is it? It’s transformation.

It’s a reckoning. And it’s a mirror reflecting the anxieties of the era.

In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, Kyle Olson takes us on a journey—a journey that moves from the early days of horror’s damsels-in-distress to the fierce, unrelenting heroines of the modern era. With Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Kynan Dias by his side, the discussion turns to three films that redefine the trope for the 21st century: Prey (2022), Sweetheart (2019), and The Invisible Man (2020).

What do these films tell us about the evolution of gender in horror? How does the Final Girl of today differ from her predecessors? And perhaps most intriguingly, why are these stories—stories written by men—resonating so deeply with audiences yearning for something different?

From the jungles of Prey to the desolate island of Sweetheart to the omnipresent, unseen menace of The Invisible Man, this is an exploration of fear, of power, and of the ghosts that refuse to be ignored. Because in horror, as in life, survival is never just about making it to the end. It’s about what you become along the way.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:31) - Sweetheart
  • (19:33) - Prey
  • (40:49) - The Invisible Man
  • (01:02:16) - Coming Attractions

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]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 3896 For nearly a century, horror films have told us a story—one of terror, of survival, of the inevitable confrontation between innocence and brutality. But there’s one story, in particular, that has evolved in ways both subtle and seismic: the story of the Final Girl.

It begins in the shadows, in the screams of Janet Leigh, in the wide, terror-stricken eyes of Jamie Lee Curtis. The Final Girl is the last one standing, the one who fights back, who outwits the killer, who survives. But survival is never just survival, is it? It’s transformation.

It’s a reckoning. And it’s a mirror reflecting the anxieties of the era.

In this episode of Sitting in the Dark, Kyle Olson takes us on a journey—a journey that moves from the early days of horror’s damsels-in-distress to the fierce, unrelenting heroines of the modern era. With Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Kynan Dias by his side, the discussion turns to three films that redefine the trope for the 21st century: Prey (2022), Sweetheart (2019), and The Invisible Man (2020).

What do these films tell us about the evolution of gender in horror? How does the Final Girl of today differ from her predecessors? And perhaps most intriguingly, why are these stories—stories written by men—resonating so deeply with audiences yearning for something different?

From the jungles of Prey to the desolate island of Sweetheart to the omnipresent, unseen menace of The Invisible Man, this is an exploration of fear, of power, and of the ghosts that refuse to be ignored. Because in horror, as in life, survival is never just about making it to the end. It’s about what you become along the way.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:31) - Sweetheart
  • (19:33) - Prey
  • (40:49) - The Invisible Man
  • (01:02:16) - Coming Attractions

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]]> No Sexy, Sexy Monsters 3 3 6 6 Sexy, Sexy Monsters full 4a433759-24be-46b3-9a68-7d5fc96c3493 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4123a51f Welcome to Sitting in the Dark, the podcast that illuminates the shadowy corners of horror cinema. This month, your host, Kynan Dias, and a coven of his most insightful monster aficionados – Pete Wright, Kyle Olson, and Tommy Metz III – go under the sheets into a chillingly erotic realm: the intersection of horror and sex.

Now, we're not talking about the gratuitous, the exploitative. No, this is a deeper dive, a plunge into the murky waters where fear and desire intertwine. Think of it as the uncanny valley of emotion – that unsettling space where repulsion and attraction collide.

Our cinematic subjects? A trio of films that span decades and genres, each offering a unique perspective on this monstrous ménage à trois. First, we confront the hallucinatory, emotionally raw world of Andrzej Żuławski's Possession. Isabelle Adjani's Cannes-winning performance anchors this psychosexual nightmare, a film that pushes the boundaries of body horror and marital breakdown. Prepare for tentacles. Prepare for existential dread. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about love and divorce.

Next, we shapeshift into Mike Nichols' Wolf, a film that explores the beast within. Jack Nicholson's transformation from corporate drone to lycanthrope becomes a metaphor for unleashed primal instincts.

Finally, we sink our teeth into Karen Kusama's Jennifer's Body. This darkly comedic horror-satire tackles the complexities of female desire and monstrous appetites. Megan Fox, as the titular Jennifer, embodies the seductive power of the demonic feminine, a force that both allures and devours.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:51) - Sexy, Sexy Monsters
  • (05:51) - Possession
  • (24:32) - Wolf
  • (46:27) - Jennifer's Body
  • (01:10:23) - Coming Attractions: Last Woman Standing

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]]> Welcome to Sitting in the Dark, the podcast that illuminates the shadowy corners of horror cinema. This month, your host, Kynan Dias, and a coven of his most insightful monster aficionados – Pete Wright, Kyle Olson, and Tommy Metz III – go under the sheets into a chillingly erotic realm: the intersection of horror and sex.

Now, we're not talking about the gratuitous, the exploitative. No, this is a deeper dive, a plunge into the murky waters where fear and desire intertwine. Think of it as the uncanny valley of emotion – that unsettling space where repulsion and attraction collide.

Our cinematic subjects? A trio of films that span decades and genres, each offering a unique perspective on this monstrous ménage à trois. First, we confront the hallucinatory, emotionally raw world of Andrzej Żuławski's Possession. Isabelle Adjani's Cannes-winning performance anchors this psychosexual nightmare, a film that pushes the boundaries of body horror and marital breakdown. Prepare for tentacles. Prepare for existential dread. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about love and divorce.

Next, we shapeshift into Mike Nichols' Wolf, a film that explores the beast within. Jack Nicholson's transformation from corporate drone to lycanthrope becomes a metaphor for unleashed primal instincts.

Finally, we sink our teeth into Karen Kusama's Jennifer's Body. This darkly comedic horror-satire tackles the complexities of female desire and monstrous appetites. Megan Fox, as the titular Jennifer, embodies the seductive power of the demonic feminine, a force that both allures and devours.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:51) - Sexy, Sexy Monsters
  • (05:51) - Possession
  • (24:32) - Wolf
  • (46:27) - Jennifer's Body
  • (01:10:23) - Coming Attractions: Last Woman Standing

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 31 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4366 Welcome to Sitting in the Dark, the podcast that illuminates the shadowy corners of horror cinema. This month, your host, Kynan Dias, and a coven of his most insightful monster aficionados – Pete Wright, Kyle Olson, and Tommy Metz III – go under the sheets into a chillingly erotic realm: the intersection of horror and sex.

Now, we're not talking about the gratuitous, the exploitative. No, this is a deeper dive, a plunge into the murky waters where fear and desire intertwine. Think of it as the uncanny valley of emotion – that unsettling space where repulsion and attraction collide.

Our cinematic subjects? A trio of films that span decades and genres, each offering a unique perspective on this monstrous ménage à trois. First, we confront the hallucinatory, emotionally raw world of Andrzej Żuławski's Possession. Isabelle Adjani's Cannes-winning performance anchors this psychosexual nightmare, a film that pushes the boundaries of body horror and marital breakdown. Prepare for tentacles. Prepare for existential dread. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about love and divorce.

Next, we shapeshift into Mike Nichols' Wolf, a film that explores the beast within. Jack Nicholson's transformation from corporate drone to lycanthrope becomes a metaphor for unleashed primal instincts.

Finally, we sink our teeth into Karen Kusama's Jennifer's Body. This darkly comedic horror-satire tackles the complexities of female desire and monstrous appetites. Megan Fox, as the titular Jennifer, embodies the seductive power of the demonic feminine, a force that both allures and devours.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:51) - Sexy, Sexy Monsters
  • (05:51) - Possession
  • (24:32) - Wolf
  • (46:27) - Jennifer's Body
  • (01:10:23) - Coming Attractions: Last Woman Standing

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> No First Frights 3 3 5 5 First Frights full 8ad9c760-913a-403b-8a60-d1e1b964db77 https://share.transistor.fm/s/84b2a681 What makes a single movie become a phenomenon? What is it about certain films—films that arrive in theaters, scare the daylights out of us, and then stay with us—that transforms them into franchises spanning decades? Why does one horror film birth sequels, spin-offs, reboots, and even TV shows, while others fade quietly into obscurity?

Picture this: a young boy receives a doll for his birthday, only to discover it’s inhabited by the spirit of a serial killer. Elsewhere, a teenager falls asleep, only to find herself hunted by a burned man in a striped sweater who kills through dreams. And, in another corner of horror lore, a puzzle box opens the doors to a realm of sadistic creatures who blur the line between pleasure and pain. These, taken on their own, sound mostly ridiculous.

Child’s Play, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Hellraiser. These three films became more than just singular stories—they evolved into worlds. Worlds filled with iconic characters like Chucky, Freddy Krueger, and Pinhead, names that transcend the genre to become part of pop culture itself. But how?

Why do some horror films captivate us so deeply that we want to revisit their worlds, again and again? Why do we keep coming back to the dolls, the dream-demons, and the interdimensional sadists? Unforgettable villains? Unique and terrifying concepts? Marketing? Or is it something deeper—something they reflect about us, about our society, about our fears?

Today, we’re going to explore this question by diving into these three legendary horror films as we take on First Frights this month on Sitting in the Dark with Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, Kyle Olson, and Tommy Metz III.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:35) - First Frights
  • (06:01) - A Nightmare on Elm Street
  • (24:16) - Hellraiser
  • (44:55) - Child's Play
  • (01:04:24) - Coming Attractions: Sexy, Sexy Monsters!

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> What makes a single movie become a phenomenon? What is it about certain films—films that arrive in theaters, scare the daylights out of us, and then stay with us—that transforms them into franchises spanning decades? Why does one horror film birth sequels, spin-offs, reboots, and even TV shows, while others fade quietly into obscurity?

Picture this: a young boy receives a doll for his birthday, only to discover it’s inhabited by the spirit of a serial killer. Elsewhere, a teenager falls asleep, only to find herself hunted by a burned man in a striped sweater who kills through dreams. And, in another corner of horror lore, a puzzle box opens the doors to a realm of sadistic creatures who blur the line between pleasure and pain. These, taken on their own, sound mostly ridiculous.

Child’s Play, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Hellraiser. These three films became more than just singular stories—they evolved into worlds. Worlds filled with iconic characters like Chucky, Freddy Krueger, and Pinhead, names that transcend the genre to become part of pop culture itself. But how?

Why do some horror films captivate us so deeply that we want to revisit their worlds, again and again? Why do we keep coming back to the dolls, the dream-demons, and the interdimensional sadists? Unforgettable villains? Unique and terrifying concepts? Marketing? Or is it something deeper—something they reflect about us, about our society, about our fears?

Today, we’re going to explore this question by diving into these three legendary horror films as we take on First Frights this month on Sitting in the Dark with Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, Kyle Olson, and Tommy Metz III.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:35) - First Frights
  • (06:01) - A Nightmare on Elm Street
  • (24:16) - Hellraiser
  • (44:55) - Child's Play
  • (01:04:24) - Coming Attractions: Sexy, Sexy Monsters!

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4052 What makes a single movie become a phenomenon? What is it about certain films—films that arrive in theaters, scare the daylights out of us, and then stay with us—that transforms them into franchises spanning decades? Why does one horror film birth sequels, spin-offs, reboots, and even TV shows, while others fade quietly into obscurity?

Picture this: a young boy receives a doll for his birthday, only to discover it’s inhabited by the spirit of a serial killer. Elsewhere, a teenager falls asleep, only to find herself hunted by a burned man in a striped sweater who kills through dreams. And, in another corner of horror lore, a puzzle box opens the doors to a realm of sadistic creatures who blur the line between pleasure and pain. These, taken on their own, sound mostly ridiculous.

Child’s Play, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Hellraiser. These three films became more than just singular stories—they evolved into worlds. Worlds filled with iconic characters like Chucky, Freddy Krueger, and Pinhead, names that transcend the genre to become part of pop culture itself. But how?

Why do some horror films captivate us so deeply that we want to revisit their worlds, again and again? Why do we keep coming back to the dolls, the dream-demons, and the interdimensional sadists? Unforgettable villains? Unique and terrifying concepts? Marketing? Or is it something deeper—something they reflect about us, about our society, about our fears?

Today, we’re going to explore this question by diving into these three legendary horror films as we take on First Frights this month on Sitting in the Dark with Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, Kyle Olson, and Tommy Metz III.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:35) - First Frights
  • (06:01) - A Nightmare on Elm Street
  • (24:16) - Hellraiser
  • (44:55) - Child's Play
  • (01:04:24) - Coming Attractions: Sexy, Sexy Monsters!

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> No Okay, BOOOOmer 3 3 4 4 Okay, BOOOOmer full ec77bb4a-9b43-4ab4-8836-72c082b276f1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f804f7c7 Tommy, our intrepid host, plunges into the abyss of existential dread this week, dragging Kyle, Kynan, and Pete along for the harrowing ride. They grapple with three films that explore the unnerving realities behind the horrors of being an adult.

First up, Vivarium. Imagine, if you will, the quintessential suburban nightmare. Cookie-cutter houses stretching into an unsettling infinity, a chirping, unsettling child not your own, and the slow, creeping realization that escape is an illusion. Is it a commentary on the soul-crushing monotony of modern life? A chilling parable of alien brood parasitism? Or perhaps, a darkly comedic reflection of parenthood itself?

Next, they venture into the corporate jungle with The Belko Experiment. Eighty employees trapped in a high-rise, forced to participate in a gruesome game of kill-or-be-killed. The veneer of civility shatters, revealing the primal instincts simmering beneath the surface of workplace decorum. Is it social commentary disguised as a splatterfest? A Darwinian exploration of capitalism's dark underbelly? Or simply a guilty pleasure wallowing in ultraviolence?

Finally, they confront the horrors of aging and mental decline in The Father. Anthony Hopkins delivers a masterful performance as a man losing his grip on reality, the film's disorienting structure mirroring his fragmented consciousness. This isn't your typical jump-scare horror; it's a slow burn of psychological terror, a visceral exploration of a fear that resonates with us all.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:49) - Vivarium
  • (34:36) - The Belko Experiment
  • (52:43) - The Father
  • (01:02:23) - Father 1
  • (01:02:32) - Father 2
  • (01:02:55) - Father 4
  • (01:03:15) - Father 7
  • (01:03:29) - Father 8
  • (01:03:45) - The Father
  • (01:15:58) - There is no bow
  • (01:17:41) - Coming Attractions

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Tommy, our intrepid host, plunges into the abyss of existential dread this week, dragging Kyle, Kynan, and Pete along for the harrowing ride. They grapple with three films that explore the unnerving realities behind the horrors of being an adult.

First up, Vivarium. Imagine, if you will, the quintessential suburban nightmare. Cookie-cutter houses stretching into an unsettling infinity, a chirping, unsettling child not your own, and the slow, creeping realization that escape is an illusion. Is it a commentary on the soul-crushing monotony of modern life? A chilling parable of alien brood parasitism? Or perhaps, a darkly comedic reflection of parenthood itself?

Next, they venture into the corporate jungle with The Belko Experiment. Eighty employees trapped in a high-rise, forced to participate in a gruesome game of kill-or-be-killed. The veneer of civility shatters, revealing the primal instincts simmering beneath the surface of workplace decorum. Is it social commentary disguised as a splatterfest? A Darwinian exploration of capitalism's dark underbelly? Or simply a guilty pleasure wallowing in ultraviolence?

Finally, they confront the horrors of aging and mental decline in The Father. Anthony Hopkins delivers a masterful performance as a man losing his grip on reality, the film's disorienting structure mirroring his fragmented consciousness. This isn't your typical jump-scare horror; it's a slow burn of psychological terror, a visceral exploration of a fear that resonates with us all.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:49) - Vivarium
  • (34:36) - The Belko Experiment
  • (52:43) - The Father
  • (01:02:23) - Father 1
  • (01:02:32) - Father 2
  • (01:02:55) - Father 4
  • (01:03:15) - Father 7
  • (01:03:29) - Father 8
  • (01:03:45) - The Father
  • (01:15:58) - There is no bow
  • (01:17:41) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Fri, 29 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 5230 Tommy, our intrepid host, plunges into the abyss of existential dread this week, dragging Kyle, Kynan, and Pete along for the harrowing ride. They grapple with three films that explore the unnerving realities behind the horrors of being an adult.

First up, Vivarium. Imagine, if you will, the quintessential suburban nightmare. Cookie-cutter houses stretching into an unsettling infinity, a chirping, unsettling child not your own, and the slow, creeping realization that escape is an illusion. Is it a commentary on the soul-crushing monotony of modern life? A chilling parable of alien brood parasitism? Or perhaps, a darkly comedic reflection of parenthood itself?

Next, they venture into the corporate jungle with The Belko Experiment. Eighty employees trapped in a high-rise, forced to participate in a gruesome game of kill-or-be-killed. The veneer of civility shatters, revealing the primal instincts simmering beneath the surface of workplace decorum. Is it social commentary disguised as a splatterfest? A Darwinian exploration of capitalism's dark underbelly? Or simply a guilty pleasure wallowing in ultraviolence?

Finally, they confront the horrors of aging and mental decline in The Father. Anthony Hopkins delivers a masterful performance as a man losing his grip on reality, the film's disorienting structure mirroring his fragmented consciousness. This isn't your typical jump-scare horror; it's a slow burn of psychological terror, a visceral exploration of a fear that resonates with us all.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:49) - Vivarium
  • (34:36) - The Belko Experiment
  • (52:43) - The Father
  • (01:02:23) - Father 1
  • (01:02:32) - Father 2
  • (01:02:55) - Father 4
  • (01:03:15) - Father 7
  • (01:03:29) - Father 8
  • (01:03:45) - The Father
  • (01:15:58) - There is no bow
  • (01:17:41) - Coming Attractions

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> No The Most Dangerous Game 3 3 3 3 The Most Dangerous Game full 21367d7c-b521-44c4-94b4-ce6783575007 https://share.transistor.fm/s/50d30919 Richard Connell's 1924 short story, "The Most Dangerous Game," continues to haunt and inspire filmmakers nearly a century later. Its chilling premise of a wealthy sportsman hunting humans for sport has resonated through decades of cinema, influencing countless horror and thriller narratives. Join Kyle and his subjects, Pete, Kynan, and Tommy, as they embark on a thrilling exploration of this enduring tale and its impact on modern film.

This episode of "Sitting in the Dark" focuses on three distinct cinematic interpretations of the "man hunting man" theme, each offering a unique perspective on the source material. The discussion begins with "The Hunt" (2020), a big-budget action thriller starring Betty Gilpin and Hilary Swank. The hosts dissect the film's controversial reception, its exploration (or lack thereof) of class warfare and political commentary, and the effectiveness of its fast-paced, often brutal action sequences. They debate whether the film's slick Hollywood production enhances or detracts from its core message.

Next, the group turns to "Get Duked!", a British horror-comedy that subverts expectations with its unique rhythm and youthful energy. The hosts praise the film's performances, its exploration of class dynamics, and its ability to make the vast Scottish Highlands feel terrifying. They also highlight the surprising subplot involving a local DJ and his unexpected audience.Finally, the discussion shifts to "Run Sweetheart Run," a film that tackles the horrors of being a woman in a world of toxic masculinity. The hosts commend the movie's refusal to be voyeuristic in its depiction of violence against women, while debating the effectiveness of its supernatural elements. They also explore the film's themes of privilege, survival, and the societal constraints faced by women.

Throughout the conversation, Kyle and his co-hosts offer insightful analysis and personal reflections on the enduring appeal of the "hunting humans" narrative. They examine how these films tackle issues of class, gender, and power dynamics while delivering thrills and scares. The episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of how a nearly century-old story continues to shape and inspire modern horror cinema.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:58) - The Most Dangerous Game
  • (06:33) - The Hunt
  • (25:02) - Get Duked
  • (39:51) - Run Sweetheart Run
  • (01:09:29) - Coming Attractions

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]]> Richard Connell's 1924 short story, "The Most Dangerous Game," continues to haunt and inspire filmmakers nearly a century later. Its chilling premise of a wealthy sportsman hunting humans for sport has resonated through decades of cinema, influencing countless horror and thriller narratives. Join Kyle and his subjects, Pete, Kynan, and Tommy, as they embark on a thrilling exploration of this enduring tale and its impact on modern film.

This episode of "Sitting in the Dark" focuses on three distinct cinematic interpretations of the "man hunting man" theme, each offering a unique perspective on the source material. The discussion begins with "The Hunt" (2020), a big-budget action thriller starring Betty Gilpin and Hilary Swank. The hosts dissect the film's controversial reception, its exploration (or lack thereof) of class warfare and political commentary, and the effectiveness of its fast-paced, often brutal action sequences. They debate whether the film's slick Hollywood production enhances or detracts from its core message.

Next, the group turns to "Get Duked!", a British horror-comedy that subverts expectations with its unique rhythm and youthful energy. The hosts praise the film's performances, its exploration of class dynamics, and its ability to make the vast Scottish Highlands feel terrifying. They also highlight the surprising subplot involving a local DJ and his unexpected audience.Finally, the discussion shifts to "Run Sweetheart Run," a film that tackles the horrors of being a woman in a world of toxic masculinity. The hosts commend the movie's refusal to be voyeuristic in its depiction of violence against women, while debating the effectiveness of its supernatural elements. They also explore the film's themes of privilege, survival, and the societal constraints faced by women.

Throughout the conversation, Kyle and his co-hosts offer insightful analysis and personal reflections on the enduring appeal of the "hunting humans" narrative. They examine how these films tackle issues of class, gender, and power dynamics while delivering thrills and scares. The episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of how a nearly century-old story continues to shape and inspire modern horror cinema.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:58) - The Most Dangerous Game
  • (06:33) - The Hunt
  • (25:02) - Get Duked
  • (39:51) - Run Sweetheart Run
  • (01:09:29) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 25 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4361 Richard Connell's 1924 short story, "The Most Dangerous Game," continues to haunt and inspire filmmakers nearly a century later. Its chilling premise of a wealthy sportsman hunting humans for sport has resonated through decades of cinema, influencing countless horror and thriller narratives. Join Kyle and his subjects, Pete, Kynan, and Tommy, as they embark on a thrilling exploration of this enduring tale and its impact on modern film.

This episode of "Sitting in the Dark" focuses on three distinct cinematic interpretations of the "man hunting man" theme, each offering a unique perspective on the source material. The discussion begins with "The Hunt" (2020), a big-budget action thriller starring Betty Gilpin and Hilary Swank. The hosts dissect the film's controversial reception, its exploration (or lack thereof) of class warfare and political commentary, and the effectiveness of its fast-paced, often brutal action sequences. They debate whether the film's slick Hollywood production enhances or detracts from its core message.

Next, the group turns to "Get Duked!", a British horror-comedy that subverts expectations with its unique rhythm and youthful energy. The hosts praise the film's performances, its exploration of class dynamics, and its ability to make the vast Scottish Highlands feel terrifying. They also highlight the surprising subplot involving a local DJ and his unexpected audience.Finally, the discussion shifts to "Run Sweetheart Run," a film that tackles the horrors of being a woman in a world of toxic masculinity. The hosts commend the movie's refusal to be voyeuristic in its depiction of violence against women, while debating the effectiveness of its supernatural elements. They also explore the film's themes of privilege, survival, and the societal constraints faced by women.

Throughout the conversation, Kyle and his co-hosts offer insightful analysis and personal reflections on the enduring appeal of the "hunting humans" narrative. They examine how these films tackle issues of class, gender, and power dynamics while delivering thrills and scares. The episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of how a nearly century-old story continues to shape and inspire modern horror cinema.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:58) - The Most Dangerous Game
  • (06:33) - The Hunt
  • (25:02) - Get Duked
  • (39:51) - Run Sweetheart Run
  • (01:09:29) - Coming Attractions

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]]> No Short Screams: The Art of Anthology Horror 3 3 2 2 Short Screams: The Art of Anthology Horror full a3f69b20-3399-410e-9c79-3ecc37260cb8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fadb3775 This week on Sitting in the Dark, the gang tackles the world of horror anthologies. Host Kynan Dias, along with panelists Pete Wright, Kyle Olson, and Tommy Metz III, dissect three iconic films: Creepshow, Tales from the Hood, and Trick ‘r Treat. Buckle up for a spirited discussion on jump scares, creature features, and the enduring legacy of Stephen King.

The conversation kicks off with Creepshow, a film that embraces its comic book roots with vibrant colors and dynamic panel transitions. While the group praises the film's practical effects, particularly the unforgettable creature in "The Crate," they express some reservations about the pacing and Stephen King's acting chops.

Next up is Rusty Cundieff's Tales from the Hood, a film that boldly tackles social issues like police brutality and the crack epidemic through a horror lens. The panelists commend the film's ambition and powerful messages, while acknowledging its technical shortcomings. The conversation delves into the effectiveness of horror as a vehicle for social commentary and the challenges of balancing scares with thought-provoking themes.

Finally, the group wraps up with Michael Dougherty's Trick ‘r Treat, a film they praise for its intricate storytelling and clever use of practical effects. They marvel at the film's ability to seamlessly weave together seemingly disparate stories into a cohesive and satisfying whole. The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring appeal of horror anthologies and their unique ability to deliver a smorgasbord of frights.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:07) - Opening Salvo
  • (06:09) - Creepshow
  • (35:29) - Tales from the Hood
  • (59:29) - Life is No Anthology Movie: Support Sitting in the Dark!
  • (01:01:35) - Trick 'r Treat
  • (01:28:03) - Coming Attractions

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]]> This week on Sitting in the Dark, the gang tackles the world of horror anthologies. Host Kynan Dias, along with panelists Pete Wright, Kyle Olson, and Tommy Metz III, dissect three iconic films: Creepshow, Tales from the Hood, and Trick ‘r Treat. Buckle up for a spirited discussion on jump scares, creature features, and the enduring legacy of Stephen King.

The conversation kicks off with Creepshow, a film that embraces its comic book roots with vibrant colors and dynamic panel transitions. While the group praises the film's practical effects, particularly the unforgettable creature in "The Crate," they express some reservations about the pacing and Stephen King's acting chops.

Next up is Rusty Cundieff's Tales from the Hood, a film that boldly tackles social issues like police brutality and the crack epidemic through a horror lens. The panelists commend the film's ambition and powerful messages, while acknowledging its technical shortcomings. The conversation delves into the effectiveness of horror as a vehicle for social commentary and the challenges of balancing scares with thought-provoking themes.

Finally, the group wraps up with Michael Dougherty's Trick ‘r Treat, a film they praise for its intricate storytelling and clever use of practical effects. They marvel at the film's ability to seamlessly weave together seemingly disparate stories into a cohesive and satisfying whole. The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring appeal of horror anthologies and their unique ability to deliver a smorgasbord of frights.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:07) - Opening Salvo
  • (06:09) - Creepshow
  • (35:29) - Tales from the Hood
  • (59:29) - Life is No Anthology Movie: Support Sitting in the Dark!
  • (01:01:35) - Trick 'r Treat
  • (01:28:03) - Coming Attractions

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 5440 This week on Sitting in the Dark, the gang tackles the world of horror anthologies. Host Kynan Dias, along with panelists Pete Wright, Kyle Olson, and Tommy Metz III, dissect three iconic films: Creepshow, Tales from the Hood, and Trick ‘r Treat. Buckle up for a spirited discussion on jump scares, creature features, and the enduring legacy of Stephen King.

The conversation kicks off with Creepshow, a film that embraces its comic book roots with vibrant colors and dynamic panel transitions. While the group praises the film's practical effects, particularly the unforgettable creature in "The Crate," they express some reservations about the pacing and Stephen King's acting chops.

Next up is Rusty Cundieff's Tales from the Hood, a film that boldly tackles social issues like police brutality and the crack epidemic through a horror lens. The panelists commend the film's ambition and powerful messages, while acknowledging its technical shortcomings. The conversation delves into the effectiveness of horror as a vehicle for social commentary and the challenges of balancing scares with thought-provoking themes.

Finally, the group wraps up with Michael Dougherty's Trick ‘r Treat, a film they praise for its intricate storytelling and clever use of practical effects. They marvel at the film's ability to seamlessly weave together seemingly disparate stories into a cohesive and satisfying whole. The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring appeal of horror anthologies and their unique ability to deliver a smorgasbord of frights.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:07) - Opening Salvo
  • (06:09) - Creepshow
  • (35:29) - Tales from the Hood
  • (59:29) - Life is No Anthology Movie: Support Sitting in the Dark!
  • (01:01:35) - Trick 'r Treat
  • (01:28:03) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> No Travel Season 3 3 1 1 Travel Season full 51b5f9ad-6c75-43c8-b5a6-f2f79ff31ea5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5ba2e7ef Listen, you know that feeling, right? That prickle on the back of your neck when the train rattles through a tunnel, the lights flicker, and for a second, you're utterly alone in the dark? That's where we're going. Deep into the heart of travel horror, where the familiar becomes unsettling, and the journey itself transforms into a terrifying ordeal.

We're talking about those moments of vulnerability, stripped of our usual defenses, hurtling through the unknown. We'll dissect the classic, Horror Express, with its telepathic creature picking off passengers one by one. Is it a masterpiece? Debatable. But the raw terror of being trapped, the sheer audacity of a monster stealing your very essence – that's primal. And Christopher Lee? Always mesmerizing.

Then, we'll crank up the tension with Joy Ride, a white-knuckle thriller that reminds you: the open road can be a cruel and unforgiving place. You'll feel the desperation, the paranoia tightening its grip as a seemingly harmless prank spirals into a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse. And that voice...that chilling, gravelly voice on the other end of the CB radio? Pure nightmare fuel.

Finally, we'll take you to 30,000 feet with Blood Red Sky. Imagine: trapped in a metal tube, hurtling through the sky, and a mother's fierce love becomes the only thing standing between her child and a terrifying threat. It's a claustrophobic pressure cooker of a film, a reminder that sometimes, the most monstrous acts are driven by the most human of instincts.

Throughout our journey, we'll unpack the anxieties that simmer beneath the surface of travel: the loss of control, the isolation, the fear of the unknown. We'll laugh, we'll shudder, we'll question our own sanity – because isn't that what makes horror so compelling? So, join us, won't you? But be warned: you might never look at a travel itinerary the same way again.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (09:11) - Horror Express
  • (30:57) - Joy Ride
  • (51:04) - Blood Red Sky
  • (01:12:44) - Coming Attractions

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Listen, you know that feeling, right? That prickle on the back of your neck when the train rattles through a tunnel, the lights flicker, and for a second, you're utterly alone in the dark? That's where we're going. Deep into the heart of travel horror, where the familiar becomes unsettling, and the journey itself transforms into a terrifying ordeal.

We're talking about those moments of vulnerability, stripped of our usual defenses, hurtling through the unknown. We'll dissect the classic, Horror Express, with its telepathic creature picking off passengers one by one. Is it a masterpiece? Debatable. But the raw terror of being trapped, the sheer audacity of a monster stealing your very essence – that's primal. And Christopher Lee? Always mesmerizing.

Then, we'll crank up the tension with Joy Ride, a white-knuckle thriller that reminds you: the open road can be a cruel and unforgiving place. You'll feel the desperation, the paranoia tightening its grip as a seemingly harmless prank spirals into a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse. And that voice...that chilling, gravelly voice on the other end of the CB radio? Pure nightmare fuel.

Finally, we'll take you to 30,000 feet with Blood Red Sky. Imagine: trapped in a metal tube, hurtling through the sky, and a mother's fierce love becomes the only thing standing between her child and a terrifying threat. It's a claustrophobic pressure cooker of a film, a reminder that sometimes, the most monstrous acts are driven by the most human of instincts.

Throughout our journey, we'll unpack the anxieties that simmer beneath the surface of travel: the loss of control, the isolation, the fear of the unknown. We'll laugh, we'll shudder, we'll question our own sanity – because isn't that what makes horror so compelling? So, join us, won't you? But be warned: you might never look at a travel itinerary the same way again.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (09:11) - Horror Express
  • (30:57) - Joy Ride
  • (51:04) - Blood Red Sky
  • (01:12:44) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4533 Listen, you know that feeling, right? That prickle on the back of your neck when the train rattles through a tunnel, the lights flicker, and for a second, you're utterly alone in the dark? That's where we're going. Deep into the heart of travel horror, where the familiar becomes unsettling, and the journey itself transforms into a terrifying ordeal.

We're talking about those moments of vulnerability, stripped of our usual defenses, hurtling through the unknown. We'll dissect the classic, Horror Express, with its telepathic creature picking off passengers one by one. Is it a masterpiece? Debatable. But the raw terror of being trapped, the sheer audacity of a monster stealing your very essence – that's primal. And Christopher Lee? Always mesmerizing.

Then, we'll crank up the tension with Joy Ride, a white-knuckle thriller that reminds you: the open road can be a cruel and unforgiving place. You'll feel the desperation, the paranoia tightening its grip as a seemingly harmless prank spirals into a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse. And that voice...that chilling, gravelly voice on the other end of the CB radio? Pure nightmare fuel.

Finally, we'll take you to 30,000 feet with Blood Red Sky. Imagine: trapped in a metal tube, hurtling through the sky, and a mother's fierce love becomes the only thing standing between her child and a terrifying threat. It's a claustrophobic pressure cooker of a film, a reminder that sometimes, the most monstrous acts are driven by the most human of instincts.

Throughout our journey, we'll unpack the anxieties that simmer beneath the surface of travel: the loss of control, the isolation, the fear of the unknown. We'll laugh, we'll shudder, we'll question our own sanity – because isn't that what makes horror so compelling? So, join us, won't you? But be warned: you might never look at a travel itinerary the same way again.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (09:11) - Horror Express
  • (30:57) - Joy Ride
  • (51:04) - Blood Red Sky
  • (01:12:44) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> No Scream in a Box! 2 2 12 12 Scream in a Box! full 075db47b-b203-4b00-b3a8-91d24b244c8f https://share.transistor.fm/s/d143d00b In this unnerving episode of Sitting in the Dark, host Tommy Metz III and his co-hosts delve into the spine-chilling world of confinement horror. The discussion focuses on three hand-picked films that trap characters in claustrophobic spaces, forcing them to confront their deepest fears. Want to watch along? You’ll want to set up Gerald’s Game, It Comes at Night, and The Crazies (the 2010 remake).

“If it can be a play, it’ll suck as a movie.” Yeah, they take on that old saw and debate the merits of adapting contained stories into feature films. Guess what? It turns out skilled directors can elevate these constrained tales beyond their stage-bound origins. They particularly focus on the 2017 Stephen King adaptation Gerald's Game, dissecting how it taps into unspoken relationship fears and traumas by locking viewers inside the protagonist's increasingly disturbed psyche.

Join the Sitting in the Dark team as they explore how cinematic craft can transform limited locations into expansive mindscapes where our darkest terrors become inescapably real. Brace yourself for a haunting journey into the heart of confinement horror.

Check out the Films


  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:21) - Scream in a Box!
  • (05:52) - Gerald's Game
  • (27:50) - It Comes At Night
  • (47:03) - The Crazies (2010)
  • (01:05:16) - Support this Show!
  • (01:06:07) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> In this unnerving episode of Sitting in the Dark, host Tommy Metz III and his co-hosts delve into the spine-chilling world of confinement horror. The discussion focuses on three hand-picked films that trap characters in claustrophobic spaces, forcing them to confront their deepest fears. Want to watch along? You’ll want to set up Gerald’s Game, It Comes at Night, and The Crazies (the 2010 remake).

“If it can be a play, it’ll suck as a movie.” Yeah, they take on that old saw and debate the merits of adapting contained stories into feature films. Guess what? It turns out skilled directors can elevate these constrained tales beyond their stage-bound origins. They particularly focus on the 2017 Stephen King adaptation Gerald's Game, dissecting how it taps into unspoken relationship fears and traumas by locking viewers inside the protagonist's increasingly disturbed psyche.

Join the Sitting in the Dark team as they explore how cinematic craft can transform limited locations into expansive mindscapes where our darkest terrors become inescapably real. Brace yourself for a haunting journey into the heart of confinement horror.

Check out the Films


  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:21) - Scream in a Box!
  • (05:52) - Gerald's Game
  • (27:50) - It Comes At Night
  • (47:03) - The Crazies (2010)
  • (01:05:16) - Support this Show!
  • (01:06:07) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 26 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4088 In this unnerving episode of Sitting in the Dark, host Tommy Metz III and his co-hosts delve into the spine-chilling world of confinement horror. The discussion focuses on three hand-picked films that trap characters in claustrophobic spaces, forcing them to confront their deepest fears. Want to watch along? You’ll want to set up Gerald’s Game, It Comes at Night, and The Crazies (the 2010 remake).

“If it can be a play, it’ll suck as a movie.” Yeah, they take on that old saw and debate the merits of adapting contained stories into feature films. Guess what? It turns out skilled directors can elevate these constrained tales beyond their stage-bound origins. They particularly focus on the 2017 Stephen King adaptation Gerald's Game, dissecting how it taps into unspoken relationship fears and traumas by locking viewers inside the protagonist's increasingly disturbed psyche.

Join the Sitting in the Dark team as they explore how cinematic craft can transform limited locations into expansive mindscapes where our darkest terrors become inescapably real. Brace yourself for a haunting journey into the heart of confinement horror.

Check out the Films


  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:21) - Scream in a Box!
  • (05:52) - Gerald's Game
  • (27:50) - It Comes At Night
  • (47:03) - The Crazies (2010)
  • (01:05:16) - Support this Show!
  • (01:06:07) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No The British Invasion 2 2 11 11 The British Invasion full 381be3d3-ef8f-4d24-874c-ca7baf46b1ff https://share.transistor.fm/s/ff37a10b This month, host Kyle Olson takes listeners on a chilling journey through the British Isles with a trio of alien invasion films. Joined by panelists Tommy Metz III, Kynan Dias, and Pete Wright, the group explores the 2012 Irish horror-comedy "Grabbers," along with "Attack the Block" and "The World's End."

The discussion begins with "Grabbers," a lesser-known gem that surprised the panel with its impressive creature effects and charming drunk-acting from its lead actress. The hosts delve into the film's unique premise: a small Irish town must get intoxicated to survive an alien attack.

As the conversation unfolds, the panel examines what makes these films distinctly British, from their focus on tight-knit communities to their reluctance to call in outside help. They note the underlying theme of existential hopelessness that permeates British comedy and how it manifests in these alien invasion narratives.

The hosts also touch on the cultural significance of pubs in British and Irish society, and how these films use them as central locations for both community gathering and monster-fighting.

With a blend of humor and insight, this episode of Sitting in the Dark offers listeners a deep dive into the world of British alien invasion films, proving that sometimes the best defense against otherworldly threats is a pint and a close-knit community.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (04:55) - Grabbers
  • (15:44) - But what makes it British?
  • (26:59) - Attack the Block
  • (47:37) - The World's End

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> This month, host Kyle Olson takes listeners on a chilling journey through the British Isles with a trio of alien invasion films. Joined by panelists Tommy Metz III, Kynan Dias, and Pete Wright, the group explores the 2012 Irish horror-comedy "Grabbers," along with "Attack the Block" and "The World's End."

The discussion begins with "Grabbers," a lesser-known gem that surprised the panel with its impressive creature effects and charming drunk-acting from its lead actress. The hosts delve into the film's unique premise: a small Irish town must get intoxicated to survive an alien attack.

As the conversation unfolds, the panel examines what makes these films distinctly British, from their focus on tight-knit communities to their reluctance to call in outside help. They note the underlying theme of existential hopelessness that permeates British comedy and how it manifests in these alien invasion narratives.

The hosts also touch on the cultural significance of pubs in British and Irish society, and how these films use them as central locations for both community gathering and monster-fighting.

With a blend of humor and insight, this episode of Sitting in the Dark offers listeners a deep dive into the world of British alien invasion films, proving that sometimes the best defense against otherworldly threats is a pint and a close-knit community.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (04:55) - Grabbers
  • (15:44) - But what makes it British?
  • (26:59) - Attack the Block
  • (47:37) - The World's End

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4829 This month, host Kyle Olson takes listeners on a chilling journey through the British Isles with a trio of alien invasion films. Joined by panelists Tommy Metz III, Kynan Dias, and Pete Wright, the group explores the 2012 Irish horror-comedy "Grabbers," along with "Attack the Block" and "The World's End."

The discussion begins with "Grabbers," a lesser-known gem that surprised the panel with its impressive creature effects and charming drunk-acting from its lead actress. The hosts delve into the film's unique premise: a small Irish town must get intoxicated to survive an alien attack.

As the conversation unfolds, the panel examines what makes these films distinctly British, from their focus on tight-knit communities to their reluctance to call in outside help. They note the underlying theme of existential hopelessness that permeates British comedy and how it manifests in these alien invasion narratives.

The hosts also touch on the cultural significance of pubs in British and Irish society, and how these films use them as central locations for both community gathering and monster-fighting.

With a blend of humor and insight, this episode of Sitting in the Dark offers listeners a deep dive into the world of British alien invasion films, proving that sometimes the best defense against otherworldly threats is a pint and a close-knit community.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (04:55) - Grabbers
  • (15:44) - But what makes it British?
  • (26:59) - Attack the Block
  • (47:37) - The World's End

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No Survival Horror 2 2 10 10 Survival Horror full 98f4cf2c-6c04-4e0c-b10c-9f2f32715361 https://share.transistor.fm/s/99c261b6 This month, Kynan, Tommy, Kyle and Pete dive deep into the terrifying world of survival horror. They leave no dark corners unexplored, from the creepy confines of Bodega Bay in Hitchcock’s classic The Birds, to the zombie-infested mall of Dawn of the Dead, the monster-filled hive of Resident Evil, and the deadly game of hide and seek in Ready or Not.

The panel examines key tropes of the genre—resource scarcity, societal breakdown, and how safe spaces become inverted into horrifying death traps. They put Hitchcock’s decision to interrupt a rom-com with an apocalypse in The Birds under the microscope. They hail sound design as the unsung hero for crafting a sense of dread.

Central to the conversation is the relationship between survival horror films and video games, from limited resources to permadeath to discovering clues in each film’s very own "book of the vampire.” What is the cinematic genetic material connecting these films to 70s disaster movies like The Towering Inferno, where catastrophe erupts into the banality of everyday life?

You’ll never look at birds… or malls, mansions, and wedding games… in the same light again. Listen now… if you dare! Just keep some spare ammo and a med pack handy, just in case.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark • Survival Horror
  • (07:23) - The Birds
  • (27:20) - Dawn of the Dead
  • (47:14) - Resident Evil
  • (01:00:44) - Ready or Not
  • (01:13:45) - Coming Attractions

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> This month, Kynan, Tommy, Kyle and Pete dive deep into the terrifying world of survival horror. They leave no dark corners unexplored, from the creepy confines of Bodega Bay in Hitchcock’s classic The Birds, to the zombie-infested mall of Dawn of the Dead, the monster-filled hive of Resident Evil, and the deadly game of hide and seek in Ready or Not.

The panel examines key tropes of the genre—resource scarcity, societal breakdown, and how safe spaces become inverted into horrifying death traps. They put Hitchcock’s decision to interrupt a rom-com with an apocalypse in The Birds under the microscope. They hail sound design as the unsung hero for crafting a sense of dread.

Central to the conversation is the relationship between survival horror films and video games, from limited resources to permadeath to discovering clues in each film’s very own "book of the vampire.” What is the cinematic genetic material connecting these films to 70s disaster movies like The Towering Inferno, where catastrophe erupts into the banality of everyday life?

You’ll never look at birds… or malls, mansions, and wedding games… in the same light again. Listen now… if you dare! Just keep some spare ammo and a med pack handy, just in case.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark • Survival Horror
  • (07:23) - The Birds
  • (27:20) - Dawn of the Dead
  • (47:14) - Resident Evil
  • (01:00:44) - Ready or Not
  • (01:13:45) - Coming Attractions

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]]> Fri, 31 May 2024 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4562 This month, Kynan, Tommy, Kyle and Pete dive deep into the terrifying world of survival horror. They leave no dark corners unexplored, from the creepy confines of Bodega Bay in Hitchcock’s classic The Birds, to the zombie-infested mall of Dawn of the Dead, the monster-filled hive of Resident Evil, and the deadly game of hide and seek in Ready or Not.

The panel examines key tropes of the genre—resource scarcity, societal breakdown, and how safe spaces become inverted into horrifying death traps. They put Hitchcock’s decision to interrupt a rom-com with an apocalypse in The Birds under the microscope. They hail sound design as the unsung hero for crafting a sense of dread.

Central to the conversation is the relationship between survival horror films and video games, from limited resources to permadeath to discovering clues in each film’s very own "book of the vampire.” What is the cinematic genetic material connecting these films to 70s disaster movies like The Towering Inferno, where catastrophe erupts into the banality of everyday life?

You’ll never look at birds… or malls, mansions, and wedding games… in the same light again. Listen now… if you dare! Just keep some spare ammo and a med pack handy, just in case.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark • Survival Horror
  • (07:23) - The Birds
  • (27:20) - Dawn of the Dead
  • (47:14) - Resident Evil
  • (01:00:44) - Ready or Not
  • (01:13:45) - Coming Attractions

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]]> No You Don’t Belong Here 2 2 9 9 You Don’t Belong Here full 5b66f45f-3bda-4e86-a93c-31e3fea010c2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/79891651 The world is a beautiful place—stunning vistas, the highest mountains, and most expansive rivers. But what happens when we, puny humans, decide to make our pastime of exploring these natural wonders too aggressively? The environment gets aggressive back. 

This month on Sitting in the Dark, we present a set of films where our characters explore these extreme environments only to discover their inhospitable realities. From the deepest of caves to the highest of… television towers… we explore a set of films in which the environment itself brings fear before any cinematic horrors make an appearance. 


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:51) - The Movies
  • (07:25) - Axes to Grind!
  • (08:40) - The Descent
  • (27:27) - The Ritual
  • (41:55) - The Shallows
  • (56:29) - Fall
  • (01:15:55) - Coming Attractions: Survival Horror

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]]> The world is a beautiful place—stunning vistas, the highest mountains, and most expansive rivers. But what happens when we, puny humans, decide to make our pastime of exploring these natural wonders too aggressively? The environment gets aggressive back. 

This month on Sitting in the Dark, we present a set of films where our characters explore these extreme environments only to discover their inhospitable realities. From the deepest of caves to the highest of… television towers… we explore a set of films in which the environment itself brings fear before any cinematic horrors make an appearance. 


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:51) - The Movies
  • (07:25) - Axes to Grind!
  • (08:40) - The Descent
  • (27:27) - The Ritual
  • (41:55) - The Shallows
  • (56:29) - Fall
  • (01:15:55) - Coming Attractions: Survival Horror

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]]> Fri, 26 Apr 2024 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4684 The world is a beautiful place—stunning vistas, the highest mountains, and most expansive rivers. But what happens when we, puny humans, decide to make our pastime of exploring these natural wonders too aggressively? The environment gets aggressive back. 

This month on Sitting in the Dark, we present a set of films where our characters explore these extreme environments only to discover their inhospitable realities. From the deepest of caves to the highest of… television towers… we explore a set of films in which the environment itself brings fear before any cinematic horrors make an appearance. 


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:51) - The Movies
  • (07:25) - Axes to Grind!
  • (08:40) - The Descent
  • (27:27) - The Ritual
  • (41:55) - The Shallows
  • (56:29) - Fall
  • (01:15:55) - Coming Attractions: Survival Horror

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]]> No Lost in Translation: Deciphering the Unknown 2 2 8 8 Lost in Translation: Deciphering the Unknown full ed6fab98-fb85-45f3-a08b-d8eb3381cb13 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b12e108 Tommy is in the big chair leading us on a journey of discovery that leads… nowhere. That’s right, what do you get when you are forced to reckon the horrors of miscommunication? It’s nothing good… that’s what. The Mothman Prophecies, Dark Skies, and Midsommar are all on deck this week!

And, because Tom’s new character is so satisfying, here’s the read-along version of his introduction!

Hello boils and ghouls, CHOP of the morning to you! And welcome back to another chilling DEAD-isode of Sitting in The Dark! I’m your ghost host, Vomis Wesley Pest the Turd, but don’t worry kiddies, I’m not alone. As they say, four DEADS are better than one! First up to BAT (the kind with wings) is The Podcast Daddy himself, BEAT FRIGHT, I mean Pete Wright! Want more good NOOSE? Then AXE-tra AXE-tra BLEED all about it, we’re also joined by the DIE-Abolical genius Vile Olson, I mean Kyle Olson! And of course, the MORGUE the merrier, so let’s also welcome SLAY DIE-ANTS-FLEE, I mean Ray DeLancy! OH! And it looks like my DEADER half is finished with his MOAN call, so I’ll hand the microBONE back to him. Have a good podcast and pleasant SCREAMS!


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:07) - Lost in Translation
  • (09:10) - The Mothman Prophecies
  • (26:57) - Mothman - Inside Mirror
  • (28:46) - Mothman - IMG3190
  • (34:07) - Dark Skies
  • (48:31) - A Cameo!
  • (56:51) - Midsommar
  • (58:21) - Midsommar - Flower Crown
  • (58:57) - Midsommar - Bear Kissing
  • (59:42) - Midsommar - Tapestry
  • (01:01:01) - Midsommar - Darker Glass
  • (01:09:31) - Midsommar - Sister in Trees
  • (01:10:31) -

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]]> Tommy is in the big chair leading us on a journey of discovery that leads… nowhere. That’s right, what do you get when you are forced to reckon the horrors of miscommunication? It’s nothing good… that’s what. The Mothman Prophecies, Dark Skies, and Midsommar are all on deck this week!

And, because Tom’s new character is so satisfying, here’s the read-along version of his introduction!

Hello boils and ghouls, CHOP of the morning to you! And welcome back to another chilling DEAD-isode of Sitting in The Dark! I’m your ghost host, Vomis Wesley Pest the Turd, but don’t worry kiddies, I’m not alone. As they say, four DEADS are better than one! First up to BAT (the kind with wings) is The Podcast Daddy himself, BEAT FRIGHT, I mean Pete Wright! Want more good NOOSE? Then AXE-tra AXE-tra BLEED all about it, we’re also joined by the DIE-Abolical genius Vile Olson, I mean Kyle Olson! And of course, the MORGUE the merrier, so let’s also welcome SLAY DIE-ANTS-FLEE, I mean Ray DeLancy! OH! And it looks like my DEADER half is finished with his MOAN call, so I’ll hand the microBONE back to him. Have a good podcast and pleasant SCREAMS!


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:07) - Lost in Translation
  • (09:10) - The Mothman Prophecies
  • (26:57) - Mothman - Inside Mirror
  • (28:46) - Mothman - IMG3190
  • (34:07) - Dark Skies
  • (48:31) - A Cameo!
  • (56:51) - Midsommar
  • (58:21) - Midsommar - Flower Crown
  • (58:57) - Midsommar - Bear Kissing
  • (59:42) - Midsommar - Tapestry
  • (01:01:01) - Midsommar - Darker Glass
  • (01:09:31) - Midsommar - Sister in Trees
  • (01:10:31) -

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]]> Fri, 29 Mar 2024 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4540 Tommy is in the big chair leading us on a journey of discovery that leads… nowhere. That’s right, what do you get when you are forced to reckon the horrors of miscommunication? It’s nothing good… that’s what. The Mothman Prophecies, Dark Skies, and Midsommar are all on deck this week!

And, because Tom’s new character is so satisfying, here’s the read-along version of his introduction!

Hello boils and ghouls, CHOP of the morning to you! And welcome back to another chilling DEAD-isode of Sitting in The Dark! I’m your ghost host, Vomis Wesley Pest the Turd, but don’t worry kiddies, I’m not alone. As they say, four DEADS are better than one! First up to BAT (the kind with wings) is The Podcast Daddy himself, BEAT FRIGHT, I mean Pete Wright! Want more good NOOSE? Then AXE-tra AXE-tra BLEED all about it, we’re also joined by the DIE-Abolical genius Vile Olson, I mean Kyle Olson! And of course, the MORGUE the merrier, so let’s also welcome SLAY DIE-ANTS-FLEE, I mean Ray DeLancy! OH! And it looks like my DEADER half is finished with his MOAN call, so I’ll hand the microBONE back to him. Have a good podcast and pleasant SCREAMS!


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:07) - Lost in Translation
  • (09:10) - The Mothman Prophecies
  • (26:57) - Mothman - Inside Mirror
  • (28:46) - Mothman - IMG3190
  • (34:07) - Dark Skies
  • (48:31) - A Cameo!
  • (56:51) - Midsommar
  • (58:21) - Midsommar - Flower Crown
  • (58:57) - Midsommar - Bear Kissing
  • (59:42) - Midsommar - Tapestry
  • (01:01:01) - Midsommar - Darker Glass
  • (01:09:31) - Midsommar - Sister in Trees
  • (01:10:31) -

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]]> No Wuxia Unleashed: Leon Hunt & Chris Hamm on Martial Arts and Myth • Cinema Scope • Bonus Episode 2 2 Wuxia Unleashed: Leon Hunt & Chris Hamm on Martial Arts and Myth • Cinema Scope • Bonus Episode bonus 87c9d428-d7c9-48e6-9a12-750f21392d45 https://share.transistor.fm/s/517118e6 In this inaugural episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson is joined by professors Leon Hunt and Chris Hamm to explore the captivating world of wuxia, a Chinese film genre that blends philosophy, action, and legend. They discuss the key elements that define wuxia, such as the chivalrous heroes, period settings, and fantastical elements, as well as the concept of jianghu, a unique world within wuxia stories.

Leon and Chris trace the evolution of wuxia from its roots in early Chinese literature to its influence on other genres, including Hollywood blockbusters. They also highlight notable works like A Touch of Zen, The Bride with White Hair, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, analyzing their contributions to the development and popularity of wuxia cinema.

This engaging and informative episode will deepen your appreciation for the richness and complexity of the wuxia genre, inspiring you to explore more of these captivating films.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Bonus Episode!
  • (02:35) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Wuxia
  • (03:08) - Our Guests’ Background in Wuxia
  • (06:03) - Why Wuxia?
  • (07:35) - How, Why, and Longevity
  • (11:39) - What Is Wuxia?
  • (17:44) - Writings and History
  • (21:34) - Kung Fu vs. Wuxia
  • (26:13) - Key Characteristics
  • (35:01) - Evolving
  • (37:27) - Come Drink With Me
  • (48:06) - The New One-Armed Swordsman
  • (54:38) - A Touch of Zen
  • (01:00:43) - Swordsman II
  • (01:05:26) - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
  • (01:10:48) - Influences on Other Genres
  • (01:14:14) - Fluctuating Interest
  • (01:15:05) - Wrap Up

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]]> In this inaugural episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson is joined by professors Leon Hunt and Chris Hamm to explore the captivating world of wuxia, a Chinese film genre that blends philosophy, action, and legend. They discuss the key elements that define wuxia, such as the chivalrous heroes, period settings, and fantastical elements, as well as the concept of jianghu, a unique world within wuxia stories.

Leon and Chris trace the evolution of wuxia from its roots in early Chinese literature to its influence on other genres, including Hollywood blockbusters. They also highlight notable works like A Touch of Zen, The Bride with White Hair, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, analyzing their contributions to the development and popularity of wuxia cinema.

This engaging and informative episode will deepen your appreciation for the richness and complexity of the wuxia genre, inspiring you to explore more of these captivating films.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Bonus Episode!
  • (02:35) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Wuxia
  • (03:08) - Our Guests’ Background in Wuxia
  • (06:03) - Why Wuxia?
  • (07:35) - How, Why, and Longevity
  • (11:39) - What Is Wuxia?
  • (17:44) - Writings and History
  • (21:34) - Kung Fu vs. Wuxia
  • (26:13) - Key Characteristics
  • (35:01) - Evolving
  • (37:27) - Come Drink With Me
  • (48:06) - The New One-Armed Swordsman
  • (54:38) - A Touch of Zen
  • (01:00:43) - Swordsman II
  • (01:05:26) - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
  • (01:10:48) - Influences on Other Genres
  • (01:14:14) - Fluctuating Interest
  • (01:15:05) - Wrap Up

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4712 In this inaugural episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson is joined by professors Leon Hunt and Chris Hamm to explore the captivating world of wuxia, a Chinese film genre that blends philosophy, action, and legend. They discuss the key elements that define wuxia, such as the chivalrous heroes, period settings, and fantastical elements, as well as the concept of jianghu, a unique world within wuxia stories.

Leon and Chris trace the evolution of wuxia from its roots in early Chinese literature to its influence on other genres, including Hollywood blockbusters. They also highlight notable works like A Touch of Zen, The Bride with White Hair, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, analyzing their contributions to the development and popularity of wuxia cinema.

This engaging and informative episode will deepen your appreciation for the richness and complexity of the wuxia genre, inspiring you to explore more of these captivating films.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Bonus Episode!
  • (02:35) - Welcome to Cinema Scope • Wuxia
  • (03:08) - Our Guests’ Background in Wuxia
  • (06:03) - Why Wuxia?
  • (07:35) - How, Why, and Longevity
  • (11:39) - What Is Wuxia?
  • (17:44) - Writings and History
  • (21:34) - Kung Fu vs. Wuxia
  • (26:13) - Key Characteristics
  • (35:01) - Evolving
  • (37:27) - Come Drink With Me
  • (48:06) - The New One-Armed Swordsman
  • (54:38) - A Touch of Zen
  • (01:00:43) - Swordsman II
  • (01:05:26) - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
  • (01:10:48) - Influences on Other Genres
  • (01:14:14) - Fluctuating Interest
  • (01:15:05) - Wrap Up

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]]> wuxia, Leon Hunt, Chris Hamm No Terrors of the Deep 2 2 7 7 Terrors of the Deep full 9850d984-5ae2-4000-b16b-0379c064e473 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a755874c The oceans hold unfathomable mysteries and horrors in their lightless depths. In this episode, Kyle Olson returns to lead the hosts of Sitting in the Dark—Tommy Metz III, Ray DeLancey, and Pete Wright—as they dive deep to confront three tales of terror from beneath the waves.

They begin with 1989's DeepStar Six, recounting the ill-fated mission of an underwater military base beset by a monstrous intruder. The claustrophobic setting evokes our deepest fears of the unknown. Next comes Leviathan, another 1989 underwater thriller with corporate greed unleashing abominations from the abyssal plains. We probe the human hubris that lies beneath these aquatic nightmares.

Finally, we reach 2020's Underwater, finding glimmers of hope amidst oceanic alien beasts. Kristen Stewart anchors this thoughtful look at sacrifice and humanity's relentless spirit of exploration.

While the terrors lurk in every murky depth, so too does wonder, adventure, and our indomitable need to understand. Join us as we plumb the lightless parts of ourselves and emerge stronger. The ocean calls to us with ancient songs of fear and freedom. Will we have the courage to listen?

Watch the movies discussed:

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark • Terrors of the Deep!
  • (02:47) - The Abyss: The Hall of Fame Entrant
  • (05:00) - Deepstar Six
  • (14:13) - Leviathan
  • (20:38) - What is your underwater job?
  • (32:19) - Underwater

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Shop & Stream:

]]> The oceans hold unfathomable mysteries and horrors in their lightless depths. In this episode, Kyle Olson returns to lead the hosts of Sitting in the Dark—Tommy Metz III, Ray DeLancey, and Pete Wright—as they dive deep to confront three tales of terror from beneath the waves.

They begin with 1989's DeepStar Six, recounting the ill-fated mission of an underwater military base beset by a monstrous intruder. The claustrophobic setting evokes our deepest fears of the unknown. Next comes Leviathan, another 1989 underwater thriller with corporate greed unleashing abominations from the abyssal plains. We probe the human hubris that lies beneath these aquatic nightmares.

Finally, we reach 2020's Underwater, finding glimmers of hope amidst oceanic alien beasts. Kristen Stewart anchors this thoughtful look at sacrifice and humanity's relentless spirit of exploration.

While the terrors lurk in every murky depth, so too does wonder, adventure, and our indomitable need to understand. Join us as we plumb the lightless parts of ourselves and emerge stronger. The ocean calls to us with ancient songs of fear and freedom. Will we have the courage to listen?

Watch the movies discussed:

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark • Terrors of the Deep!
  • (02:47) - The Abyss: The Hall of Fame Entrant
  • (05:00) - Deepstar Six
  • (14:13) - Leviathan
  • (20:38) - What is your underwater job?
  • (32:19) - Underwater

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 23 Feb 2024 20:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4100 The oceans hold unfathomable mysteries and horrors in their lightless depths. In this episode, Kyle Olson returns to lead the hosts of Sitting in the Dark—Tommy Metz III, Ray DeLancey, and Pete Wright—as they dive deep to confront three tales of terror from beneath the waves.

They begin with 1989's DeepStar Six, recounting the ill-fated mission of an underwater military base beset by a monstrous intruder. The claustrophobic setting evokes our deepest fears of the unknown. Next comes Leviathan, another 1989 underwater thriller with corporate greed unleashing abominations from the abyssal plains. We probe the human hubris that lies beneath these aquatic nightmares.

Finally, we reach 2020's Underwater, finding glimmers of hope amidst oceanic alien beasts. Kristen Stewart anchors this thoughtful look at sacrifice and humanity's relentless spirit of exploration.

While the terrors lurk in every murky depth, so too does wonder, adventure, and our indomitable need to understand. Join us as we plumb the lightless parts of ourselves and emerge stronger. The ocean calls to us with ancient songs of fear and freedom. Will we have the courage to listen?

Watch the movies discussed:

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark • Terrors of the Deep!
  • (02:47) - The Abyss: The Hall of Fame Entrant
  • (05:00) - Deepstar Six
  • (14:13) - Leviathan
  • (20:38) - What is your underwater job?
  • (32:19) - Underwater

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No House on Haunted Hill of Wax • Vincent Price Remakes 2 2 6 6 House on Haunted Hill of Wax • Vincent Price Remakes full 64252255-3ea9-4288-83f3-f0e88b1ce195 https://share.transistor.fm/s/07ee8350 Gather round the flickering candlelight, boils and ghouls! In this special episode of Sitting in the Dark, Ray DeLancey welcomes two macabre mavens to the morbid merriment: Pete Wright and Tommy Metz III. Together, these horror hounds aim to dig up the decaying details on two Vincent Price classics given modern makeovers—the 1999 and 2005 remakes of House on Haunted Hill and House of Wax.

Hunkering into the cobweb-covered crypt, the ghastly trio finds plenty to praise in the remakes’ attempts to recreate the vintage thrills of the originals. From entire towns gruesomely molded from wax to clever winks to William Castle’s famous theater gimmicks, the filmmakers conjure the macabre spirit of the classics. Yet Ray, Pete, and Tommy agree that capturing the unique charisma of Vincent Price or conjuring new horror icons is no easy feat.

Throughout their late-night analysis, they look at these films as “playgrounds” for horror, where anything goes, and the screams come easy. But they conclude that without rules that make sense and characters you care about, the scares just aren’t the same.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:23) - A Little Price Backgrounder
  • (10:53) - The Remakes
  • (11:49) - House on Haunted Hill
  • (35:51) - House of Wax
  • (52:16) - Coming Attractions

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Shop & Stream:

]]> Gather round the flickering candlelight, boils and ghouls! In this special episode of Sitting in the Dark, Ray DeLancey welcomes two macabre mavens to the morbid merriment: Pete Wright and Tommy Metz III. Together, these horror hounds aim to dig up the decaying details on two Vincent Price classics given modern makeovers—the 1999 and 2005 remakes of House on Haunted Hill and House of Wax.

Hunkering into the cobweb-covered crypt, the ghastly trio finds plenty to praise in the remakes’ attempts to recreate the vintage thrills of the originals. From entire towns gruesomely molded from wax to clever winks to William Castle’s famous theater gimmicks, the filmmakers conjure the macabre spirit of the classics. Yet Ray, Pete, and Tommy agree that capturing the unique charisma of Vincent Price or conjuring new horror icons is no easy feat.

Throughout their late-night analysis, they look at these films as “playgrounds” for horror, where anything goes, and the screams come easy. But they conclude that without rules that make sense and characters you care about, the scares just aren’t the same.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:23) - A Little Price Backgrounder
  • (10:53) - The Remakes
  • (11:49) - House on Haunted Hill
  • (35:51) - House of Wax
  • (52:16) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 26 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 3304 Gather round the flickering candlelight, boils and ghouls! In this special episode of Sitting in the Dark, Ray DeLancey welcomes two macabre mavens to the morbid merriment: Pete Wright and Tommy Metz III. Together, these horror hounds aim to dig up the decaying details on two Vincent Price classics given modern makeovers—the 1999 and 2005 remakes of House on Haunted Hill and House of Wax.

Hunkering into the cobweb-covered crypt, the ghastly trio finds plenty to praise in the remakes’ attempts to recreate the vintage thrills of the originals. From entire towns gruesomely molded from wax to clever winks to William Castle’s famous theater gimmicks, the filmmakers conjure the macabre spirit of the classics. Yet Ray, Pete, and Tommy agree that capturing the unique charisma of Vincent Price or conjuring new horror icons is no easy feat.

Throughout their late-night analysis, they look at these films as “playgrounds” for horror, where anything goes, and the screams come easy. But they conclude that without rules that make sense and characters you care about, the scares just aren’t the same.


Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:23) - A Little Price Backgrounder
  • (10:53) - The Remakes
  • (11:49) - House on Haunted Hill
  • (35:51) - House of Wax
  • (52:16) - Coming Attractions

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> No Slay Ride: When Holiday Icons Rampage 2 2 5 5 Slay Ride: When Holiday Icons Rampage full 08b13567-6a0d-44d9-b9d7-c86ce69fa4c9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/69dd1b92 What happens when the symbols of our holidays themselves turn against us? What if we find ourselves running not from Frankenstein or Dracula or some other manifestation of desire and technology run amok but we're running from murderous Saint Nick himself? What happens when the things we celebrate in song are recontextualized as explicit symbols of fear?

Here’s the thing. A dude in a suit slashing people while dressed as Santa is a subversion of expectations, sure. Presumably, the victims wouldn't expect someone dressed as Santa to be carrying a knife. But in that context, in horror films, the suit is simply camouflage. We’re looking for something more. We’re looking for the fear that comes when our own most special childhood icons... go very, very dark.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:37) - Holiday Horrors
  • (02:57) - The LIst
  • (03:56) - Opening Statements
  • (07:42) - Why do we do this to ourselves?
  • (17:53) - Leprechaun
  • (23:28) - Jack Frost
  • (31:56) - Saint
  • (41:35) - Rare Exports
  • (51:23) - The Mean One

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]]> What happens when the symbols of our holidays themselves turn against us? What if we find ourselves running not from Frankenstein or Dracula or some other manifestation of desire and technology run amok but we're running from murderous Saint Nick himself? What happens when the things we celebrate in song are recontextualized as explicit symbols of fear?

Here’s the thing. A dude in a suit slashing people while dressed as Santa is a subversion of expectations, sure. Presumably, the victims wouldn't expect someone dressed as Santa to be carrying a knife. But in that context, in horror films, the suit is simply camouflage. We’re looking for something more. We’re looking for the fear that comes when our own most special childhood icons... go very, very dark.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:37) - Holiday Horrors
  • (02:57) - The LIst
  • (03:56) - Opening Statements
  • (07:42) - Why do we do this to ourselves?
  • (17:53) - Leprechaun
  • (23:28) - Jack Frost
  • (31:56) - Saint
  • (41:35) - Rare Exports
  • (51:23) - The Mean One

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 22 Dec 2023 20:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 3603 What happens when the symbols of our holidays themselves turn against us? What if we find ourselves running not from Frankenstein or Dracula or some other manifestation of desire and technology run amok but we're running from murderous Saint Nick himself? What happens when the things we celebrate in song are recontextualized as explicit symbols of fear?

Here’s the thing. A dude in a suit slashing people while dressed as Santa is a subversion of expectations, sure. Presumably, the victims wouldn't expect someone dressed as Santa to be carrying a knife. But in that context, in horror films, the suit is simply camouflage. We’re looking for something more. We’re looking for the fear that comes when our own most special childhood icons... go very, very dark.

Film Sundries

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:37) - Holiday Horrors
  • (02:57) - The LIst
  • (03:56) - Opening Statements
  • (07:42) - Why do we do this to ourselves?
  • (17:53) - Leprechaun
  • (23:28) - Jack Frost
  • (31:56) - Saint
  • (41:35) - Rare Exports
  • (51:23) - The Mean One

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> No Filtered Reality: Found Footage, Screenlife, and the Epistolary Tradition 2 2 4 4 Filtered Reality: Found Footage, Screenlife, and the Epistolary Tradition full 8cd4be0c-cfd4-4dd2-af8b-f6744383a457 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8645e430 On this episode of Sitting in the Dark, host Tommy Metz III is joined by Pete Wright and Andy Nelson for an exploration of found footage and epistolary films. As Tommy explains, the goal is to examine how certain horror movies have upheld the literary epistolary tradition on screen through the use of found footage techniques.


The episode provides an analysis of found footage pioneer The Blair Witch Project, examining how its use of multiple cameras and time jumps strips away the usual cinematic artifice to create heightened suspense. They then delve into Unfriended, dissecting how its adherence to the rules of screenlife cinema immerses the viewer in the fear of a socialscape driven by technology. Host builds tension in a similar way despite its lower energy, with the horror manifesting in the characters' homes as captured by their webcams during a séance.


Oh how there be questions here: how the epistolary tradition translates effectively to film, the unreliability of each limited viewpoint, and how modern interfaces and tech glitches can maximize unease. They discuss the restrictions naturally imposed by found footage that heighten the suspense and the use of familiar technologies we constantly engage with that breaks down the separation between fiction and reality.


For an incisive look at how modern horror films immerse audiences by cleverly adhering to the epistolary style, this episode of Sitting in the Dark is essential listening. Tommy and crew pare an expansive topic down to its essence, analyzing pioneering films that maximize unease through their ingenious use of limited camera angles and familiar technologies. This is a conversation on how modern greats manipulate horror to blur the line between reality and nightmare.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:05) - What is The Epistilary Tradition?
  • (09:48) - The Blair Witch Project
  • (24:12) - Unfriended
  • (40:54) - Host
  • (53:16) - Deadstream

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> On this episode of Sitting in the Dark, host Tommy Metz III is joined by Pete Wright and Andy Nelson for an exploration of found footage and epistolary films. As Tommy explains, the goal is to examine how certain horror movies have upheld the literary epistolary tradition on screen through the use of found footage techniques.


The episode provides an analysis of found footage pioneer The Blair Witch Project, examining how its use of multiple cameras and time jumps strips away the usual cinematic artifice to create heightened suspense. They then delve into Unfriended, dissecting how its adherence to the rules of screenlife cinema immerses the viewer in the fear of a socialscape driven by technology. Host builds tension in a similar way despite its lower energy, with the horror manifesting in the characters' homes as captured by their webcams during a séance.


Oh how there be questions here: how the epistolary tradition translates effectively to film, the unreliability of each limited viewpoint, and how modern interfaces and tech glitches can maximize unease. They discuss the restrictions naturally imposed by found footage that heighten the suspense and the use of familiar technologies we constantly engage with that breaks down the separation between fiction and reality.


For an incisive look at how modern horror films immerse audiences by cleverly adhering to the epistolary style, this episode of Sitting in the Dark is essential listening. Tommy and crew pare an expansive topic down to its essence, analyzing pioneering films that maximize unease through their ingenious use of limited camera angles and familiar technologies. This is a conversation on how modern greats manipulate horror to blur the line between reality and nightmare.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:05) - What is The Epistilary Tradition?
  • (09:48) - The Blair Witch Project
  • (24:12) - Unfriended
  • (40:54) - Host
  • (53:16) - Deadstream

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 24 Nov 2023 20:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4336 On this episode of Sitting in the Dark, host Tommy Metz III is joined by Pete Wright and Andy Nelson for an exploration of found footage and epistolary films. As Tommy explains, the goal is to examine how certain horror movies have upheld the literary epistolary tradition on screen through the use of found footage techniques.


The episode provides an analysis of found footage pioneer The Blair Witch Project, examining how its use of multiple cameras and time jumps strips away the usual cinematic artifice to create heightened suspense. They then delve into Unfriended, dissecting how its adherence to the rules of screenlife cinema immerses the viewer in the fear of a socialscape driven by technology. Host builds tension in a similar way despite its lower energy, with the horror manifesting in the characters' homes as captured by their webcams during a séance.


Oh how there be questions here: how the epistolary tradition translates effectively to film, the unreliability of each limited viewpoint, and how modern interfaces and tech glitches can maximize unease. They discuss the restrictions naturally imposed by found footage that heighten the suspense and the use of familiar technologies we constantly engage with that breaks down the separation between fiction and reality.


For an incisive look at how modern horror films immerse audiences by cleverly adhering to the epistolary style, this episode of Sitting in the Dark is essential listening. Tommy and crew pare an expansive topic down to its essence, analyzing pioneering films that maximize unease through their ingenious use of limited camera angles and familiar technologies. This is a conversation on how modern greats manipulate horror to blur the line between reality and nightmare.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:05) - What is The Epistilary Tradition?
  • (09:48) - The Blair Witch Project
  • (24:12) - Unfriended
  • (40:54) - Host
  • (53:16) - Deadstream

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> No Silver Screen Shapeshifters: A Study of Werewolves in Cinema 2 2 3 3 Silver Screen Shapeshifters: A Study of Werewolves in Cinema full ce25b374-6614-4a2d-8ccb-9b799b57447a https://share.transistor.fm/s/8b96a308 This month, our fine teacher Ray DeLancey and his sidekicks Pete Wright and Tommy Metz III dive headfirst into the hairy world of werewolves in film. They're howling over flicks like The Wolf Man, The Curse of the Werewolf, The Howling, Wolfen, An American Werewolf in London, Wolf, Ginger Snaps, and When Animals Dream. Here’s the List on Letterboxd. As Tommy confesses, "Werewolves were never kind of at the top of the horror monster chain for me." Watch out, werewolves! It looks like you're not the alpha in this pack.


With Ray at the helm and Pete and Tommy in tow, our intrepid trio scours the cinematic landscape for traces of werewolf evolution. From the first growl in Universal's 1935 film "Werewolf of London," to the full-fledged fur-fest of films to follow, they leave no stone unturned or underbrush un-sniffed.


The episode is brimming with burning questions – Why do audiences love werewolves? How have filmmakers been playing fast and loose with werewolf mythos? And is there a werewolf version of the Academy Awards for best transformation scene? Ray notes, "So many of these tropes don't stay consistent," highlighting that werewolves in film are as changeable as their lunar-dependent counterparts.


As they round out their full-moon adventure, it's clear that this isn't just about a bunch of shaggy dog stories. It's about how stories evolve, how culture shapes our fears, and how monsters are sometimes just misunderstood creatures with a penchant for howling at the moon. Tommy sums it up perfectly, "I always have trouble getting used to the older movies, but when I meet them at their level, they're a lot of fun." This episode is an invitation to get down and dirty with the werewolves, to see them not just as the hairy beasts but as reflections of our own fears and fads.


This episode of "Sitting in the Dark" is a must-listen for movie buffs, horror fans, and anyone who's ever wondered if silver really is a werewolf's worst nightmare. It's a full-throttle, fur-flying, fang-tastic ride through the world of werewolves in film. So, tune in and prepare for a howling good time!

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:00) - The Lore
  • (14:48) - The Wolf Man
  • (23:29) - The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
  • (30:27) - The 1981 Trio
  • (37:31) - Ginger Snaps & When Animals Dream
  • (49:50) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> This month, our fine teacher Ray DeLancey and his sidekicks Pete Wright and Tommy Metz III dive headfirst into the hairy world of werewolves in film. They're howling over flicks like The Wolf Man, The Curse of the Werewolf, The Howling, Wolfen, An American Werewolf in London, Wolf, Ginger Snaps, and When Animals Dream. Here’s the List on Letterboxd. As Tommy confesses, "Werewolves were never kind of at the top of the horror monster chain for me." Watch out, werewolves! It looks like you're not the alpha in this pack.


With Ray at the helm and Pete and Tommy in tow, our intrepid trio scours the cinematic landscape for traces of werewolf evolution. From the first growl in Universal's 1935 film "Werewolf of London," to the full-fledged fur-fest of films to follow, they leave no stone unturned or underbrush un-sniffed.


The episode is brimming with burning questions – Why do audiences love werewolves? How have filmmakers been playing fast and loose with werewolf mythos? And is there a werewolf version of the Academy Awards for best transformation scene? Ray notes, "So many of these tropes don't stay consistent," highlighting that werewolves in film are as changeable as their lunar-dependent counterparts.


As they round out their full-moon adventure, it's clear that this isn't just about a bunch of shaggy dog stories. It's about how stories evolve, how culture shapes our fears, and how monsters are sometimes just misunderstood creatures with a penchant for howling at the moon. Tommy sums it up perfectly, "I always have trouble getting used to the older movies, but when I meet them at their level, they're a lot of fun." This episode is an invitation to get down and dirty with the werewolves, to see them not just as the hairy beasts but as reflections of our own fears and fads.


This episode of "Sitting in the Dark" is a must-listen for movie buffs, horror fans, and anyone who's ever wondered if silver really is a werewolf's worst nightmare. It's a full-throttle, fur-flying, fang-tastic ride through the world of werewolves in film. So, tune in and prepare for a howling good time!

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:00) - The Lore
  • (14:48) - The Wolf Man
  • (23:29) - The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
  • (30:27) - The 1981 Trio
  • (37:31) - Ginger Snaps & When Animals Dream
  • (49:50) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 27 Oct 2023 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 3163 This month, our fine teacher Ray DeLancey and his sidekicks Pete Wright and Tommy Metz III dive headfirst into the hairy world of werewolves in film. They're howling over flicks like The Wolf Man, The Curse of the Werewolf, The Howling, Wolfen, An American Werewolf in London, Wolf, Ginger Snaps, and When Animals Dream. Here’s the List on Letterboxd. As Tommy confesses, "Werewolves were never kind of at the top of the horror monster chain for me." Watch out, werewolves! It looks like you're not the alpha in this pack.


With Ray at the helm and Pete and Tommy in tow, our intrepid trio scours the cinematic landscape for traces of werewolf evolution. From the first growl in Universal's 1935 film "Werewolf of London," to the full-fledged fur-fest of films to follow, they leave no stone unturned or underbrush un-sniffed.


The episode is brimming with burning questions – Why do audiences love werewolves? How have filmmakers been playing fast and loose with werewolf mythos? And is there a werewolf version of the Academy Awards for best transformation scene? Ray notes, "So many of these tropes don't stay consistent," highlighting that werewolves in film are as changeable as their lunar-dependent counterparts.


As they round out their full-moon adventure, it's clear that this isn't just about a bunch of shaggy dog stories. It's about how stories evolve, how culture shapes our fears, and how monsters are sometimes just misunderstood creatures with a penchant for howling at the moon. Tommy sums it up perfectly, "I always have trouble getting used to the older movies, but when I meet them at their level, they're a lot of fun." This episode is an invitation to get down and dirty with the werewolves, to see them not just as the hairy beasts but as reflections of our own fears and fads.


This episode of "Sitting in the Dark" is a must-listen for movie buffs, horror fans, and anyone who's ever wondered if silver really is a werewolf's worst nightmare. It's a full-throttle, fur-flying, fang-tastic ride through the world of werewolves in film. So, tune in and prepare for a howling good time!

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (05:00) - The Lore
  • (14:48) - The Wolf Man
  • (23:29) - The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
  • (30:27) - The 1981 Trio
  • (37:31) - Ginger Snaps & When Animals Dream
  • (49:50) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No From R'lyeh to Yuggoth: A Journey into Lovecraft's Dread 2 2 2 2 From R'lyeh to Yuggoth: A Journey into Lovecraft's Dread full 2349a69b-bc86-4910-a849-3f28fe288f7e https://share.transistor.fm/s/c59494cf We gather 'round dim candlelight
To delve where sanest avoid sight 
Into twisted worlds that Lovecraft penned 
Where cosmic terrors apprehensions rend


These truths not meant for mortal brain
But like those in Lovecraftian vein 
Drawn by fascination grim and dire 
To learn what none should e'er acquire


As films that try to emulate
The mythos they dare replicate 
They court revelation of the dire kind 
And risk what's left of human mind


So wish them well on nightmare quest 
That some humanity in them rest 
Pray that benign powers hear our plea 
To guard what's left of sanity


Join us, if you be so inclined 
As we descend into darkest mind
With Ray, Tommy, and Pete our guide 
Though fraying sanity be their plight


The doors of perception now open wide 
The black stars align, let terror inside 
Our ritual begins, the incantations unfold 
Beyond sanity's edge we now go bold


OK, ok... as a trio, we didn't have the most extensive background in the works of Lovecraft. That's what makes the film adaptations the perfect fodder for this fair show. So, we did the work and watched a starter package of a bunch of films that are either direct adaptations or clearly influenced by the writing of Lovecraft, and we present our experience today. Want to watch along? Check out our Letterboxd list and get going!


Lovecraft's fiction focused heavily on fear of the vast unknown universe, inherited evil, and his potential for mental collapse. Though not widely known during his lifetime, he developed a cult following for his weird tales published in pulp magazines in the 1920s-30s. Lovecraft helped popularize cosmic horror with recurring elements like the fictional Miskatonic University and entities like Cthulhu. He allowed other writers to borrow his ideas freely, helping spread his Cthulhu Mythos. After his 1937 death, his influence quietly grew until it permeated modern horror. His cosmic themes and tropes are now ubiquitous across literature, visual art, film, games, and pop culture. However, appreciation of his problematic views has lagged, sparking debates on separating his ideas from his beliefs.


Many films have adapted Lovecraft's stories or integrated his themes. The Haunted Palace, The Dunwich Horror, Re-Animator, and other direct adaptations capture the tone of impending madness and futility in the face of elder gods. Meanwhile, The Thing, Prince of Darkness, In the Mouth of Madness, Annihilation, and The Lighthouse incorporate Lovecraftian elements into original narratives. Creative choices must be made to translate his verbose prose into visuals. Performances that show protagonists struggling to cling to sanity resonate as Lovecraftian. Later horror creators owe a debt to Lovecraft's brand of unknowable, cerebral fear.


He was a troubled guy, and as filmmakers continue to reimagine the mythos, we're seeing updates to problematic elements while, in many cases, artfully preserving the essence of his disturbing philosophical horror. He is among many case examples of needing to separate the art from the artist, however, and some of the film adaptations are, frankly, much better than others. Still, you can't deny his influence on the art form.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:09) - What We Know About Lovecraft
  • (05:29) - He was... problematic
  • (10:46) - A Recitation of the Movies
  • (11:51) - Impressions of the Films
  • (17:10) - The Necronomicon
  • (24:45) - The Lighthouse v Call of Cthulu
  • (31:29) - Greatest Hits of the Lovecraftian Vibe
  • (01:03:35) - Awakenings
  • (01:07:07) - Coming Attractions: The Movie-lover's Guide to Lycanthropy

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> We gather 'round dim candlelight
To delve where sanest avoid sight 
Into twisted worlds that Lovecraft penned 
Where cosmic terrors apprehensions rend


These truths not meant for mortal brain
But like those in Lovecraftian vein 
Drawn by fascination grim and dire 
To learn what none should e'er acquire


As films that try to emulate
The mythos they dare replicate 
They court revelation of the dire kind 
And risk what's left of human mind


So wish them well on nightmare quest 
That some humanity in them rest 
Pray that benign powers hear our plea 
To guard what's left of sanity


Join us, if you be so inclined 
As we descend into darkest mind
With Ray, Tommy, and Pete our guide 
Though fraying sanity be their plight


The doors of perception now open wide 
The black stars align, let terror inside 
Our ritual begins, the incantations unfold 
Beyond sanity's edge we now go bold


OK, ok... as a trio, we didn't have the most extensive background in the works of Lovecraft. That's what makes the film adaptations the perfect fodder for this fair show. So, we did the work and watched a starter package of a bunch of films that are either direct adaptations or clearly influenced by the writing of Lovecraft, and we present our experience today. Want to watch along? Check out our Letterboxd list and get going!


Lovecraft's fiction focused heavily on fear of the vast unknown universe, inherited evil, and his potential for mental collapse. Though not widely known during his lifetime, he developed a cult following for his weird tales published in pulp magazines in the 1920s-30s. Lovecraft helped popularize cosmic horror with recurring elements like the fictional Miskatonic University and entities like Cthulhu. He allowed other writers to borrow his ideas freely, helping spread his Cthulhu Mythos. After his 1937 death, his influence quietly grew until it permeated modern horror. His cosmic themes and tropes are now ubiquitous across literature, visual art, film, games, and pop culture. However, appreciation of his problematic views has lagged, sparking debates on separating his ideas from his beliefs.


Many films have adapted Lovecraft's stories or integrated his themes. The Haunted Palace, The Dunwich Horror, Re-Animator, and other direct adaptations capture the tone of impending madness and futility in the face of elder gods. Meanwhile, The Thing, Prince of Darkness, In the Mouth of Madness, Annihilation, and The Lighthouse incorporate Lovecraftian elements into original narratives. Creative choices must be made to translate his verbose prose into visuals. Performances that show protagonists struggling to cling to sanity resonate as Lovecraftian. Later horror creators owe a debt to Lovecraft's brand of unknowable, cerebral fear.


He was a troubled guy, and as filmmakers continue to reimagine the mythos, we're seeing updates to problematic elements while, in many cases, artfully preserving the essence of his disturbing philosophical horror. He is among many case examples of needing to separate the art from the artist, however, and some of the film adaptations are, frankly, much better than others. Still, you can't deny his influence on the art form.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:09) - What We Know About Lovecraft
  • (05:29) - He was... problematic
  • (10:46) - A Recitation of the Movies
  • (11:51) - Impressions of the Films
  • (17:10) - The Necronomicon
  • (24:45) - The Lighthouse v Call of Cthulu
  • (31:29) - Greatest Hits of the Lovecraftian Vibe
  • (01:03:35) - Awakenings
  • (01:07:07) - Coming Attractions: The Movie-lover's Guide to Lycanthropy

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 22 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4135 We gather 'round dim candlelight
To delve where sanest avoid sight 
Into twisted worlds that Lovecraft penned 
Where cosmic terrors apprehensions rend


These truths not meant for mortal brain
But like those in Lovecraftian vein 
Drawn by fascination grim and dire 
To learn what none should e'er acquire


As films that try to emulate
The mythos they dare replicate 
They court revelation of the dire kind 
And risk what's left of human mind


So wish them well on nightmare quest 
That some humanity in them rest 
Pray that benign powers hear our plea 
To guard what's left of sanity


Join us, if you be so inclined 
As we descend into darkest mind
With Ray, Tommy, and Pete our guide 
Though fraying sanity be their plight


The doors of perception now open wide 
The black stars align, let terror inside 
Our ritual begins, the incantations unfold 
Beyond sanity's edge we now go bold


OK, ok... as a trio, we didn't have the most extensive background in the works of Lovecraft. That's what makes the film adaptations the perfect fodder for this fair show. So, we did the work and watched a starter package of a bunch of films that are either direct adaptations or clearly influenced by the writing of Lovecraft, and we present our experience today. Want to watch along? Check out our Letterboxd list and get going!


Lovecraft's fiction focused heavily on fear of the vast unknown universe, inherited evil, and his potential for mental collapse. Though not widely known during his lifetime, he developed a cult following for his weird tales published in pulp magazines in the 1920s-30s. Lovecraft helped popularize cosmic horror with recurring elements like the fictional Miskatonic University and entities like Cthulhu. He allowed other writers to borrow his ideas freely, helping spread his Cthulhu Mythos. After his 1937 death, his influence quietly grew until it permeated modern horror. His cosmic themes and tropes are now ubiquitous across literature, visual art, film, games, and pop culture. However, appreciation of his problematic views has lagged, sparking debates on separating his ideas from his beliefs.


Many films have adapted Lovecraft's stories or integrated his themes. The Haunted Palace, The Dunwich Horror, Re-Animator, and other direct adaptations capture the tone of impending madness and futility in the face of elder gods. Meanwhile, The Thing, Prince of Darkness, In the Mouth of Madness, Annihilation, and The Lighthouse incorporate Lovecraftian elements into original narratives. Creative choices must be made to translate his verbose prose into visuals. Performances that show protagonists struggling to cling to sanity resonate as Lovecraftian. Later horror creators owe a debt to Lovecraft's brand of unknowable, cerebral fear.


He was a troubled guy, and as filmmakers continue to reimagine the mythos, we're seeing updates to problematic elements while, in many cases, artfully preserving the essence of his disturbing philosophical horror. He is among many case examples of needing to separate the art from the artist, however, and some of the film adaptations are, frankly, much better than others. Still, you can't deny his influence on the art form.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:09) - What We Know About Lovecraft
  • (05:29) - He was... problematic
  • (10:46) - A Recitation of the Movies
  • (11:51) - Impressions of the Films
  • (17:10) - The Necronomicon
  • (24:45) - The Lighthouse v Call of Cthulu
  • (31:29) - Greatest Hits of the Lovecraftian Vibe
  • (01:03:35) - Awakenings
  • (01:07:07) - Coming Attractions: The Movie-lover's Guide to Lycanthropy

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No Skinamarinking in the Dark 1 1 7 7 Skinamarinking in the Dark full bf5da4fe-fb9b-4a0d-8681-5484535c0c22 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6d7ca62 One of the things we find so interesting about Skinamarink is that it might just be unspoilable. Don’t get me wrong… we try to spoil it, sure. But, just as all films are largely a partnership between viewer and creators, this one is supercharged by your own fear in a way that we find difficult to classify. 


It was Tommy’s pick this month, and he went with this single film as a marker of the first time in his own memory as a horror movie lover that he reports geniune fear in the watching of it. Turns out, writer/director Kyle Edward Ball’s journey through childhood trauma and fear in western Alberta has some real legs. 


If you haven’t considered it, this show is just a part of The Next Reel Film Podcasts membership program. Join todayand get access to early and extended editions of every show we create, along with the super-secret community channels in our Discord Server. But even if now is not the right time to join, you can hang with us and talk about the movie in our public Sitting in the Dark channel today! 


Links & Notes

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:25) - Nightime Tales
  • (05:14) - News and/or Announcements
  • (06:16) - Meanwhile... Skinamarinking
  • (14:26) - Going in Cold.
  • (18:23) - Camera & Grain
  • (23:57) - Slow Cinema
  • (31:07) - Soundscape
  • (34:59) - What Is Happening!
  • (48:37) - Coming Attractions?
  • (49:41) - Letterboxd

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> One of the things we find so interesting about Skinamarink is that it might just be unspoilable. Don’t get me wrong… we try to spoil it, sure. But, just as all films are largely a partnership between viewer and creators, this one is supercharged by your own fear in a way that we find difficult to classify. 


It was Tommy’s pick this month, and he went with this single film as a marker of the first time in his own memory as a horror movie lover that he reports geniune fear in the watching of it. Turns out, writer/director Kyle Edward Ball’s journey through childhood trauma and fear in western Alberta has some real legs. 


If you haven’t considered it, this show is just a part of The Next Reel Film Podcasts membership program. Join todayand get access to early and extended editions of every show we create, along with the super-secret community channels in our Discord Server. But even if now is not the right time to join, you can hang with us and talk about the movie in our public Sitting in the Dark channel today! 


Links & Notes

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:25) - Nightime Tales
  • (05:14) - News and/or Announcements
  • (06:16) - Meanwhile... Skinamarinking
  • (14:26) - Going in Cold.
  • (18:23) - Camera & Grain
  • (23:57) - Slow Cinema
  • (31:07) - Soundscape
  • (34:59) - What Is Happening!
  • (48:37) - Coming Attractions?
  • (49:41) - Letterboxd

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Fri, 25 Aug 2023 21:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 3265 One of the things we find so interesting about Skinamarink is that it might just be unspoilable. Don’t get me wrong… we try to spoil it, sure. But, just as all films are largely a partnership between viewer and creators, this one is supercharged by your own fear in a way that we find difficult to classify. 


It was Tommy’s pick this month, and he went with this single film as a marker of the first time in his own memory as a horror movie lover that he reports geniune fear in the watching of it. Turns out, writer/director Kyle Edward Ball’s journey through childhood trauma and fear in western Alberta has some real legs. 


If you haven’t considered it, this show is just a part of The Next Reel Film Podcasts membership program. Join todayand get access to early and extended editions of every show we create, along with the super-secret community channels in our Discord Server. But even if now is not the right time to join, you can hang with us and talk about the movie in our public Sitting in the Dark channel today! 


Links & Notes

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:25) - Nightime Tales
  • (05:14) - News and/or Announcements
  • (06:16) - Meanwhile... Skinamarinking
  • (14:26) - Going in Cold.
  • (18:23) - Camera & Grain
  • (23:57) - Slow Cinema
  • (31:07) - Soundscape
  • (34:59) - What Is Happening!
  • (48:37) - Coming Attractions?
  • (49:41) - Letterboxd

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The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> No Possessed! by Lester and Kynan of The Exorcist Minute! 1 1 6 6 Possessed! by Lester and Kynan of The Exorcist Minute! full 1bf03349-b31b-478b-b1e2-fc9e3946f7e8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f3686ff Welcome to another month in the Dark! This time we’re taking on those head-turning, wall-clinging, priest-punching pests, DEMONS and the poor saps they possess!

What business do we have doing all this? Well, some, but we level up this month with a few very special guests. Lester Ryan Clark is actor, writer, and teacher of everything, and Kynan Dias is a filmmaker and assistant professor in film at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and  and together they host The Exorcist Minute right here — and brand new — on TruStory FM, covering, as they say, the scariest movie of all time, minute by terrifying minute.

We talk about Poltergeist 2, Krampus, Hereditary, The Exorcist 3, The Rite, and The Exorcist. As usual, we put together a list of the films (and a few bonus films, for this month’s curriculum posted on our Letterboxd account right here. Clone the list and get to watching!

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:08) - The Films of Demonic Possession
  • (03:59) - What is a "Demon"
  • (06:51) - Letterboxd List in the Show Notes!
  • (07:27) - What Constitutes a Demon Movie?
  • (15:05) - Poltergeist II
  • (27:47) - Krampus
  • (39:24) - Hereditary
  • (48:45) - The Exorcist III
  • (58:43) - The Rite
  • (01:06:31) - Check out The Exorcist Minute!
  • (01:08:26) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Welcome to another month in the Dark! This time we’re taking on those head-turning, wall-clinging, priest-punching pests, DEMONS and the poor saps they possess!

What business do we have doing all this? Well, some, but we level up this month with a few very special guests. Lester Ryan Clark is actor, writer, and teacher of everything, and Kynan Dias is a filmmaker and assistant professor in film at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and  and together they host The Exorcist Minute right here — and brand new — on TruStory FM, covering, as they say, the scariest movie of all time, minute by terrifying minute.

We talk about Poltergeist 2, Krampus, Hereditary, The Exorcist 3, The Rite, and The Exorcist. As usual, we put together a list of the films (and a few bonus films, for this month’s curriculum posted on our Letterboxd account right here. Clone the list and get to watching!

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:08) - The Films of Demonic Possession
  • (03:59) - What is a "Demon"
  • (06:51) - Letterboxd List in the Show Notes!
  • (07:27) - What Constitutes a Demon Movie?
  • (15:05) - Poltergeist II
  • (27:47) - Krampus
  • (39:24) - Hereditary
  • (48:45) - The Exorcist III
  • (58:43) - The Rite
  • (01:06:31) - Check out The Exorcist Minute!
  • (01:08:26) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 28 Jul 2023 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 4247 Welcome to another month in the Dark! This time we’re taking on those head-turning, wall-clinging, priest-punching pests, DEMONS and the poor saps they possess!

What business do we have doing all this? Well, some, but we level up this month with a few very special guests. Lester Ryan Clark is actor, writer, and teacher of everything, and Kynan Dias is a filmmaker and assistant professor in film at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and  and together they host The Exorcist Minute right here — and brand new — on TruStory FM, covering, as they say, the scariest movie of all time, minute by terrifying minute.

We talk about Poltergeist 2, Krampus, Hereditary, The Exorcist 3, The Rite, and The Exorcist. As usual, we put together a list of the films (and a few bonus films, for this month’s curriculum posted on our Letterboxd account right here. Clone the list and get to watching!

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:08) - The Films of Demonic Possession
  • (03:59) - What is a "Demon"
  • (06:51) - Letterboxd List in the Show Notes!
  • (07:27) - What Constitutes a Demon Movie?
  • (15:05) - Poltergeist II
  • (27:47) - Krampus
  • (39:24) - Hereditary
  • (48:45) - The Exorcist III
  • (58:43) - The Rite
  • (01:06:31) - Check out The Exorcist Minute!
  • (01:08:26) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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Shop & Stream:

]]> No Buzzed and Confused: How The Fly became a Classic Horror Icon 1 1 5 5 Buzzed and Confused: How The Fly became a Classic Horror Icon full 4ec51816-ca44-46ff-88fb-9068110b63d7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cbc5672b Hey there, horror fans! We’re back in the basement where we're talking all things The Fly. How did this underdog of a movie become such a success? And seriously, how does a movie about a man turning into a fly work so well on the screen?

We're taking a trip back in time to the 1950s when paranoia and fear were all the rage after the A-bomb and World War II. We're also exploring the 1980s when Reagan and the AIDS epidemic were in full swing. Let's just say the political and cultural context of each era definitely influenced the movies. We’re digging into performances like Patricia Owens' impressive work despite having an insect phobia while filming, Jeff Goldblum's iconic turn as Seth Brundle, and Eric Stoltz's weirdly on-brand turn in The Fly II.

David Cronenberg's direction made the movie his own, and we're discussing how the creature design worked in each film. Plus, did you know that The Fly (1958) was actually in color? We fully Mandella’d ourselves. It’s weird, y’all. There be color here.

Join us for a discussion about the compatibility of horror and sci-fi and why The Fly continues to give us chills even after all these years.

Curious to check out the short story that started it all? Check it out here!

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (06:33) - The Fly, the Story, and Playboy Magazine
  • (18:54) - Technophobia
  • (22:07) - What makes this scary?
  • (26:07) - The Fly II
  • (34:53) - The Monsters
  • (42:13) - The Women
  • (46:16) - The Sequels
  • (50:09) - Where you can watch 'em.
  • (51:47) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> Hey there, horror fans! We’re back in the basement where we're talking all things The Fly. How did this underdog of a movie become such a success? And seriously, how does a movie about a man turning into a fly work so well on the screen?

We're taking a trip back in time to the 1950s when paranoia and fear were all the rage after the A-bomb and World War II. We're also exploring the 1980s when Reagan and the AIDS epidemic were in full swing. Let's just say the political and cultural context of each era definitely influenced the movies. We’re digging into performances like Patricia Owens' impressive work despite having an insect phobia while filming, Jeff Goldblum's iconic turn as Seth Brundle, and Eric Stoltz's weirdly on-brand turn in The Fly II.

David Cronenberg's direction made the movie his own, and we're discussing how the creature design worked in each film. Plus, did you know that The Fly (1958) was actually in color? We fully Mandella’d ourselves. It’s weird, y’all. There be color here.

Join us for a discussion about the compatibility of horror and sci-fi and why The Fly continues to give us chills even after all these years.

Curious to check out the short story that started it all? Check it out here!

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (06:33) - The Fly, the Story, and Playboy Magazine
  • (18:54) - Technophobia
  • (22:07) - What makes this scary?
  • (26:07) - The Fly II
  • (34:53) - The Monsters
  • (42:13) - The Women
  • (46:16) - The Sequels
  • (50:09) - Where you can watch 'em.
  • (51:47) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 23 Jun 2023 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 3245 Hey there, horror fans! We’re back in the basement where we're talking all things The Fly. How did this underdog of a movie become such a success? And seriously, how does a movie about a man turning into a fly work so well on the screen?

We're taking a trip back in time to the 1950s when paranoia and fear were all the rage after the A-bomb and World War II. We're also exploring the 1980s when Reagan and the AIDS epidemic were in full swing. Let's just say the political and cultural context of each era definitely influenced the movies. We’re digging into performances like Patricia Owens' impressive work despite having an insect phobia while filming, Jeff Goldblum's iconic turn as Seth Brundle, and Eric Stoltz's weirdly on-brand turn in The Fly II.

David Cronenberg's direction made the movie his own, and we're discussing how the creature design worked in each film. Plus, did you know that The Fly (1958) was actually in color? We fully Mandella’d ourselves. It’s weird, y’all. There be color here.

Join us for a discussion about the compatibility of horror and sci-fi and why The Fly continues to give us chills even after all these years.

Curious to check out the short story that started it all? Check it out here!

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (06:33) - The Fly, the Story, and Playboy Magazine
  • (18:54) - Technophobia
  • (22:07) - What makes this scary?
  • (26:07) - The Fly II
  • (34:53) - The Monsters
  • (42:13) - The Women
  • (46:16) - The Sequels
  • (50:09) - Where you can watch 'em.
  • (51:47) - Coming Attractions

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

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]]> No Terrifying Trespassers: A Cinematic Exploration of Unwanted Company 1 1 4 4 Terrifying Trespassers: A Cinematic Exploration of Unwanted Company full 3fe28db0-2198-4fee-bb20-65a5644d4883 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4673e53e It's dark. The middle of the night. Wait, did you hear that? The sliding door to the back of your house? That creak in the floorboard? Did the dog just bark, or was that a dream? You're all alone in your home... but are you?

This month, Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Ray DeLancey come together for a tour of 15 home invasion horror films spanning nearly 50 years. Although Pete has always disliked this subgenre, he challenged himself to watch these films to gain a new appreciation for them. He was surprised by the range of styles that qualify as “home invasion” horror, from thrillers to stalking films to “Home Alone fever dream” scenarios. For this episode, the trio focused on films that explore the fear of being violated in your own home, the tension between safety and vulnerability, and the danger that can lurk within the home itself.

The fear that comes from these films is rooted in their near-universal relatability. The familiar setting of the home heightens terror, and these films often explore how easily one’s home can be breached. They also frequently examine vulnerability, survival instincts, and relationships between family members in extreme circumstances.

Want to watch along? Check out the Letterboxd watchlist that accompanies this episode for the movies included.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:05) - Home Invasion Horror? Challenge Accepted
  • (03:11) - The Films & The Rules
  • (13:11) - Testing the Reliability of the Home
  • (31:02) - Sympathy for the Devil
  • (33:47) - The Motivated Villain
  • (40:13) - The Last Houses on the Lefts
  • (46:54) - Home Invasion Gone Wrong
  • (49:24) - The Lonely Villa: The First Home Invasion Movie
  • (56:33) - Coming Attractions: The Fly

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> It's dark. The middle of the night. Wait, did you hear that? The sliding door to the back of your house? That creak in the floorboard? Did the dog just bark, or was that a dream? You're all alone in your home... but are you?

This month, Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Ray DeLancey come together for a tour of 15 home invasion horror films spanning nearly 50 years. Although Pete has always disliked this subgenre, he challenged himself to watch these films to gain a new appreciation for them. He was surprised by the range of styles that qualify as “home invasion” horror, from thrillers to stalking films to “Home Alone fever dream” scenarios. For this episode, the trio focused on films that explore the fear of being violated in your own home, the tension between safety and vulnerability, and the danger that can lurk within the home itself.

The fear that comes from these films is rooted in their near-universal relatability. The familiar setting of the home heightens terror, and these films often explore how easily one’s home can be breached. They also frequently examine vulnerability, survival instincts, and relationships between family members in extreme circumstances.

Want to watch along? Check out the Letterboxd watchlist that accompanies this episode for the movies included.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:05) - Home Invasion Horror? Challenge Accepted
  • (03:11) - The Films & The Rules
  • (13:11) - Testing the Reliability of the Home
  • (31:02) - Sympathy for the Devil
  • (33:47) - The Motivated Villain
  • (40:13) - The Last Houses on the Lefts
  • (46:54) - Home Invasion Gone Wrong
  • (49:24) - The Lonely Villa: The First Home Invasion Movie
  • (56:33) - Coming Attractions: The Fly

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 26 May 2023 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 3474 It's dark. The middle of the night. Wait, did you hear that? The sliding door to the back of your house? That creak in the floorboard? Did the dog just bark, or was that a dream? You're all alone in your home... but are you?

This month, Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Ray DeLancey come together for a tour of 15 home invasion horror films spanning nearly 50 years. Although Pete has always disliked this subgenre, he challenged himself to watch these films to gain a new appreciation for them. He was surprised by the range of styles that qualify as “home invasion” horror, from thrillers to stalking films to “Home Alone fever dream” scenarios. For this episode, the trio focused on films that explore the fear of being violated in your own home, the tension between safety and vulnerability, and the danger that can lurk within the home itself.

The fear that comes from these films is rooted in their near-universal relatability. The familiar setting of the home heightens terror, and these films often explore how easily one’s home can be breached. They also frequently examine vulnerability, survival instincts, and relationships between family members in extreme circumstances.

Want to watch along? Check out the Letterboxd watchlist that accompanies this episode for the movies included.

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (01:05) - Home Invasion Horror? Challenge Accepted
  • (03:11) - The Films & The Rules
  • (13:11) - Testing the Reliability of the Home
  • (31:02) - Sympathy for the Devil
  • (33:47) - The Motivated Villain
  • (40:13) - The Last Houses on the Lefts
  • (46:54) - Home Invasion Gone Wrong
  • (49:24) - The Lonely Villa: The First Home Invasion Movie
  • (56:33) - Coming Attractions: The Fly

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No Tommy’s Terror Trope Tutorials • Book of the Vampyre and Final Girls 1 1 3 3 Tommy’s Terror Trope Tutorials • Book of the Vampyre and Final Girls full 5cb620b2-b8f8-48cc-899e-e9d048330868 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5aed2a1 Our very own Tommy Metz leads us on a harrowing tale of tropes this month. We start with the Book of the Vampyre as depicted in 1922's "Nosferatu" and beyond, then pose the most important question three men could ask about horror movies: is the Final Girl a feminist icon?

Movies we mention: 

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:59) - The Book of the Vampyre
  • (24:44) - The Final Girl

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Our very own Tommy Metz leads us on a harrowing tale of tropes this month. We start with the Book of the Vampyre as depicted in 1922's "Nosferatu" and beyond, then pose the most important question three men could ask about horror movies: is the Final Girl a feminist icon?

Movies we mention: 

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:59) - The Book of the Vampyre
  • (24:44) - The Final Girl

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 2698 Our very own Tommy Metz leads us on a harrowing tale of tropes this month. We start with the Book of the Vampyre as depicted in 1922's "Nosferatu" and beyond, then pose the most important question three men could ask about horror movies: is the Final Girl a feminist icon?

Movies we mention: 

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:59) - The Book of the Vampyre
  • (24:44) - The Final Girl

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No Frankenstein Lives 1 1 2 2 Frankenstein Lives full 02dfa653-0625-43a3-b5d6-f431fb91ca91 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9b2a6e72 Frankenstein is one of our own Ray DeLancey’s favorite classic monsters. And as our resident scholar, he jumps to the front of the class to take Pete Wright and Kyle Olson to school.

We start with Edison’s own “Frankenstein,” the first cinematic adaptation from 1910, which you can watch yourself right now on YouTube here. Don’t worry; it’s not even 15 minutes long.

From there, we head to 1931 and 1935 and dive into Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein. If you’ve never seen them, we recommend you take them back-to-back; they’re short and indeed do screen as two small parts of a greater whole.


This brings us Karloff, the standard bearer of the monster icon, and he’s fantastic. But Ray has the goods on what it took the man to create the monster on screen. It involves dental implants. Not kidding.

What about later installations of the monster on film? Fear not! We’ll be back with more later this in this SitD season. Thanks for listening, and if you know any horror or classic monster fans who might appreciate it, we hope you’ll pass the show along!

  • (00:00) - Sitting in the Dark • Frankenstein Part I
  • (03:22) - The Young Frankenstein Connections
  • (04:41) - None More Goth than Shelley
  • (08:56) - Frankenstein (1910)
  • (25:30) - Frankenstein (1931)
  • (57:08) - The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Frankenstein is one of our own Ray DeLancey’s favorite classic monsters. And as our resident scholar, he jumps to the front of the class to take Pete Wright and Kyle Olson to school.

We start with Edison’s own “Frankenstein,” the first cinematic adaptation from 1910, which you can watch yourself right now on YouTube here. Don’t worry; it’s not even 15 minutes long.

From there, we head to 1931 and 1935 and dive into Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein. If you’ve never seen them, we recommend you take them back-to-back; they’re short and indeed do screen as two small parts of a greater whole.


This brings us Karloff, the standard bearer of the monster icon, and he’s fantastic. But Ray has the goods on what it took the man to create the monster on screen. It involves dental implants. Not kidding.

What about later installations of the monster on film? Fear not! We’ll be back with more later this in this SitD season. Thanks for listening, and if you know any horror or classic monster fans who might appreciate it, we hope you’ll pass the show along!

  • (00:00) - Sitting in the Dark • Frankenstein Part I
  • (03:22) - The Young Frankenstein Connections
  • (04:41) - None More Goth than Shelley
  • (08:56) - Frankenstein (1910)
  • (25:30) - Frankenstein (1931)
  • (57:08) - The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Fri, 24 Mar 2023 20:00:00 -0700 TruStory FM TruStory FM 5423 Frankenstein is one of our own Ray DeLancey’s favorite classic monsters. And as our resident scholar, he jumps to the front of the class to take Pete Wright and Kyle Olson to school.

We start with Edison’s own “Frankenstein,” the first cinematic adaptation from 1910, which you can watch yourself right now on YouTube here. Don’t worry; it’s not even 15 minutes long.

From there, we head to 1931 and 1935 and dive into Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein. If you’ve never seen them, we recommend you take them back-to-back; they’re short and indeed do screen as two small parts of a greater whole.


This brings us Karloff, the standard bearer of the monster icon, and he’s fantastic. But Ray has the goods on what it took the man to create the monster on screen. It involves dental implants. Not kidding.

What about later installations of the monster on film? Fear not! We’ll be back with more later this in this SitD season. Thanks for listening, and if you know any horror or classic monster fans who might appreciate it, we hope you’ll pass the show along!

  • (00:00) - Sitting in the Dark • Frankenstein Part I
  • (03:22) - The Young Frankenstein Connections
  • (04:41) - None More Goth than Shelley
  • (08:56) - Frankenstein (1910)
  • (25:30) - Frankenstein (1931)
  • (57:08) - The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> No Horror Fans... We meet in the basement 1 1 1 1 Horror Fans... We meet in the basement full 7a439e01-0a10-406a-90e1-6ce0962eba94 https://share.transistor.fm/s/810566fd A new series from TruStory FM exploring horror in film across classics and subgenres with Kyle Olson, Tommy Metz, Ray DeLancey, and Pete Wright.


This week, we’re just dipping our toes in the darkness with a bit of background on our journey with film horror. Tommy and Ray are experienced explorers. Kyle and Pete are relatively recent converts. Somewhere in the middle, our interests meet monsters, silent creepers, classic characters, home invaders, and beflowered psychopaths. 


New episodes are coming very soon, so subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or become a member at https://trustory.fm/tnr-membership for early access and more. 

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:05) - Origin Stories
  • (14:09) - Horror Corners
  • (30:33) - What's to Come

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> A new series from TruStory FM exploring horror in film across classics and subgenres with Kyle Olson, Tommy Metz, Ray DeLancey, and Pete Wright.


This week, we’re just dipping our toes in the darkness with a bit of background on our journey with film horror. Tommy and Ray are experienced explorers. Kyle and Pete are relatively recent converts. Somewhere in the middle, our interests meet monsters, silent creepers, classic characters, home invaders, and beflowered psychopaths. 


New episodes are coming very soon, so subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or become a member at https://trustory.fm/tnr-membership for early access and more. 

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:05) - Origin Stories
  • (14:09) - Horror Corners
  • (30:33) - What's to Come

Support The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:

Connect With Us:

Shop & Stream:

]]> Sat, 18 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 2763 A new series from TruStory FM exploring horror in film across classics and subgenres with Kyle Olson, Tommy Metz, Ray DeLancey, and Pete Wright.


This week, we’re just dipping our toes in the darkness with a bit of background on our journey with film horror. Tommy and Ray are experienced explorers. Kyle and Pete are relatively recent converts. Somewhere in the middle, our interests meet monsters, silent creepers, classic characters, home invaders, and beflowered psychopaths. 


New episodes are coming very soon, so subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or become a member at https://trustory.fm/tnr-membership for early access and more. 

  • (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark
  • (02:05) - Origin Stories
  • (14:09) - Horror Corners
  • (30:33) - What's to Come

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]]> No Join Us... Sitting in the Dark! 1 1 Join Us... Sitting in the Dark! trailer aeefbc62-8b0d-42ab-afea-6c0427b8c623 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8b183753 Welcome to Sitting in the Dark, a podcast exploring horror in film across classics and subgenres with Kyle Olson, Tommy Metz III, Kynan Dias, and Pete Wright.

]]> Welcome to Sitting in the Dark, a podcast exploring horror in film across classics and subgenres with Kyle Olson, Tommy Metz III, Kynan Dias, and Pete Wright.

]]> Fri, 03 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0800 TruStory FM TruStory FM 84 Welcome to Sitting in the Dark, a podcast exploring horror in film across classics and subgenres with Kyle Olson, Tommy Metz III, Kynan Dias, and Pete Wright.

]]> Horror, Film, Movies, Film Commentary, Horror Commentary No