From IMDB: “Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences.”

FLOW is both an adventure film and a post-apocalyptic movie all in one. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, and written with co-producer Matiss Kaža, the movie was remarkably done on a budget of only 3.5M Euros, during a time many animated films cross over 150M Euros to make. Your co-hosts decided to take a look at this fabulous film, give their thoughts, and praise its wonderful story.

From IMDB: “Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, the Fantastic Four must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer.”

The movie is directed by Game of Thrones veteran, Matt Shakman, and stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn as the Fantastic Four. Though the movie was a big box office success on opening weekend, the movie has dropped dramatically in revenue the follow up weeks since its release on July 25, 2025. You co-hosts take a look at the new film and its prospects as a franchise starter.

From IMDB: “Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.”

The new Superman film stars David Corenswet as the lead with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The aggregate website Rottentomatoes has given it great reviews from both audiences and reviewers alike. Your co-hosts take a look at this big budget beginning to the DC Universe and give their thoughts.

From IMDB: A mixed family moves from the city to a remote village, buying a house unseen. Unwelcoming locals and a real urban legend threaten their new life as they confront the property's dark history.

Your podcast hosts were able to interview the director, Mike Furhman, along with Kristi Schoonover who had a small part in the film. After its limited theatrical release, it is now available on VOD everywhere.

From Rotten Tomatoes:  “He's a stuntman, and like everyone in the stunt community, he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, solve a conspiracy and try to win back the love of his life while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right?”

THE FALL GUY is directed by former stuntman David Leitch, who is best known for directing JOHN WICK (2014), ATOMIC BLONDE (2017), DEADPOOL 2 (2018), BULLET TRAIN (2022), among others.  Written by Drew Pearce and starring Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling, the movie received fantastic reviews from critics and audiences alike.  Though it wasn’t the phenomenal box office success the producers had hoped, the movie has gotten a second life on streaming.  Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews once again is back with their look forward to the new year and what seems to interest them most. Some of the more high profile items spoken of include TRON ARES, BALLERINA, ANDOR Season 2, THE MONKEY, and THE HOUSEMAID.

But it doesn't end there. Other items talked about include DAREDEVIL, THE CONJURING LAST RIGHTS, THE BRIDE, and ALIEN EARTH. And then at the very end we list off other films and talk about some of the latest news about movies and genre cinema.

Directed by Zack Snyder, written by David Hayter and Alex Tse, and starring Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Good, Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, was not the success that the studio had hoped. With the usual debate between the fans of the graphic novel and superheroes in general, backlash and praise were both the norm.

Now fifteen years later, the movie has become somewhat of a cult classic. With its fabulous special effects, splendid acting, and changes to the story to make it fit within a movie length, the film, though polarizing, continues to find audiences through streaming. Your cohosts take a look at the film itself and give their thoughts.

The talents behind the graphic novel include write Alan Moore, artist Dave Gibbons, and colorist John Higgins. Since its debut, the popularity with its alternate timeline has only grown as it became a movie simply titled Watchmen, written by David Hayter and Alex Tse, and directed by talented and enigmatic Zack Snyder.

Receiving mixed reviews, the movie may have been before its time as comic book films were just at the cusp of dominating the movie box office. In this first of two episodes, your co-hosts talk about the backstory of source material and the dream of Zack Snyder trying to make what many thought as an impossible source material to adapt into what is now considered a beloved cult film by many.

From IMDB: A young, tall, blonde, female photographer, Dee (Dee Herlihy), meets a pretty brunette model, Eleanor (Audrey Kovar), in an upscale hotel suite in New York City for a private photo shoot. They soon romantically connect and spend the weekend together in the room. As the film progresses into a non-linear dream-like mix of conversation and making love, it is slowly revealed that the two women have a past together. In the end, that past may be more present than we think. In the different flashbacks, the photographer’s brother (Ryan Balas) tells her that he disapproves of her dating Elenore, while Elenore the model has another lover, a married man, whom she spends time with on the side.

The film was directed and written by Ryan Balas while also starring as Dee’s brother. A cast of only four, the film stars Dee Helihy, Audrey Kovar, Ryan Balas, and Richard Buonagurio. Being shorter in length, and as deeply arthouse as a film can be, the movie has little reviews by press or websites. Your co-hosts, however, decide to take a look at this little film and give their thoughts.

Professor William Marston (Luke Evans) is a professor at Harvard University with his wife Elizabeth (Rebecca Hall). When student Olive Byrne (Bella Heathcote) becomes his assistant, the three become entangled in a love triangle. Using his ideas entitled DISC theory, he begins to live his life that way, as well as invent the character of Wonder Woman following the same hypothesis.

The film is written and directed by Angela Robinson. Since it did not contact the family and estate of Marston, Elizabeth, and Olive, the film is very much fictional about actual individuals. However, is the film any good and does it have compelling plot points to standout? Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

Rebecca (Lena Hall) is an aspiring folk singer. When her girlfriend has an affair, Rebecca, broke and apartmentless, heads back home to St. Louis to live with her widowed mother, Ann (Christine Lahti). Soon Rebecca gets a music gig at her old friend’s bar where she meets Elyse (Mena Suvari), a married woman who comes to listen to music with her friends. Soon Elyse takes up guitar lessons from Rebecca. And as always, life doesn’t follow the expected past.

The movie stars Lena Hall, Mena Suvari, Christine Lahti, Dan Fogler, and Michael Zegen; a very impressive group of character actors and actresses. The film was co-directed by Daniel Powell and Elizabeth Rohrbaugh and made the festival circuit back in 2017 during its release. Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts about the film.

Bea (Sydney Sweeney) meets Ben (Glen Powell) at a Boston coffee shop and they instantly hit it off. After an absolute wonderful date, the two make a mistake causing them to figure to never see each other again. When Ben’s best friends sister is marrying Bea’s sister, the two oddly reconnect. And boy, are they upset with each other. But still, can love overcome a stupid mistake and turn a promising start into a wonderful ending?

The film became a surprise hit and brought both stars to full A-list status. The movie was directed by Will Gluck and includes a cast of folks that includes Dermot Mulroney and Michelle Hurd. The movie was also nominated for “Outstanding Film – Wide Theatrical Release” by GLAAD media. Your cohosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

2023 was a pretty mediocre year when it came to genre films. Horror and superhero films were mostly forgettable with the occasional gem that hit it out of the ballpark. We go into depths of some well known films like EVIL DEAD RISE, and some lesser known gems like VENUS and MASTER GARDENER. But we also look back at televisions series like LAST OF US and ONE PIECE too.

Then we take a look at some films and television shows coming in 2024. Will the new ALIEN: ROMULUS take the franchise in a new direction? After Ryan Gosling's performance in BARBIE and Emily Blunt nominated for an Oscar for her role in OPPENHEIMER, will their new film THE FALL GUY that's coming be a major hit? Also discussed is how some of the 2024 movies that may not make the Dark Discussions Podcast may actually be picked up on Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews as episodes. Take a listen and enjoy.

In a dystopian future, the government has put in place judges to keep order in place.  When a slum tower block becomes the haven of kingpin Madeline Madrigal (Lena Headey), Judge Dredd (Karl Urban) is sent along with rookie Cassandra Anderson (Olivia Thirlby) to investigate three murders.  After the capture of one of Madeline’s lieutenants that could implicate her in the murders, she shuts down the building and Judge Dredd is now fighting for his life.

DREDD was directed by Pete Travis from a script by A-lister Alex Garland who’s known for the novel, THE BEACH, as well as director of EX MACHINA (2015) and ANNIHILATION (2018) as well as the screenwriter for 28 DAYS LATER (2002).  The movie was originally released in 3D and shockingly failed at the box office.  Receiving great reviews, and paying tribute to the graphic novel that it is based on, your co-hosts take a look at the movie and are joined by special guest actor Dan Lench to discuss the film.

Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) once more puts together a super villain squad of anti-heroes to infiltrate the Latin American country of Corto Maltese after a coup overthrew the neutral government that now has turned the island nation hostile.  The squad is kept in the dark but takes the job as they will get suspended prison terms if the mission is a success.  Unfortunately for them, Waller may be as dangerous to their survival as Corto Maltese’s junta.

The movie is another success for James Gunn and gives him a big jump with Warner Brother’s Pictures and their upcoming universe.  The film didn’t gross as much as it was hoped as it was released during the middle of the COVID pandemic, but it has generated great reviews and much success after its initial theatrical run.  Your co-hosts take a look at this movie and give their thoughts.

From IMDB: “An aspiring actress responds to a mysterious classified ad and find herself trapped in her new boss’s twisted revenge fantasy.”

Though the IMDB blurb is slight on information, the movie is so much more as it focuses on social media influencers, one’s internal conscious, as well as family relationships and how those create online content may actually create nothing at all. Your co-hosts ask our guests a lot of great questions and learn more about the film and filmmaking in general.

Zoe (Sharon Hinnendael) and Mal (Jill Evyn) are two popular actresses who star in a new film together.  Playing lesbian lovers, the two actually fall in love while filming their sex scene.  Unfortunately their relationship ends horribly.  When the two are called back once more to film the TV edit of the movie, they are forced to face each other after no contact for months.

The film was written, directed, and co-stars prolific director Marina Rice Bader.  Also included in the cast is Constance Brenneman as Anne, the producer of the film within the film. Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

Naomi (Sammy Boonstra) one day sees a Fama (Imaan Hammam) on the train.  She anamoured by the girl.  Shy, Naomi is unable to approach her.  Instead she follows her discovering where she lives and what gym and spa she attends.  Soon she interjects herself into Fama’s life, and the two young women learn more about each other.

NUDE AREA was written and directed by Urszula Antoniak.  The film paints a picture of the two leads, while the lack of dialogue intentionally makes the viewer wonder if it much of the film is simply Naomi’s fantasy.  Barely noticed by critics, the film’s nudity and its LGBTQ topic may have attracted both midnight movie and arthouse fans alike.  Your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

Ronit (Rachel Weisz) is a fashion photographer in Manhattan.  During a shoot, she gets a call that her estranged father, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, has passed away in her home city of London, England.  When she returns for the funeral and will, she reconnects with her old friends now married, Dovid (Alessandro Nivola) and Esti (Rachel McAdams).  Now an outcast to the community, Ronit must deal with the mixed reactions of her return as well as a past that still haunts her.

DISOBEDIENCE was directed by Chilean director Sebastian Lelio and co-written by screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz.  The script is based of the novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman.  Produced by Rachel Weisz as a passion project, the film like many great films is mostly elapsed from public knowledge except by film lovers.  Your cohosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.

Laura (Evan Rachel Wood) works as a home cleaning service for her father and his company.  While starting a new client in a wealthy home, she meets a 16 year old girl named Eva (Julia Sarah Stone).  Eva quickly becomes interested in the alternative-dressed and interesting woman that Laura is.  Soon a bond happens between the two.  But one wonders what Laura’s true intentions are.

The film is directed and written as a team by Carlos and Jason Sanchez.  The cast also includes Denis O’Hare and Maxim Roy.  The movie is a Canadian production that originally was released at TIFF in 2017 before going wide (to VOD) in Q2 2018.  Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film that is as much arthouse as it is grindhouse.

THEY WAIT IN THE DARK as stated on IMDB:  Amy (Sarah McGuire), a young woman is on the run with her young son Adrian (Patrick McGee) from her abusive ex-girlfriend.  When the past rises up to haunt them, they must confront the forces threatening them from both outside and in.

Patrick Rea joins the podcast to discuss his latest film.  As the IMBD description suggests, the film is both a thriller as a Cluster B personality chases our protagonists across state while inside their hiding place a supernatural presence may be even more threatening than the main antagonist.   Listen in and hear what Rea says about his latest slow burn horror film.

From IMDB:  “The lives of ten strangers intersect through a terrifying chain of events as a mutating fungus begins to spread through a small town wiping out everyone that comes into contact with it.”

The film was directed and written by Matt Cunningham starring a cast of mostly unknowns.  At its release the movie received many accolades for its fantastic special effects and its haunting music reminding many of classic horror films.  Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts on the story as well.

So could a film that came out thirteen years ago spark excitement once more after such a long delay for the sequel.  As stated, yes, it can.  The movie has received fabulous reviews from critics and moviegoers have gone in droves to see it.  At the time of this podcast, AVATAR:  THE WAY OF WATER had dominated the box office for six full weeks and was still going strong.

Does the film live up to the hype?  Is it a great sequel to its fabulous predecessor?  And can the movie turn what was a fine science fiction film into a franchise that would be remembered like other franchises like STAR WARS, STAR TREK, and THE PLANET OF THE APES.   Only time will tell, but your co-hosts take a look at this latest film and give their thoughts.

When Jeff (Timothy Daly) and his friend Derek (Rick Rossovich) see a young lady Miranda (Kelly Preston) being hit by a man in a parking lot, Jeff stops the attack and offers Miranda a place to stay.  Soon the two fall in love.  Miranda’s past and the man that attacked her are related to her childhood and a group of people who she says dabble in the occult.  Jeff, the good man he is, promises to keep her safe from any reprisals from the group.  Will the two be able to just live a normal life and be left alone?

The film was directed by Janet Greek, known for her work on the television series BABYLON 5.  The screenplay was written by Tracy Torme known for his work on Saturday Night Live, CARNIVALE, STAR TREK:  THE NEXT GENERATION, and FIRE IN THE SKY (1993).  Your co-hosts take a look at this hidden gem of a horror film and give their thoughts while paying tribute to the beautiful actress Kelly Preston who left us all too soon.

HOW DARK THEY PREY is a movie encompassing four dark tales about the haunting nature of man and the unknown around us all.  The sinister themes are presented through the eyes of soldiers in the European theater of World War II; a duo of alien investigators running an online social media site who meet a family that actually believes in abductions; the underground work of deviants within the occult; and what happens when a psychopathic killer decides to kidnap and torture his victims.

The film stars a group of talented newcomers and up-and-comers.  Filmed in the towns and forests of New Jersey, the movie became available in Q3 of 2022 on almost all VOD services and rental sites.  Your co-hosts take a look at this new horror anthology and are joined by the filmmakers themselves. 

Joshua Riverton (Josh Eisenberg) decides to become a whistleblower for a company that has not been friendly to the world.  Soon he finds out that doing so may lead to more than just government and corporation retribution.  With the loss of his family, and bringing his friends into his predicament, he may have unleashed horrible things that will not only destroy his life but also save his prior employer from any consequences.

BEHEMOTH stars Josh Eisenberg, Jennifer Churchich, Richard Wagner, Angela Nicholas, among others.  Released late in 2021 to video streaming services, the film was barely noticed by movie reviewers.  But with its intriguing poster, the film got notice from many horror fans.  Your co-hosts take a look at this year old movie and give their thoughts.

When high school student David and his mother, in the wrong place at the wrong time, are hurt during an assassination attempt, David is left without parental care.  While on the subway he meets Lucy, a netrunner and petty thief, who brings him into the world of crime.  Soon he joins her crew and the group of cyberpunks and mercenaries try some high risk robberies that may be more dangerous than they thought.

Cyberpunk, the subgenre, has been one of the most popular science fiction genres to ever exist.  It was popularized by the stories of such authors as Philip K. Dick and William Gibson.  CYBERPUNK:  EDGERUNNERS (2022) brings the world created by Mike Pondsmith and the follow-up video game to life.  Your co-hosts binge watched the Netflix series so they could give you their thoughts on the show.

With the death of Ulysses Bloodstone, five monster hunters are called to the Bloodstone estate in hopes to find one of them worthy enough to inherit the talisman known as the Bloodstone.  The powerful weapon would make them more powerful than most of the monsters they would be hunting.  But there is a wrinkle.  To claim the Bloodstone, the five must not only fight a monster, but they also may have fight each other.

Directed by Michael Giacchino and written by Heather Quinn and Peter Cameron, the show stars Gael Garcia Bernal, Laura Donnelly, among others.  The episode premiered October 7, 2022 in preparation for Halloween.  Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting inclusion to the Marvel Universe and the reintroduction to beloved characters from the past within the comic canon.

In the 1840’s, Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) is a self-taught paleontologist, running her family’s store on the English coast selling fossils she finds and categorizes.  Geologist Roderick Murchison (James McArdle) and his wife Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan) arrive, where the husband leaves Charlotte in attendance with Mary so to have her learn more about fossils and sciences.  Soon the two’s class differences are overlooked and they begin a torrid affair.

The film is directed and written from a completely fictional story by English director Francis Lee.  Both actresses were praised for their performances with Kate Winslet especially getting high regard.  With its completely fictional story, slow pacing, and little focus on the women’s fossil work, the film received lukewarm reviews by critics.  Your co-hosts take a look at this period piece and give their thoughts.

Francesca (Laura Martin-Simpson) is a well known photographer.  For her latest subject is the aspiring model Maia (Ione Butler).  At Francesca’s remote Welsh manor home, the two discuss, shoot, and build a friendship.  However, as Francesca misreads Maia’s comments and actions, the two women begin to come at odds with each other.  Soon their once working relationship turns into much more.

The film was co-directed by Carl Medland and Amarjeet Singh with a screenplay by Jody Medland.  Laura Martin-Simpson shines as Francesca in a cast that includes her co-star Ione Butler plus Jake Maskall.  Your co-hosts take a look at this film and give their thoughts.

Sarah (Dianna Agron) is a young girl living in a small town in Nevada.  She feels ennui as she spends time with her longtime boyfriend, her high school friends, and working her boring job.  When she visits the closed business of her father (who died some years ago), she finds Pepper, a worldly and free-spirited woman, that had broken in to crash on the couch.  Soon the two begin a friendship that will change Sarah forever.

The film was written and directed by Natalia Leite (M.F.A. (2017)) and played numerous festivals including Tribeca among others.  The film got buzz more so for the first-time nudity from Dianna Agron but also got notice from the arthouse crowd too.  Your co-hosts take a look at this movie during our June Pride month and give their thoughts.

When Rei commits a crime for Nanae, a woman in an abusive relationship, the two head out to avoid consequences.  Soon we discover that the two have known each other since childhood.  Rei has an unhealthy infatuation about Nanae and is willing to throw her entire life away.  Nanae, on the other hand, is a very damaged woman who carries personal demons with her that have shattered her inner soul.

The film is directed by veteran director Ryichi Hiroki.  Written for the screen by Nami Sakkawa, the story is based on the manga by Ching Nakamura.  Starring Kiko Mizuhara and Honami Sato in unforgiving roles, the movie has received mixed to positive reviews by critics and audiences alike.  Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film that is as much arthouse as it is grindhouse.

From IMDB:  Thorn and Willow appear to have it all as the revered high priest and priestess of a coven of new age witches. But a secret from Thorn's past throws their lives into turmoil and sends them on a trippy, hilarious journey.

The film is the latest from director Richard Bates, Jr. who is probably best known for his 2012 film EXCISION.  KING KNIGHT stars Matthew Gray Gubler (CRIMINAL MINDS) and Angela Sarafyan (Westworld).  After doing the festival circuit, the movie was released everywhere in Q1 of 2022 getting some decent buzz by those critics who saw it.  Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.

Jane (Montse Hernandez) is a brilliant student that doesn’t apply herself.  Most of her clique in high school lead by Merritt (Cheyenne Haynes) are drifting through school.  Her teacher, Mr. Aunspach (Christian Camargo), sees something in Janet.  When he tries to get her to forget those that are “holding her back,” she feels cornered.  Soon a chain reaction causes people to get fired, lives are ruined, and a sledgehammer maniac comes after Janet and her friends.

The film also stars Harley Quinn Smith, Austin Zajur, and Anthony Keyvan.  In a duel role, the movie is directed and written by Lee Ann Kurr.  With little press behind the movie, and reviews found only through internet searches, Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews takes a look at the production and gives their thoughts on the film.

Show Notes

Night House Ending Explained: https://screenrant.com/night-house-ending-explained/

Broadcast Signal Intrusion Ending Explained: https://tinyurl.com/muxcerv4

Directly from her website:  “Tara Violet Niami is an award-winning photographer and cinematographer from LA. She is a dual citizen in the US & UK. Tara has an MFA from American Film Institute Conservatory in Cinematography and a BFA in photography at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.” 

The interesting thing about EYE WITHOUT A FACE, it is a film that has various different types of camera shots including those that are static.  Shots that are very unlike most movies.  The “EYE” is the camera on a computer.  After contacting her, Tara Violet has joined the podcast to discuss further about EYE WITHOUT A FACE including behind-the-scenes topics but also plot details. 

Prepare for a week of screens and screams! American Media Society, Inc. is proud to present IndieSCREAM, an online film festival featuring the works of horror filmmakers from around the globe. Featuring over 50 films airing over the course of a week, IndieScream will feature exclusive premieres, special guests, and an opportunity to interact with independent filmmakers who live and breathe horror films through a series of audience Q+A's. Get your popcorn ready and secure your tickets now!

Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews interviews the folks behind the festival and also the filmmakers that are participating.

Find the festival on Facebook

Marla (Lisa van Dam-Bates) is a young woman who works as a cocktail waitress at a local pub.  Her boyfriend, Jake (Johnnie Ware), works the bar and does the accounting for the establishment.  Being a normal sexually active couple, an old doctor friend of hers offers to give her an IUD free of charge.  Her boyfriend seems suspicious and soon Marla’s life begins to spiral out of control as unexpected consequences do appear.

The movie stars Lisa van Dam-Bates, Johnnie Ware, Katie Hemming, Palmer Chase, and Jason Stange as Dr. Lourdes.  After a two year festival run where it had the title MARLA MAE, the movie received a VOD release in 2018.  Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews takes a look at this film that should appeal to both thriller fans as well as midnight movie auteurs. 

Henry (Dakota Shapiro), a young agoraphobic man, lives in a house he inherited from his father.  Help to pay the property tax, he has let his friend Eric (Luke Cook), an inspiring actor, move in with him.  During Henry’s quiet days at home, he has hacked into the webcams of various women that live in his home city of Los Angeles.  While watching them during their private moments, he suspects one of them to be a possible serial killer.

Director Ramin Niami also wrote the script for the film.  Along with Dakota hapiro and Luke Cook, the film stars Vlada Verevko, Rebecca Berg, and Ashley Elyse Rogers.  With its very modern topics, the film is most certainly interesting as it confronts computer crimes, women’s privacy, mental illness, and parental abuse.  Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.

For this movie, we have a young woman, Carly (Megan Purvis), living in a traveling trailer park, along other women who are prostitutes.  At one time leaving this life, she fell back into it, and unfortunately has become once again depended on hard drugs like heroine.  When she is sent to meet a “john”, the man has a snake that bites Carly.  As the days go by she begins to notice something sinister happening to her body and her life.

The movie is directed by someone simply named Mathew B.C. but the movie is produced by British producer Scott Jeffrey who is known for funding many low budget horror films.  The film stars Megan Purvis in a strong role requiring much screen time.  Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews take a look at this very interesting film.

Robin Feld (Nicholas Cage), a rural truffle forager, lives in a shack alone but with his trusty pig who helps identify locations of the buried fungi.  Amir (Alex Wolff), a truffle dealer from  Seattle, collects and pays Robin and others for their gatherings.  He sells the expensive commodities to exclusive restaurants in the city.  When one night Robin is attacked by intruders and his pig is stolen, he sets out with Amir to find his beloved pet.  And the two men on the way may find out more about themselves.

The film is the directorial debut of Michael Sarnoski and co-written with Vanessa Block.  Having been filmed two years ago but traveling through the festival circuit since, the movie officially received its United States release July 16^th, 2021.  Your co-hosts take a look at this amazing movie and give their feelings on its meaning about life, love, loss, and healing.

Afterwards, your co-hosts discuss a number of topics including the state of cinemas, the usage of trailers by marketing departments, as well as talk about such films as A QUIET PLACE PART 2 (2021), AWOL (2017), DON’T TELL A SOUL (2021).

The synopsis of the book from D. Eric Maikranz’s website:

Evan Michaels struggles with being different, with having the complete memories of two other people who lived sequentially before him. He fights loneliness and believes he is unique until he meets Poppy. She recognizes his struggle because she is like him, except that she is much older, remembering seven consecutive lives. But there is something else she must share with Evan -- she is a member of the secretive Cognomina. They are, in effect, immortals -- compiling experiences and skills over lifetimes into near superhuman abilities that they have used to drive history over centuries.

The author joins your co-hosts to discuss his novel.   Some of the interesting topics are the long journey from book to movie.  Further discussions include the interesting aspects of the various characters and their journey through time.  Among many more things.  For further information, check out D. Eric Maikranz’s website for his news letter and his entire catalog.  Find the movie INFINITE at Paramount+.

Emma (Megan Fox) and her husband Mark (Eoin Macken) have had a bit of a rocky marriage recently.  On their anniversary, they head out for a nice dinner and an eventual trip to their lake house.  When something horribly unexpected happens, Emma has to fight for her life. 

The movie is the feature film debut of director S. K. Dale, filmed from a script by screenwriter Jason Carvey.  Megan Fox takes on a very demanding role that has her in almost every scene of the movie.  Does she show that she’s more than a Hollywood celebrity and possibly one of today’s best actresses?  Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.

Austė (Aistė Diržiūė) is a 17 year old girl that Sangailė (Julija Steponaityte) meets at a festival air show.  When Austė lets her new acquaintance know that she works at the local cafeteria, Sangailė visits her there.  Soon their budding friendship turns into something more.  Austė learns that Sangailė has personal demons that are haunting her.  During their time together, Austė begins to bring out Sangailė’s inner self hoping to give her the confidence to achieve her dreams.

The movie is directed and written by Alantė Kavaitė.  With its beautiful photography and wonderful performances, Lithuania submitted the picture to the Academy Awards as a potential movie for the Best Foreign Film award.  Actress Aistė Diržiūė was also given a European Shooting Stars award (along with such individuals as Maisie Williams (GAME OF THRONES)).  Your co-hosts take a look this lesbian art house film during Pride Month and give their thoughts.

Atafeh and her friend Shireen are young women living in the Tehran, Iran.  While in public, the two follow the morality laws of the nation while also wearing the required hijab.  But privately at home, Atafeh and her family are much more liberal.  They play music, drink alcohol, and do things not unfamiliar in Western homes.  But when Atafeh’s brother Mahran arrives home from a drug rehabilitation clinic, Atafeh and her family’s daily life changes vastly.

The movie is written and directed by New York City filmmaker Maryam Keshavarz with an internation cast of Persian speaking actors and actresses.  Appearing at Sundance, the movie received impressive reviews by critics.  You co-hosts continuing their Pride Month themed films discuss the movie and give their thoughts.

When young lesbian Delphine (Izïa Higelin) leaves her family farm for a job in Paris, she meets a young women’s lib activist named Carole (Cécile de France (HIGH TENSION, THE HEREAFTER)).  When Delphine brings out Carole’s sexuality, the two begin a torrid relationship that suddenly is interrupted when Delphine must return to her family farm due to a family illness.  Being 1971, and the cultural shock between city and rural life, can their relationship last with so many obstacles?

Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews continues the theme for Pride Month with the second in a series of four lesbian arthouse films.  The movie is written and directed by Catherine Corsini and also stars Noémie Lvovsky as Delphine’s mother.  Cinematographer Jeanne Lapoirie does fantastic work with the film’s rural and farm set pieces.  Your co-hosts take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

What happens when your dreams pass you by? And you begin to sleepwalk each day? Jane (Dreya Weber), a former gymnastic star who’s dreams were derailed due to a boycott of the Olympics and then having her career ended due to injury four years later, is now 42. While being a professional masseuse, she continues to keep her body in competition style. She has a chance meeting with an old friend which leads to training as an aerialist with two other women. Soon she finds out life may not have passed her by after all.

THE GYMNAST stars Dreya Weber as Jane Hawkins, not only creating a character at a crossroads in life, but also doing her own stunt work. The film was directed by her husband, Ned Farr, from a script by Michael Carp. The movie also co-stars Addie Yungmee as Serena. Your co-hosts take a look at this character study that also delves into the training behind such acts as Cirque du Soleil.

Donald Capel (David Alan Basche) and his wife Wendy (Amy Carlson) move into a nice suburban home that unfortunately has a checkered past.  When Wendy finds an old book in the cellar of the house, her behavior suddenly changes greatly.  After a cooking accident, her niece (Mallory Bechtel), an amateur ghost hunter, decides to study the old tome only to unleash what may be an evil entity that has come to take all their souls.

Director/screenwriter Jamison M. LoCasio and producer/screenwriter/composer Adam Ambrosio took a bit of their time to discuss all things related to movies. They talk about the film's story, music, special effects, characterizations, among so much more. If you want to learn even more about one of the best horror films of 2021, take a listen and let us know your thoughts.

During pledge week at Whiton University, all the local sororities and fraternities let loose.   Parties are everywhere and drunken debauchery ensues.  When one pretty co-ed is found unconscious with a top athlete and his friends, rumors appear that sexual escapades occurred.  But others think sexual assault happened.  When a student is found murdered, people begin to panic.  Not surprisingly, a link to the possible assault seems likely.

John Berardo directs his feature film debut.  Also co-written by him, the film stars Lindsay LaVanchy, as well as Froy Gutierrez, Isabella Gomez, and Lochlyn Munro.  Getting fairly good reviews by critics, your co-hosts decide to take a look at this interesting film. Later in the podcast they get to interview the director himself.

Interview with director/screenwriter John Berardo at 2:08:00.

When Clarke, a recently discovered comet, is to head to earth and burn up in its atmosphere, John Garrity (Gerald Butler), his estranged wife (Morena Baccarin), and their son throw a “watch party” at their home with neighbors. But when an unexpected phenomenon occurs, they have to flee for their lives where their only chance of survival may be in a faraway place in another country.

One of the Hollywood blockbusters that had a limited release at theaters due to the COVID shutdown, the movie hit VOD and did well enough. It’s critical response and impressive marketing campaign gave it a bit of buzz. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and gives their thoughts.

Donald Capel (David Alan Basche) and his wife Wendy (Amy Carlson) move into a nice suburban home that unfortunately has a checkered past. When Wendy finds an old book in the cellar of the house, her behavior suddenly changes greatly. After a cooking accident, her niece (Mallory Bechtel), an amateur ghost hunter, decides to study the old tome only to unleash what may be an evil entity that has come to take all their souls.

Director/screenwriter Jamison M. LoCasio and producer/screenwriter/composer Adam Ambrosio have created what may be one of the scariest films to arrive in some time. With its amazing score, solid screenplay, and fantastic acting, including some cast members from New York City’s best stage productions, the movie may be an immediate cult classic. Your co-hosts take a look at this new film and give their thoughts.

Chloe though is not a “one trick pony”.  Besides acting and producing, she also manages FEAR CRYPT, a YouTube channel of short horror films that has almost eight thousand followers. One of the shorts took off with over six hundred thousand views! Is it worth checking out? Absolutely. That’s almost eight hours of free horror movies by up and coming performers, directors, and screenwriters.

Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews was lucky enough to interview Chloe and talk about all the exciting projects she's a part of. The discussion includes not only about her work on HONEYMOON PHASE and FEAR CRYPT, but also acting, producing, upcoming projects, and of course women in the horror and genre industry. Take a listen and hear what she has to say.

Adam (Alex Knapp) is all alone. The apocalypse has come and gone and left him by himself in the world. His life encompasses his home and the small rural towns outside Albany, New York. With no one around, he tries to live a life of normalcy. But his memories of his fiancé who he lovingly nicknamed K (Olivia Luccardi) haunts him. Will he be able to survive in this dystopian world or will his inner demons destroy him?

Olivia Luccardi, co-star of IT FOLLOWS (2014) and THE DEUCE (2017-2019), and the director Alex Knapp were kind enough to come on the podcast and be interviewed by your co-hosts. We were able to ask further questions of our guests, and see if we were right in what we thought the film was trying to say. Take a listen and hear what they say.  

Young couple Knox (Todd Grinnell) and Tracy (Mena Survari) inherit the home of Knox’s late mother. The home has damage from a fire, but its value seems unlimited since it is beachfront property in Malibu, California. As they begin to clean up the property, they discover, Bree (Kristen Bauer van Straten) , a homeless woman, living on the residence. Unfortunately for the couple, they discover a scandalous back-story about the property that could jeopardize all their lives.

The movie is directed by Martin Guigui and written by Sherry Klein. And the cast includes long time genre favorite Krista Allen. Rather than being a straight thriller, the movie also has a subtext about societal constructs such as property rights, subcastes, trophy spouses, and gentrification. Your co-hosts take a look at this interesting film and give their thoughts.

Adam (Alex Knapp) is all alone. The apocalypse has come and gone and left him by himself in the world. His life encompasses his home and the small rural towns outside Albany, New York. With no one around, he tries to live a life of normalcy. But his memories of his fiancé who he lovingly nicknamed K (Olivia Luccardi) haunts him. Will he be able to survive in this dystopian world or will his inner demons destroy him?

Olivia Luccardi, co-star of IT FOLLOWS (2014) and THE DEUCE (2017-2019), co-stars as K, a character that no longer is there yet permeates every scene of the film. Though an independent feature, GO/DON’T GO has received positive reviews including some from top critics such as the Austin Chronicle. Halloween Boutique Psychotronic Reviews takes a look at this very unique feature.

Welcome to Horrorphilia Jason's best of the year show. After 160 new horror releases watched over the year, I've narrowed it down to my favorite 25. Also I'll have a few honorable mentions and some hidden gems recommended.

When federal law enforcement break up a black market of antiquities, they ship the items to the Smithonian where Dr. Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig) is assigned to identify the artifacts. One of them, the so called “Dreamstone” that grants wishes to those in its possession, is suddenly desired by the megalomaniac oilman Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) steals it only to be corrupted by its malevolent side effects.

Gal Gadot once again reprises her role as Wonder Woman with a reappearance of Chris Pine as Steve Trevor. When Kristen Wiig was cast as the iconic Cheetah, some felt it was miscasting but Wiig proves otherwise in a career defining role. Your co-hosts take a look at the latest DC universe film and give their thoughts.

Young Sarah (Sarah Bolger) is left with two children after the murder of her husband. The police think it is a drug related crime so they care little to investigate. When a low level hoodlum named Tito (Andrew Simpson) enters her apartment unannounced, her life is turned upside down further. Soon Tito’s associations lead back to a local crime boss. Dark secrets are rapidly spilled as Sarah fights for the very survival of her family.

This heart pounding thriller has a third act that has received much buzz. Leading to an astonishing climax, Sarah Bolger keeps up with the many plot turns that make the film memorable. Now on Shudder, your co-hosts take a look at this haunting movie and give their thoughts.

Young Parisian high schooler Doina Radescu lives with her family of vampires. A hidden “disease” from centuries ago, they live as quietly as they can feeding on animal blood and blending in. Unlike her mother Martha and older sibings, she and her teenage brother are told to use a pill that seems to eliminate blood thirst and sun death. But the local vampire commune wants to keep every member of their community in check to the detriment to Martha.

The series has been ignored by many because the title, VAMPIRES, not only is meaningless, but it also gets lost in herd of hundreds of vampire films and shows on VOD. Your co-hosts took a blind shot watching the series. They discuss and critique the entire first season and talk about possibilities where the program will go if a season two is picked up. 

Joey (Lola Kirke) is a recent high school graduate living in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Poor and not sure of her future, her mother suggests the U.S. Army. While working at a country fair, she meets Rayna (Breeda Wool), a free spirit wild child who catches her eye. Soon they begin a passionate affair. With an age difference of fifteen years and Rayna married with two children, Joey wonders whether the love and passion between them will last.

The film was co-written and directed by Deb Shoval from a short she made six years prior. She fought to keep Breeda Wool in the movie who would reprise her role from the short. During a casting process, she found Lola Kirke who she felt would be pivotal to play the complex Joey. First time cinematographer, Gal Deren, shot the film. Your co-hosts take a look at this quiet yet heartrending film and give their thoughts.

Mona (Natalie Press) lives with her ex-con brother Phil (Paddy Considine) in a rural town outside of Manchester, England. During the summer, she meets a wealthy and beautiful boarding school girl, Tamsin (Emily Blunt). With her free spirit attitude, Tamsin entrances Mona and the two become best of friends that may lead to even more. But as the summer winds down, Mona’s blinded expectations clashes with the bourgeois worldly life of Tamsin.

MY SUMMER OF LOVE is a highly regarded arthouse film that has many themes drenching its fabric. Besides the obvious LGBTQ aspect of the movie, the differences between the classes, the coming of age, and the inevitable indirection of many of the characters is apparent. Nominated for numerous awards, your co-hosts take a look at this “cult classic” and give their thoughts.

VOODOO: Dani Lamb (Samantha Stewart) heads to Los Angeles from her native New Orleans to visit her cousin, Stacy (Ruth Reynolds). When she arrives, the two head out on the town to have fun. But Dani admits the real reason she is there; she had been dating a man who had been married. Though he had lied to Dani about his marriage, his wife began stalking Dani and threatening her at work. Unfortunately, the wife may be more than she appears to be. Is she a practitioner of the black arts?

Prior to playing the festival circuit, the film was released on disc and VOD in early 2018. Though getting mixed reviews, the film got notice form a variety of big newspapers and websites with some praising its story and practical effects. HBPR podcast takes a look at this potential cult classics and gives their thoughts.

This month is a bit different. This volume rather than doing an episode on midnight movies, I instead have focused on a subject. With June being LGBTQ Pride Month, I have searched about and found seven films specific to a lesbian theme. But unlike the typical exploitation films released by boutique companies, I’ve focused exclusively with arthouse films of the serious type.

The seven movies reviewed are of various quality, with a few being outstanding, and a handful being wonderful surprises. The films include alphabetically AWOL (2016), BARE (2015), BELOW HER MOUTH (2016), BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR (2013), DUCK BUTTER (2018), ROOM IN ROME (2010), and SUMMERTIME (2015). Sorry for the long delay between episodes, but I am now back.

This month I review four films and one television show. The movies include the 1987 slasher Slaughterhouse, the 2011 faux-grindhouse film The Disco Exorcist, the 1998 psychological thriller Jaded (starring Carla Gugino), the 2015 Japanese science fiction anime series Valkyrie Drive Mermaid, and the 1979 science fiction slasher film The Dark.

This month I review four films and one television show. The movies include the 1979 video nasty by Joe D'Amato, Beyond the Darkness (Severin); the 2014 Asylum film starring Sara Malakul Lane, Jailbait; Vinegar Syndrome's release of 1979's Australian psychological thriller, Snapshot; and the 2017 film, Bag Boy Lover Boy, by Severin. Lastly, the 13 episode Sentai Films blu-ray release of the 2014 anime Brynhildr In The Darkness is reviewed.

This month I review four films and one television show. The movies include the 2002 French erotic thriller Secret Things directed by Jean-Claude Brisseau; the 1983 slasher film Double Exposure (released by Vinegar Syndrome); Tinto Brass’s 1991 classic erotic comedy, Paprika (released by Cult Epics); and the new Blue Underground release of the 1972 horror film Deathline (also known as Raw Meat). Lastly, the 12 episode Funimation blu-ray release of the recent anime Prison School is reviewed.

A wide variety of cult films are reviewed in this edition of the podcast including a throwback film that apes the 1970’s sexploitation movies; a slasher film from Poland that baths in the glories of drive-in cinema; a midnight movie take on a Shakespearian play; an insane sequel to an obscure slasher film; and a thriller that curiously was marketed as a teen sex comedy.

This edition co-host Philip of the Dark Discussions Podcast critiques five films: Anna Biller’s feature length debut film Viva from 2007; Massacre Video’s edition of the Polish slasher movie Fantom Killer; Vinegar Syndrome’s loaded disc of the 1993 exploitation horror film Psycho Cop Returns; Troma’s cult favorite Tromeo and Juliet (written by James Gunn); and Kino Lorber’s release of the Sybil Danning classic They’re Playing With Fire.

A wide variety of cult films are reviewed in this edition of the podcast including films that try to follow in the footsteps of more widely known movies like Last House on the Left and The Exorcist. Also, an interesting Blaxploitation film from a director more known for his horror thrillers. Another is by a one time director that has lived a very interesting life. And another that is so surreal, the film can be consider “weird cinema” even more so than arthouse.

This edition co-host Philip of the Dark Discussions Podcast critiques five films: Arrow’s newly released Mexican horror film, We Are the Flesh; Code Red’s remastering of director Lee Frost’s Black Gestapo; Blue Underground’s blu-ray release of the 1975 Italian horror film, Night Train Murders; Severin’s release of the Italian possession film, Malabimba the Malicious Whore; and both versions of Don’t Answer the Phone (released early 2017 by Vinegar Syndrome and prior by Scorpion Releasing).

What's the purpose? Well, co-host Phil figured that if he purchased a special edition of a cult or horror film home release with extras and remastering of the motion picture, why not give his 15 minute opinion of each film right after he watches them. Similar to the Dark Discussions Terror Tantrum segment by Patrick Lacey or the Bloody Bits podcast by Jason Lloyd of Horrorphilia, Halloween Boutique takes some of the recent releases and obscure titles and goes into the background of the movie, how is the film itself, what the presentation and remastering is, and discussion on the extras upon each disc.

This second edition of the podcast includes reviews of Russ Meyer's 1965 film Motorpsycho, Mondo Macabro's release of the 1984 slasher Don't Open Til Christmas, Vinegar Syndrome's disc of the mashup 1982 film Raw Force, the 1969 Radley Metzger epic Camille 2000 (released by Cult Epics), Redemption's definitive release of Jess Franco's 1973 The Demons, and the Blue Underground disc of the Italian giallo Seven Deaths in the Cat's Eye.

What's the purpose? Well, co-host Phil figured that if he purchased a special edition of a cult or horror film home release with extras and remastering of the motion picture, why not give his 15 minute opinion of each film right after he watches them. Similar to the Dark Discussions Terror Tantrum segment by Patrick Lacey or the Bloody Bits podcast by Jason Lloyd of Horrorphilia, Halloween Boutique takes some of the recent releases and obscure titles and goes into the background of the movie, how is the film itself, what the presentation and remastering is, and discussion on the extras upon each disc.

This first edition of the podcast includes reviews of Redemption's 1978 English slasher, Killer's Moon, the Indonesian cult classic Lady Terminator, Mondo Macabro's definitive edition of director Jess Franco's Sinner: Diary of a Nymphomaniac, Severin Film's special edition of director Jess Franco's She Killed in Ecstasy, and Arrow Video's release of director Walerian Borowczyk's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Miss Osbourne. Included is Patrick Lacey in a new Terror Tantrum discussing the Vinegar Syndrome release of the monster flick Hobgoblins.