This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're facing a chilling truth: nothing is scarier than when the children are not alright. We're exploring the horrific subgenre of "creepy kids" or "kids in danger" by comparing the \ multi-perspective horror epic Weapons (2025) from the director of Barbarian, and the recent Blumhouse chiller There's Something Wrong with the Children (2023). Weapons (2025) Directed by Zach Cregger, Weapons is an ambitious, sprawling horror film that centers on a terrifying mystery in the small town of Maybrook, Pennsylvania. The plot follows the case of seventeen children from the same classroom who mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, all except one. The film explores the community's frantic search for answers and the psychic disintegration of the adults as they grapple with the idea that the children themselves may be the source of the terror, linking themes of social collapse and supernatural dread. There's Something Wrong with the Children (2023) Directed by Roxanne Benjamin, this film is a more contained take on the corrupted child trope. When two couples take a weekend trip to a remote woodland cabin, one couple's two young children mysteriously disappear into the woods overnight near a strange set of ruins. When the kids return, Ben (Zach Gilford) begins to suspect something supernatural has possessed them, but his friends dismiss his concerns as mental health issues. The film uses the isolation of the cabin and the paranoia within the adult group to amplify the sinister horror of the changed children. Join us as we look at these two distinct approaches to corrupted innocence. Which film offers the most chilling vision of childhood twisted into an instrument of fear? Tune in to find out! Spoilers start around 5:50

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re stepping back in time and into your television screen to explore the scariest subgenre of horror: the fake live broadcast! We're comparing two films that blur the lines between reality and terror: the American analog horror cult classic WNUF Halloween Special (2013) and the infamous, nation-terrifying British pseudo-documentary Ghostwatch (1992). WNUF Halloween Special (2013) Directed by Chris LaMartina, this film is presented as a salvaged VHS recording of a local TV station's 1987 Halloween night special. A cynical reporter, Frank Stewart, takes a camera crew and a pair of paranormal investigators (a clear nod to Ed and Lorraine Warren) into the notoriously haunted Webber House for a live, televised séance. The film's genius lies in its meticulously accurate recreation of late-80s local TV, complete with delightfully cheesy commercials and news breaks that build a deeply nostalgic and unsettling atmosphere before the ritual goes catastrophically wrong. Ghostwatch (1992) Written by Stephen Volk and broadcast "live" on BBC on Halloween night, 1992, Ghostwatch caused a national panic in the UK. Presented as a genuine BBC investigation into a haunted London council house, the film utilized popular, trusted presenters (like Michael Parkinson and Sarah Greene, playing themselves) and real-time camerawork to convince millions of viewers they were watching a true, terrifying paranormal event unfold. It is a masterpiece of deception, using the power of the medium itself to bring the demonic entity, "Pipes," right into the viewers' living rooms. Join us as we look at the art of the fake live broadcast. We'll explore how Ghostwatch weaponized the audience's trust in mainstream media and how WNUF achieved its scares through lo-fi nostalgia and world-building. If you enjoy horror that makes you question what you're seeing on your screen, this is the episode for you! Spoilers start around 5:06

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're tackling a horrifying real-life case that has inspired decades of terror! We are bringing our extensive deep dive into the Conjuring Universe to a chilling conclusion by comparing the final main installment of the cinematic saga, The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025), with an older, made-for-TV movie based on the very same haunting: The Haunted (1991). The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) Directed by Michael Chaves, The Conjuring: Last Rites is set to be the final chapter featuring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Based on the infamous Smurl haunting case from Pennsylvania, the film chronicles what is considered the Warrens' final significant case, where a seemingly quiet family home becomes the epicenter of a relentless supernatural siege. This installment promises a blend of atmospheric horror, high-stakes investigation, and an emotional farewell to the iconic investigators. The Haunted (1991) Directed by Robert Mandel, The Haunted is a chilling made-for-television film that also dramatizes the Smurl family's ordeal. This cult classic stars Sally Kirkland and Jeffrey DeMunn as the afflicted couple (Janet and Jack Smurl), with Stephen Markle and Diane Baker portraying the Warrens. Released decades before the Conjuring universe began, this film delivers a gritty, faith-driven, and often surprisingly graphic portrayal of the long-term, devastating effects of demonic infestation on a family. Join us as we analyze two radically different cinematic interpretations of the same real-life paranormal case. And with this episode, we officially conclude our comprehensive journey through the entire Conjuring Universe film series! Thank you for joining us for every demonic possession, haunted doll, and terrifying nun. Spoilers start around 5:26

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're continuing our journey through the chilling Warrenverse, exploring instances where demonic influence takes center stage. We'll be comparing The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021), which delves into a real-life murder trial with a supernatural defense, against the direct demonic confrontation of The Nun II (2023). Get ready for legal scares and unholy terrors! The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) Directed by Michael Chaves, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes a darker and more grounded approach, inspired by the real-life trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who claimed demonic possession as his defense for murder. Ed and Lorraine Warren investigate this unsettling case, uncovering a malevolent force that ties back to a hidden occult group. This installment explores the blurred lines between human culpability and supernatural influence. The Nun II (2023) Directed by Michael Chaves (again!), The Nun II serves as a direct sequel to the 2018 film, continuing the terrifying saga of the demonic nun Valak. Set in 1956 France, the film follows Sister Irene as she once again confronts the malevolent entity, which is now causing chaos and death in a seemingly ordinary boarding school. This chapter promises more direct supernatural horror and a deeper dive into Valak's dark powers and origins. Join us as we dissect these two entries in the Conjuring Universe. How do these films further expand the Warrens' documented cases and the mythology of the evil forces they faced? Tune in to explore the devil's influence and the power of faith against darkness! Spoilers start around 5:15.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're diving into the more direct demonic confrontations within the Warrenverse! We're pitting the terrifying origin story of a powerful demonic entity, The Nun (2018), against the chilling installment that brings multiple cursed artifacts to life, Annabelle Comes Home (2019). Get ready for intense scares and a closer look at the forces of evil Ed and Lorraine Warren battled! The Nun (2018) Directed by Corin Hardy, The Nun takes us back to 1952 Romania to explore the terrifying origins of the demonic nun Valak, who first terrorized Lorraine Warren in The Conjuring 2. When a priest with a haunted past and a novice on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate a nun's suicide at a secluded abbey, they uncover a dark secret and confront a malevolent force in its purest form. Annabelle Comes Home (2019) Directed by Gary Dauberman, Annabelle Comes Home takes place after the Warrens bring the possessed Annabelle doll into their artifact room, believing her evil contained behind consecrated glass. However, on one fateful night, while the Warrens are away, Annabelle awakens the other malevolent spirits within the room, setting a terrifying night in motion for their young daughter Judy and her babysitters. This film unleashes a multitude of creepy artifacts and showcases the widespread danger they possess. Join us as we dissect the distinct brands of horror presented in The Nun and Annabelle Comes Home. Spoilers start around 5:05.

Directed by David F. Sandberg, Annabelle: Creation serves as a brilliant prequel to the original Annabelle, finally unveiling the disturbing story of how the cursed doll came to be. Set years before the events of Annabelle, the film follows a dollmaker and his wife who welcome several orphaned girls into their secluded home, unknowingly unleashing the malevolent spirit that will inhabit the infamous doll. This entry is praised for its suspenseful atmosphere, genuinely creepy scares, and its clever weaving into the wider Conjuring Universe. Join us as we dissect the escalating terror of The Conjuring 2 and the chilling revelations of Annabelle: Creation. We'll discuss how these films expand the mythology of the Warrenverse, the effectiveness of their respective scares, and how they contribute to the overall sense of dread that permeates this incredibly successful horror franchise. Get ready to delve deeper into the darkness and uncover the origins of pure evil! Spoilers start around 5:40.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're stepping into the chilling world of Ed and Lorraine Warren, the famous paranormal investigators! We're kicking off our exploration of the "Conjuring Universe" by comparing the foundation of it all, The Conjuring (2013), with the origin story of its most sinister artifact, Annabelle (2014). Get ready for demonic entities, creepy dolls, and a whole lot of scares! The Conjuring (2013) Directed by James Wan, The Conjuring introduces us to Ed and Lorraine Warren as they are called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their secluded farmhouse. Based on a supposedly true story, this film masterfully builds suspense with its atmospheric tension, unsettling sound design, and truly frightening supernatural encounters. It established the tone and style that would define the entire cinematic universe. Annabelle (2014) Directed by John R. Leonetti, Annabelle serves as a prequel to The Conjuring, delving into the horrifying origins of the creepy doll that briefly haunted the Warrens' artifact room. The film follows a young couple who bring the vintage doll into their home, unknowingly attracting a malevolent entity that latches onto it. This spin-off focuses on more direct demonic possession and the terrifying consequences of inviting evil into your life. Join us as we explore the storytelling of these two pivotal films in the "Conjuring Universe." We'll discuss how The Conjuring laid the groundwork for the franchise's success, the effectiveness of Annabelle's terrifying doll, and how these films established the recurring themes of faith and the battle against pure evil. Whether you're a seasoned Warrenverse veteran or a curious newcomer, this episode is your guide to the beginning of the haunting! Spoilers start around 5:54.

Our 6th annual year in review episode covers he highs and lows from the last year-ish. Lots of spoilers here and for the first time we are agreed on a lot of the films!! Check it out and let us know what you think!

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're bringing our epic Final Destination marathon to an end! After dissecting the first four films, we're now tackling what was thought to be the franchise's conclusive chapter, Final Destination 5 (2011), and the highly anticipated return, Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025). Get ready for more death-defying escapes and incredibly intricate demises! Final Destination 5 (2011) Directed by Steven Quale, Final Destination 5 revitalized the franchise with its ingenious premise and breathtaking opening sequence involving a collapsing suspension bridge. This installment cleverly plays with the established lore by introducing a grim new twist: if a survivor takes the life of someone who was not meant to die in Death's design, they can claim that person's remaining lifespan. This added a desperate, moral dilemma to the usual frantic escapes, culminating in a shocking reveal that ties directly back to the original film. Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025) Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, Final Destination: Bloodlines marks the long-awaited return of the franchise. This film takes a fresh approach by focusing on a new family, whose matriarch had a premonition in 1968 that averted a deadly structural collapse, saving many lives. Now, decades later, Death is coming for her descendants, and they must figure out how to break a bloodline curse that has been passed down through generations. This entry promises to shake up the established formula with a multi-generational storyline and delve deeper into the lore of Death's intricate plan. Join us as we discuss how Final Destination 5 brought a renewed sense of terror and cleverness to the series, and then dive into all the exciting details and potential new directions offered by Final Destination: Bloodlines. Spoilers start around 3:00.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, the carnage continues! Following our deep dive into the origins of Death's design, we're plunging headfirst into the next two installments of the iconic franchise: Final Destination 3 (2006) and The Final Destination (2009). Get ready for more elaborate demises and desperate struggles against an unstoppable force! Final Destination 3 (2006) Directed once again by James Wong, Final Destination 3 kicks off with a terrifying roller coaster derailment. High school student Wendy Christensen experiences a vivid premonition and saves several classmates, only to find herself and the survivors targeted by Death's relentless pursuit. This installment notably uses photographs taken at the scene of the premonition to hint at how each character will meet their grisly end, adding a new layer to the mystery and dread. The Final Destination (2009) Directed by David R. Ellis (returning from FD2), The Final Destination (often referred to as Final Destination 4 due to its release order) brings the franchise into the 3D era. This time, a vision of a horrific racetrack crash saves a group of spectators from certain doom. As always, Death is close behind, dispatching the survivors in increasingly gruesome and often darkly humorous ways. This film aimed for spectacle, leveraging the 3D technology for maximum visceral impact. Join us as we analyze how these two films expanded the franchise's signature style. We'll discuss the creativity (or lack thereof) of the death sequences and the evolving "rules" of Death's plan. Tune in to relive the terror and question if anyone can truly outrun Death! Spoilers start around 5:13.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're tempting fate and dodging elaborate death traps as we look at the beginnings of a beloved horror franchise! In anticipation of the highly anticipated new film, Final Destination: Bloodlines, we're going back to where it all began, comparing the terrifying ingenuity of Final Destination (2000) and its thrilling sequel, Final Destination 2 (2003). Final Destination (2000) Directed by James Wong, the original Final Destination introduces us to Alex Browning, who has a premonition of a catastrophic plane crash and, along with a handful of others, manages to cheat death. But Death, as they soon learn, doesn't like to be cheated. What follows is a relentlessly suspenseful and inventive series of "accidents" as Death comes to claim its due, showcasing Rube Goldberg-esque kills that became the franchise's trademark. Final Destination 2 (2003) Directed by David R. Ellis, Final Destination 2 escalates the stakes with a truly unforgettable opening highway pile-up. Kimberly Corman has a vision of this horrific event and saves herself and several strangers. However, they soon discover they've merely placed themselves at the top of Death's new list. This sequel famously expands on the rules of Death's design and offers even more elaborate and shocking sequences of unfortunate demises. Join us as we discuss these first two films in the series. If you don't have time to watch them yourself before seeing Final Destination: Bloodlines, this episode offers a good synopsis of the films. We discuss how they established the franchise's unique blend of supernatural horror and inventive practical effects, and what makes each of these early entries so enduringly terrifying. Prepare for a grim reminder that you can't escape your destiny! Spoilers Start around 4:27.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're revisiting an episode about the terrifying and sometimes darkly comedic world of time loops! With the recent release of the Until Dawn, we thought it was the perfect time to dust off this classic comparison between two fantastic films that trap their protagonists in a recurring nightmare: Happy Death Day (2017) and Source Code (2011). Happy Death Day (2017) Directed by Christopher Landon, Happy Death Day puts a slasher twist on the time loop concept. College student Tree Gelbman finds herself reliving the day of her murder over and over again. To break the loop, she must figure out who her killer is and stop them, all while navigating the increasingly bizarre and dangerous repetitions of her final day. It's a clever blend of horror, comedy, and mystery with a charismatic lead performance. Source Code (2011) Directed by Duncan Jones, Source Code takes a more sci-fi thriller approach to the time loop. Captain Colter Stevens, a helicopter pilot, wakes up in the body of an unknown man on a commuter train moments before it explodes. He's part of a top-secret program that allows him to inhabit the last few minutes of a person's life to gather information and prevent future terrorist attacks. Each jump back offers new clues and increasingly complex moral dilemmas. Tune in for a repeat dose of temporal terror!

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're exploring the deadly consequences of youthful indiscretions and the relentless pursuit of past sins. We'll be comparing the American slasher sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) and the German horror flick Party Hard, Die Young (2018). I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) Directed by Danny Cannon, this sequel to the 1997 hit follows Julie James and her friends as they take a seemingly relaxing vacation to a remote island resort. However, their past actions come back to haunt them when the vengeful fisherman returns, picking them off one by one in a tropical paradise turned deadly trap. Party Hard, Die Young (2018) Directed by Dominik Hartl, this German slasher film takes the familiar "teens in peril" trope to a vibrant and chaotic Croatian music festival. What starts as a wild party under the sun turns gruesome when a masked killer begins targeting the young revelers, turning their hedonistic escape into a fight for survival. Join us as we dissect these two tales of youthful terror and relentless pursuit. We'll discuss how each film utilizes its unique setting to amplify the horror, the effectiveness of their respective killers, and how they explore the themes of guilt, consequence, and the inescapable nature of the past. Get ready for sun, sand, and a whole lot of bloodshed! Spoilers start around 8:25.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're revisiting the terrifying world of alien seduction and deadly offspring! We'll be comparing the second and third installments in the Species franchise: Species II (1998) and Species III (2004). Species II (1998) Directed by Peter Medak, Species II picks up where the original left off. This time, the alien DNA has returned to Earth via a manned mission to Mars. When the astronaut infected with the alien pathogen begins a violent and rapid evolution, a new, even more dangerous alien threat emerges, focused on procreation and domination. Species III (2004) Directed by Brad Turner, Species III takes a slightly different approach. It focuses on Sara, the human/alien hybrid daughter of Eve (from the first two films). As Sara matures, she grapples with her alien instincts while scientists attempt to understand and control her unique biology. This installment explores themes of nature versus nurture and the potential for hybrid existence. Join us as we delve into the evolutionary horrors of the Species sequels. We'll discuss how each film expands upon the original's themes of alien biology and sexual predation, analyze their creature designs and special effects, and debate which sequel offers the more compelling and terrifying vision of alien infiltration. Spoilers start around 7:28.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're diving into the late-stage slasher sequels, comparing two sixth entries that took their respective franchises in wildly different directions. We're pitting Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) against A Nightmare on Elm Street 6: Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991). Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) Directed by Tom McLoughlin, Jason Lives marks a significant shift for the Friday the 13th series. After a brief hiatus, Jason returns, but this time, he's a resurrected, supernatural force of nature. This entry leans heavily into self-aware humor and action-oriented set pieces, giving us a more playful, albeit still violent, take on the iconic killer. A Nightmare on Elm Street 6: Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991) Directed by Rachel Talalay, Freddy's Dead attempts to wrap up the Nightmare on Elm Street saga with a surreal and cartoonish finale. This film delves into Freddy's origins, revealing his childhood and the source of his evil. It's known for its over-the-top special effects, bizarre dream sequences, and a generally more comedic tone than previous entries. Join us as we dissect these two films, exploring how they attempted to revitalize their franchises, the impact of their tonal shifts, and whether they succeeded in delivering satisfying sequels. Spoilers start around 5:50.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're howling with laughter and a touch of terror as we explore the world of quirky werewolf movies! We'll be comparing the American film Werewolves Within (2021) and the French film Teddy (2020). Werewolves Within (2021) Directed by Josh Ruben, Werewolves Within is a horror-comedy based on the Ubisoft virtual reality game of the same name. It follows a newly arrived forest ranger who finds himself trapped in a snowbound Vermont town with a group of eccentric residents, all of whom suspect each other of being a werewolf. The film is known for its witty dialogue, ensemble cast, and its blend of humor and suspense. Teddy (2020) Directed by Ludovic and Zoran Boukherma, Teddy is a French horror-comedy-drama that follows a young man named Teddy, who is scratched by a mysterious creature in the woods. As he begins to experience strange physical and behavioral changes, Teddy must confront the possibility that he is turning into a werewolf. The film is known for its grounded approach to the werewolf mythos, its dark humor, and its exploration of themes like adolescence and identity. Join us as we discuss the unique charms and quirks of these two werewolf flicks. Spoilers start around 7:10.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're diving into the unsettling realm of technology gone awry, exploring the anxieties surrounding our increasingly digital world. We'll be comparing the Polish film The Glitch (2019) and the Companion (2025). The Glitch (2019) Directed by Patricia Ryczko, The Glitch (Panacea) is a polish Sci-Fi, drama, thriller, that centers around Renata, an android, who lives a seemingly normal life. After a mysterious glitch occurs, her reality begins to unravel, and she is forced to face the truth of her nature. The film explores themes of identity, reality, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Companion (2025) Companion (2025) by Drew Handcock, is an science fiction horror film that explores themes of artificial intelligence and human connection. It considers the potential dangers of advanced technology and how it can blur the lines between human and machine. Spoilers start around 4:34

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're howling at the moon with a classic monster movie double feature! We'll be comparing two takes on the werewolf legend: The Wolf Man (1941) and Wolf Man (2025). The Wolf Man (1941) Directed by George Waggner, this classic Universal Monsters film tells the tragic tale of Lawrence Talbot, an American actor who returns to his ancestral home in England and becomes cursed by a werewolf. This film is renowned for its atmospheric cinematography, iconic imagery (like the memorable "Even a man who is pure at heart can become a wolf-man" line), and its exploration of themes like guilt and the primal nature of man. Wolf Man (2025) Directed by Leigh Whannell from a screenplay he co-wrote with Corbett Tuck, this reboot of The Wolf Man franchise, follows a family man seeking to protect his wife and daughter from a werewolf, only to become infected and slowly transform into the creature. Jason Blum produces alongside his Blumhouse Productions banner. Join us as we dissect these two films, exploring their different approaches to the werewolf legend, their visual styles, and their impact on the horror genre. Spoilers start around 6:06.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're exploring the terrifying concept of alien parasites with two sci-fi horror classics: Lifeforce (1985) and Species (1995). Lifeforce (1985) Directed by Tobe Hooper, Lifeforce tells the story of a space mission to Halley's Comet that unearths a terrifying alien species that feeds on human life energy. When the aliens arrive on Earth, they unleash a wave of chaos and terror, leaving a trail of drained and lifeless victims in their wake. Species (1995) Directed by Roger Donaldson, Species explores the arrival of a genetically engineered alien on Earth. This seductive and deadly creature seeks a mate to continue its species, and it quickly becomes apparent that she poses a significant threat to human existence. Join us as we dissect these two iconic sci-fi horrors, discussing their special effects, their exploration of alien sexuality, and their enduring impact on the genre. We'll also delve into the social and cultural anxieties reflected in these films, such as the fear of the unknown and the dangers of scientific tampering. Spoilers Start around 7:10.

This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we're diving headfirst into the world of 2024 vampire cinema! We'll be comparing two distinct takes on the classic vampire mythos: Nosferatu (2024) and Abigail (2024). Nosferatu (2024) Directed by Robert Eggers, Nosferatu is a visually stunning and atmospheric reimagining of the 1922 silent film. This modern adaptation boasts a star-studded cast and breathtaking visuals, promising a chilling and unforgettable cinematic experience.   Abigail (2024) Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Abigail tells the story of a group of criminals who kidnap the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful underworld figure. They believe they're in for an easy payday, holding the girl for ransom in an isolated mansion. However, their plan quickly unravels when they discover their young captive is not what she seems. Abigail is not just a spoiled rich kid; she's a bloodthirsty vampire. Join us as we dissect these two films, exploring their unique approaches to vampire lore, their visual styles, and their impact on the horror genre. Spoilers start around 6:00.