Dismembering Horror
Join us on Dismembering Horror as we explore the vast and varied world of horror movies. From cult classics to modern masterpieces (and everything in between), we break down what works (and what doesn't) and provide a unique, filmmaker's perspective on the horror genre.
Torso
Join us as we dive deep into the paradoxically dark reality of "Torso," an Italian horror classic that centers on a masked killer on a throat-slitting, sexual spree. We hop into our little Italian car and journey into the film's unsettling depiction of violence, exploring its uncanny ability to get at a disturbing, “real” feeling, despite unrealistic effect (a Giallo staple). With Ryan awarding it a "rent" and Tim giving it a "stream," we dissect the film's unique tension where …
Evil Dead Rise
Ryan and Tim take a dreary, deadite delve into "Evil Dead Rise," the fifth installment in the iconic horror franchise. While the film didn't quite live up to Ryan's hopes, lacking a certain bite and earning a "stream" rating, Tim found it more compelling and awarded it a "rent." Our hosts discuss how and if filmmakers can "put evil" into a movie, how a “modern” approach both helped and hurt the movie, as well as the potential pitfalls of too …
Renfield
Starring everyone’s favorite Nicolas Cage as the iconic Transylvanian Lord of Darkness, “Renfield” offers a fun and fresh “what if” in the form of a nine-decades-later sequel to the 1931 original “Dracula.” Ryan enjoyed the performances but couldn't bring himself to rate it higher than a "stream." On the other hand, Tim was smitten by its silliness, declaring it a new comfort movie and granting it a solid "buy." Tune in as we dismember the film's blood-sucking humor, chilling charm, …
Cure
For this episode, we dive into the drizzling, moody world of the 1997 psychological thriller "Cure." Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the film follows a detective investigating a series of gruesome murders. The chilling twist? The real killer isn't committing the murders himself; instead, he hypnotizes others to carry out the heinous acts. Join us as we dismember the film's appropriately hypnotic atmosphere, and thought-provoking themes of identity, control, and culpability when the lines between perpetrator and victim blur. Ryan rated …
Scream VI
Hosts Ryan and Tim are joined by recurring guest and "Scream Fiend" Peter Warden to dissect the latest installment in the fabled franchise: "Scream VI." With Ghostface and the “Scream” (2022) crew back on the chopping block, the trio slices and dices their way through the film's scintillating suspense, bloody butcherings, and terrifying twists. They also delve into the idea of fictionalizing real-life violence in horror storytelling, taking a stab at carving out what feels right or not. Don't miss …
Episode 200 Special
Our 200th episode is here! We've explored so many nooks and crannies of the genre, and now, in celebration of this milestone, we're taking a look back at the past hundred episodes to pick out our top nine films. It's not about the ranking or the competition, it's about sharing our love for the genre. Join us as we revisit some of our favorites, and see which ones have stayed with us long after the credits rolled. Learn more about …
Speak No Evil
"Speak No Evil" takes the well-worn trope of doing something foolish to prove oneself and turns it on its head, delving deeper into the horror of societal expectations. We were both along for the ride into the forest, countryside, and rock quarry, navigating the dangers of polite society and psychopaths alike. With our tongues firmly intact, we dismember the nuances of modern niceties explored in this thrilling film. "Speak No Evil" earned a double "rent" from both of us.Speak No …
Infinity Pool
Don't be fooled, like his father before him, the younger Cronenberg knows what he's doing: and delivers with “Infinity Pool.” While keeping the family tradition of body-centric horror, Brandon adds his own cerebral touch that titillates in all the right Cronenberg-y ways. Ryan and Tim both agree that this film deserves a "buy" for a plethora of reasons, including Mia Goth’s incredible, unhinged performance. This film is so good, it'll get under your skin and make you want to peel …
Threads
This week on Dismembering Horror, we delve into the pre-and-post-apocalyptic depths of darkness with Tim's pick for "the bleakest movie" he's ever seen. Get ready for the shock and awe of "Threads," a British classic that rocked the country with its pseudo-documentary style and heart-stopping realism. We were joined by Bob Mielke, the writer of the "Threads" book, and Rachel Kempf, co-founder of its publishing company. It was an honor to have them on the show for an even more …
Skinamarink
“Dinky dinky do,” if we do say so ourselves! What an interesting experience “Skinamarink” was. Stark, eerie, unsettling, challenging for some, this Canadian film has been causing quite a stir with audiences, both good and bad. Eleven people walked out of Tim’s theater, sparking a conversation worth its own dismembering. The path to loving this movie may well be in the viewer's ability to tap into their childhood fears and feelings. Ryan had no problem getting there, while Tim could …