Episodes

  • First Frights

    First Frights
    Dec 27 2024

    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
    • (04:51) - First Frights
    • (08:16) - A Nightmare on Elm Street
    • (26:32) - Hellraiser
    • (47:10) - Child's Play
    • (01:06:39) - Coming Attractions: Sexy, Sexy Monsters!

    Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

    Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:

    • Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
    • The Film Board
    • Movies We Like
    • The Next Reel Film Podcast

    Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

    Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

    • The Web
    • Letterboxd
    • Pete
    • Kyle
    • Tommy
    • Kynan

    What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

    • You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
    • Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
    • Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
    • Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
    • Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Okay, BOOOOmer

    Okay, BOOOOmer
    Nov 29 2024
    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 SundriesWatch the movies discussed:Vivarium: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchThe Belko Experiment: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchThe Father: Apple • Amazon • JustWatch (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark(05:04) - Vivarium(36:52) - The Belko Experiment(54:58) - The Father(01:04:38) - Father 1(01:04:47) - Father 2(01:05:10) - Father 4(01:05:30) - Father 7(01:05:44) - Father 8(01:06:00) - The Father(01:18:14) - There is no bow(01:19:56) - Coming Attractions Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdPeteKyleTommyKynanWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 34 mins
  • The Most Dangerous Game

    The Most Dangerous Game
    Oct 25 2024
    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 SundriesRead The Most Dangerous Game by Richard ConnellWatch the movies discussed:The Hunt: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchGet Duked: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchRun Sweetheart Run: Apple • Amazon • JustWatch (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark(04:14) - The Most Dangerous Game(08:48) - The Hunt(27:17) - Get Duked(42:06) - Run Sweetheart Run(01:11:44) - Coming Attractions Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdPeteKyleTommyKynanWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Short Screams: The Art of Anthology Horror

    Short Screams: The Art of Anthology Horror
    Sep 27 2024
    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 SundriesWatch the movies discussed:Creepshow: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchTales from the Hood: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchTrick ‘r Treat: Apple • Amazon • JustWatch (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark(04:22) - Opening Salvo(08:24) - Creepshow(37:44) - Tales from the Hood(01:01:45) - Life is No Anthology Movie: Support Sitting in the Dark!(01:03:50) - Trick 'r Treat(01:30:19) - Coming Attractions Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdPeteKyleTommyKynanWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 37 mins
  • Travel Season

    Travel Season
    Aug 30 2024
    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 SundriesWatch the movies discussed:Horror Express: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchJoy Ride: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchBlood Red Sky: Apple • Netflix • JustWatch (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark(11:26) - Horror Express(33:12) - Joy Ride(53:20) - Blood Red Sky(01:14:59) - Coming Attractions Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdPeteKyleTommyKynanWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Scream in a Box!

    Scream in a Box!
    Jul 27 2024

    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
    • (03:37) - Scream in a Box!
    • (08:07) - Gerald's Game
    • (30:05) - It Comes At Night
    • (49:18) - The Crazies (2010)
    • (01:07:31) - Support this Show!
    • (01:08:22) - Coming Attractions

    Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

    Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:

    • Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
    • The Film Board
    • Movies We Like
    • The Next Reel Film Podcast

    Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

    Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

    • The Web
    • Letterboxd
    • Pete
    • Kyle
    • Tommy
    • Kynan

    What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

    • You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
    • Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
    • Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
    • Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
    • Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 15 mins
  • The British Invasion

    The British Invasion
    Jun 29 2024
    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 SundriesWatch the movies discussed:Grabbers: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchAttack the Block: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchThe World’s End: Apple • Amazon • JustWatch (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark(07:11) - Grabbers(17:59) - But what makes it British?(29:14) - Attack the Block(49:52) - The World's End Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdPeteKyleTommyKynanWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Survival Horror

    Survival Horror
    Jun 1 2024
    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 SundriesWatch the movies discussed:The Birds: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchDawn of the Dead: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchResident Evil: Apple • Amazon • JustWatchReady or Not: Apple • Amazon • JustWatch (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark • Survival Horror(09:38) - The Birds(29:36) - Dawn of the Dead(49:29) - Resident Evil(01:02:59) - Ready or Not(01:16:00) - Coming Attractions Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdPeteKyleTommyKynanWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 23 mins