Open Mic Night of the Living Dead

We're back in the Overlook for part two of our deep dive on The Shining (1980). We dig into the Steadicam innovation that changed horror forever, the blood elevator's year of prep work, and Wendy Carlos's groundbreaking score. Then we make the case for Wendy Torrance, unpack Jack's alcoholism through a recovery lens, and ask the question the film never answers - did the hotel make him a monster, or just find one?

Citations

Balick, ...

The Shining finally got the two-part treatment - because some movies just won't fit in a box. Part 1 covers our personal histories with the film, how it landed (badly) when it first came out, and how it became one of the most analyzed pieces of horror cinema ever made. We get into Kubrick's adaptation choices, the famous tension between his vision and Stephen King's novel, and what it actually looked like to make this movie - the c...

John opens this episode by announcing himself as "the man of the duo." Rachel introduces herself as "John's wife, defined by her role in the life of a man." Then we talk about feminist horror for 30 minutes. Inspired by The Slumber Party Massacre, we're asking what actually makes a horror film feminist - and whether it matters who made it. We work through The Descent, You're Next, Midsommar, The Love Witch, and more. Plus Rachel de...

This week we're taking a deep dive into The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) - a 77-minute slasher that's weirder and smarter than its reputation suggests, and honestly more fun than it has any right to be. Written by Rita Mae Brown as a feminist parody and shot as a straightforward exploitation film, the result is this fascinating hybrid that we genuinely cannot stop thinking about. We dig into what makes it tick - the girls' social ...

In this encore episode, we dig into the fascinating history of horror movies at the Academy Awards. From early classics like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Phantom of the Opera to modern favorites like Get Out, Pan’s Labyrinth, and this year’s record-breaking Sinners, we explore which films from the genre have scored Oscar nods and wins. We discuss trends in how horror films are recognized - often in technical or “vi...

In this episode, we dive deep into the 2025 horror sensation Sinners. We explore its genre-blending brilliance, unpack the cultural and social themes woven throughout, and discuss everything from the film’s remarkable dual performances and historical context to its award-winning music and jaw-dropping practical effects. We share our personal experiences watching the film, debate its critical reception and impact on the horror...

In this encore episode, we dive into the urban legends that inspired horror classics, focusing on how they shaped Candyman. We unpack stories like the Hookman, Bloody Mary, razor blades in Halloween candy, babysitter terror, and killer alligators lurking in city sewers. We also explore modern creepypasta legends like Slenderman and the elevator game, discussing how old and new myths fuel our deepest fears and horror cinema alike. P...

This week, we dive deep into the chilling world of Candyman (1992). We share our personal memories and first impressions of the film, break down its origins - connecting Clive Barker’s The Forbidden to Bernard Rose’s haunting adaptation - and discuss how the movie transcends the typical slasher genre. We examine the film’s complex themes, including urban legends, systemic racism, and the power of myth, while recog...

This week on Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we check into the world of “hospitality horror” - those unsettling stories set in hotels, motels, inns, and even Airbnbs! Following up on our discussion of Psycho, we run down our favorite (and wackiest) creepy lodgings, from Motel Hell and The Shining to recent entries like Barbarian, Superhost, Bone Lake, and more. We share firsthand horror viewing memories, debate what ...

This week on Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we take a deep dive into Alfred Hitchcock’s groundbreaking 1960 classic, Psycho. We revisit our first-time experiences with the film, discuss its production backstory, and marvel at Hitchcock’s lean, suspense-driven style. Together, we explore Psycho's pivotal place in horror history, analyzing its impact and revolutionary cinematography. We unpack central themes of guilt,...

In this encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive into the world of horror on television. We reminisce about iconic shows like The Twilight Zone, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Tales from the Crypt, Stranger Things, and so many more, exploring how TV has shaped our love of creepy stories. We compare newer series like Welcome to Derry and Stranger Things season one, debating why some horror hits stick with us more than...