Dark Night of the Podcast

Episode 163 – The Burning (1981)

Grab your canoes and your questionable 1980s short shorts — this week, Troy and Roger head to Camp Stonewater to take on The Burning, the cult slasher that gave us Cropsey, chaos, and one seriously traumatizing raft scene. They dive into the film’s underdog status in the slasher canon, Tom Savini’s unforgettable gore effects, and some surprisingly layered character moments hiding beneath all the sleaze. With plenty of debate over awkward camp crushes, creepy peeping Toms, and why Glazer may be the worst, the guys explore the film’s take on gender roles, toxic masculinity, and camp politics. They also unpack how The Burning blends urban legend with slasher tropes — sometimes brilliantly, sometimes not-so-subtly. It’s a blood-soaked trip down memory lane, filled with tender moments, brutal kills, and just enough 80s weirdness to make you think twice about summer camp.

Episode 162 – Darkness Falls (2003)

Troy and Roger shine a light on Darkness Falls — a film where the Tooth Fairy trades quarters for body counts and darkness is literally deadly. They reminisce about early 2000s horror nostalgia while unpacking the film’s chaotic editing, questionable character ages, and a plot that feels like it lost its baby teeth too soon. From inconsistent lore to emotionless romance, the guys dig into what could have been a creepy cult classic… if the script had gotten the same love as the jump scares. They debate the effectiveness of the final girl, the over-the-top climax at the lighthouse, and whether studio meddling yanked this one right out from under the bed. Despite its flaws, they find some fun in the madness — and maybe just a little irrational fear of the dark. And if. you're aching for ore content, please check out the Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/darknightofthepodcast

Episode 161 – Session 9 (2001)

Troy and Roger head into the eerily echoing halls of Danvers State Hospital to unpack the slow-burn psychological horror of Session 9. They dive into the film’s creeping atmosphere, frayed character dynamics, and Gordon’s unsettling unraveling — all set against the perfect backdrop of asbestos and existential dread. The guys discuss the infamous therapy tapes, lingering trauma, and why this movie might just be scarier the second time around. Is it supernatural? Is it something more rationally sinister? Either way, things go off the rails fast — and not just for the asbestos crew. Tune in for a moody, layered breakdown of one of the most quietly disturbing horror films of the early 2000s.

Episode 160 – I Know Who Killed Me (2007)

Things get twice as confusing this week as Roger and Troy tackle the 2007 Lindsay Lohan fever dream, I Know Who Killed Me. With one Lohan playing two identities, the guys wade through a swamp of giallo-inspired visuals, inexplicable plot twists, and more prosthetics than a Halloween store clearance sale. They dig into the film’s themes of trauma, identity, and — you guessed it — amputation, while wondering if the real mystery is how this script got greenlit. As they dissect the character inconsistencies and bizarre symbolism, the conversation drifts from thoughtful analysis to sheer bafflement. Come for the Lohan deep dive, stay for the snarky side-eye at blue lighting, stripper montages, and storytelling that forgets where it’s going halfway through.

Episode 159 – Mikey (1992)

Troy and Roger put their parental skills to the test and take on Mikey, a lesser-known thriller about a dangerously disturbed child hiding behind an angelic face. They dig into the film’s opening scenes, explore the messy dynamics between characters, and question the logic—or lack thereof—behind the adults in Mikey’s life. The conversation covers themes of childhood trauma, parental neglect, and the strange decisions made by authority figures who really should know better. They also take issue with the film’s rushed ending and lack of character development. It’s a thoughtful (and occasionally exasperated) look at a movie that tries to do a lot—and doesn’t always succeed.

Episode 158 – Clue (1985)

While Troy and Roger take a short Spring Break hiatus, they’re treating you to a special episode from their extensive Patreon vault! Join them as they step into the eerie halls of Hill House for a lively discussion on the 1985 cult classic Clue. They break down the film’s legendary ensemble cast, Yvette’s... ahem... unforgettable assets, and debate which of the three possible endings reigns supreme. Enjoy this fun-filled throwback, and don’t worry—the guys will be back next week!

Episode 157 – Ripper: Letter from Hell (2001)

Roger and Troy finally revisit the 2001 slasher Ripper: Letter from Hell after promising it to you years ago! Join the guys as they dissect its nostalgic appeal, gruesome kills, and Jack the Ripper-inspired mystery. They break down the film’s pacing issues, character development (or lack thereof), and its attempt to blend classic horror with a modern twist. From a shocking bathroom encounter to the eerie rave death scene and the deadly lumberyard chase, the guys analyze the film’s most intense moments. As they untangle the messy web of relationships and the group’s hunt for a serial killer, they debate the film’s ambitious yet flawed execution. Was Ripper: Letter from Hell a hidden gem or a slasher misfire? Tune in to find out!

Episode 156 – Revenge (2017)

Troy and Roger hop on their ATVs to take on the wild ride that is the 2017 French thriller Revenge, directed by recent Oscar nominee Coralie Fargeat. Join the guys as they dive into what makes this movie stand out in the rape-revenge genre, from its badass female lead who flips the script on her attackers to the way it tackles misogyny and the male gaze head-on. The guys chat about the film’s bold visual style—think bright, in-your-face colors and some seriously intense symbolism—and how it keeps you on the edge of your seat with its non-stop action. They also get into the crazy transformation of the main character, who goes from victim to full-on hunter, completely turning the usual revenge story upside down. Along the way, the guys don’t shy away from talking about the brutal violence and the messy, raw emotions that come with it

Episode 155 – C.H.U.D. (1984)

Troy and Roger dive into the cult classic C.H.U.D., a quirky 1984 horror flick set in the gritty underbelly of 1980s New York City. They examine the film’s strange mix of mutant monsters, emotionally distant characters, and an investigation that never quite lives up to its spooky potential. Join the guys as they chat about the slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a villainous plot that’s more puzzling than menacing. They also highlight the film’s subtle social commentary on neglect and radiation exposure. With a mix of nostalgia and some head-scratching moments, they wonder if C.H.U.D. could use a fresh reboot—one that leans more into the monster madness and less into the emotional void.

Find out more at http://www.darknightofthepodcast.com

Episode 154 – Luther the Geek (1989) with Bret Laurie

Get ready for plenty of clucking and squawking as Troy and guest co-host Bret Laurie dive into the bizarre and bloody world of the somewhat obscure title Luther the Geek. They break down the movie’s twisted plot, exploring everything from its unsettling antics of the antagonist to the surprisingly brutal violence. The guys discuss the film’s reluctant heroine, Hillary, as a unique final girl and the most inept parole board of all time, tons of questionable character choices, all while never failing to highlight Luther’s unsettling tendency to cluck like a damn chicken as he terrorizes his victims. If you're into strange horror with a side of dark humor, this episode makes a solid case for why Luther the Geek is a hidden gem!

Find out more at http://www.darknightofthepodcast.com

Avid horror fans and filmmakers (and noted homosexuals) Troy Escamilla and Roger "The Scream Queer" Conners have many opinions on film. Tune in weekly to hear these two discuss and dissect some of the horror genre's most iconic, overlooked, and often underrated films.