This week, we descend into the shadows to unpack the 2005 horror classic The Descent. We explore its unique reception history - including how real-life events shaped its release - and dive deep into themes of grief, trauma, friendship, and betrayal. We discuss the film’s all-female cast, claustrophobic atmosphere, groundbreaking special effects, and why it stands out in horror history. Plus, we share our personal reactions, debate the ending, and premiere original songs inspired by the film, including Long Way Down and The Lowest. Join us for an analytical, creative journey through one of the most terrifying and thought-provoking horror movies of the 2000s.

In this special encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we’re celebrating both Halloween and our 10th wedding anniversary - yes, we actually tied the knot in costume on Halloween! We dive into the spirit of the season by sharing and ranking our top five favorite Halloween horror movies, from classic slashers to cult oddities. Expect passionate debates about Terrifier 2, the misunderstood genius of Donnie Darko, the gateway fun of Hocus Pocus, and a love letter to the anthology brilliance of Trick 'r Treat. Plus, we swap stories about our spooky wedding, horror origins, and wrap it all up with a brand-new original song: Survive the Night. If you’re looking for recommendations or just want to get in the mood for October, this episode is our personal Halloween mixtape!

In this special Halloween episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive deep into John Carpenter’s iconic 1978 film, Halloween. We discuss its colossal influence on the slasher genre, share our personal connections and ratings, and explore the film’s atmosphere, themes, and characters - from Laurie Strode’s final girl legacy to Michael Myers’ enigmatic evil. Alongside the history and impact, we analyze Dean Cundey’s striking cinematography, the power of Carpenter’s unforgettable score, and the nuanced writing of Debra Hill. Plus, we debut our original songs - Survive the Night and The Shape - inspired by the killer-victim dynamic. Whether you’re a horror veteran or just discovering the genre, join us as we celebrate all things spooky and pay tribute to a film that changed horror forever.

In this encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive deeper into John Carpenter's classic, The Thing. We reflect on the creative process behind our original music, share the studio recording of Rachel's song Who Are We, and challenge each other with a playful thought experiment: if we were each assigned to a research station in Antarctica, what five horror movies and three luxury items would we bring? Join us for candid conversation, plenty of improv, some nostalgic memories, and a musical tribute inspired by paranoia, isolation, and trust in The Thing.

In this episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we dive deep into John Carpenter’s iconic 1982 horror masterpiece, The Thing. We share our first viewing experiences, discuss the film’s troubled original reception, and explore its journey from box office flop to beloved cult classic. From the paranoia-fueled plot and unforgettable special effects to the ambiguous ending, we break down why The Thing endures as one of the greatest horror sci-fi films ever made. We highlight key themes, memorable characters, and behind-the-scenes stories - including production challenges, musical influences, and that infamous blood test scene. Plus, we cap things off with original music inspired by the film and tease our upcoming coverage of another Carpenter classic.

In this encore episode, we dive into the world of Fright Night, comparing the beloved original with its 2011 remake - dissecting the casting, charm, and cinematography that made (or broke) the films. We share our personal recommendations for recent horror and genre watches like Edge of Tomorrow, Presence, and Final Destination: Bloodlines, highlighting what stood out and what fizzled. Plus, we challenge each other with Trivial Pursuit: Horror Edition and wrap things up with original musical tributes inspired by Fright Night. Join us as we talk horror, humor, and what keeps us coming back to these movies, all before gearing up for a John Carpenter mini-marathon next episode!

In this episode, we sink our teeth into the 1985 horror-comedy classic Fright Night, directed by Tom Holland. We share our first impressions and personal ratings, dive deep into the making of the film, and explore why it remains a must-see for fans of both horror and comedy. We discuss the cast’s contributions, the iconic special effects, the film’s place in the vampire genre, and the unique blend of silliness and seriousness that makes Fright Night stand out - even decades later. Plus, we perform our original songs inspired by the movie: Look In a Mirror and Maiden, capturing the spirit of its characters and themes. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, join us as we celebrate the legacy, artistry, and enduring appeal of Fright Night.

In this encore episode of Open Mic Night of the Living Dead, we revisit our love of all things undead with a special zombie movie draft! We each take turns picking our top zombie flicks from a list inspired by Rotten Tomatoes fan scores - everything from classics like Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead to modern gems like Train to Busan and The Girl with All the Gifts. Along the way, we swap personal stories, debate what really makes a zombie movie, and reminisce about our mallrat days. Plus, we finish up with a brand new original song inspired by Night of the Living Dead. Whether you're a hardcore horror fan or just here for the laughs, join us as we celebrate the best (and the weirdest) of zombie cinema.
00:00:00 Intro
00:04:37 Zombie Movie Draft
00:42:48 Night of the Living Dead Demo