Such a Nightmare: Conversations about Horror

Late Night with the Devil (2023) | Episode #98

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the 2023 horror film Late Night with the Devil.

Episode Highlights: We begin by addressing the monster in the room: the film's use of AI and the subsequent backlash this film faced as a result. Ultimately though, we argue that it is unfair that most folks only want to talk about the AI issue, because this film deserves to be discussed on its own merits...for both its accomplishments and its misses. We explore what we see as the the film's successes in terms of concept, cinematography, and acting. We also examine how, in our opinion, the film's final act falls flat and what we would have rather seen in those last minutes. 

A Dose of Scholarship: While there isn't too much written about Late Night with the Devil (at least that doesn't near-exclusively focus on the AI use), we do reference some interesting articles in this episode. For a nuanced examination of AI, check out this Harvard Business Review piece on AI augmenting, rather than replacing human intelligence. Sarah Hughes' 2017 article in Journal of American Studies "American Monsters: Tabloid Media and the Satanic Panic, 1970-2000" offers a great examination of how media shapes our cultural anxieties and fears.

This podcast episode first aired on September 13, 2024.

As always--a big shout out to Jackson O'Brien--editor extraordinaire!

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

Leprechaun 2 (1994) | Episode #97

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the 1994 horror comedy film Leprechaun 2.

Episode Highlights: We explore how the sequel compares with the original 1993 film and argue that, particularly in terms of cinematography, Leprechaun 2 feels richer and more vibrant. As evidence, we turn to the cold opening scene and its use of cinematography to help communicate not just what is happening in the film, but how we are supposed to feel. It's hard to not talk about some of the wonderful (and horrible) death scenes in this film, so we mention some of our favorites. And we examine how this film presents as an ultimately affirmative horror film, which seems fitting considering that Leprechaun 2--much more than the original film--reads as a fairy tale complete with extensive backstory and lore.

A Dose of Scholarship: There really isn't much in the way of scholarship on the Leprechaun franchise....so if this franchise is your jam, start writing!

This podcast episode first aired on August 30, 2024.

Jackson O'Brien--your edits make us better podcasters...thank you!

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

Misery (1990) | Episode #96

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca discuss the awesomeness that is Misery. Although we focus primarily on the 1990 film staring Kathy Bates and James Caan, we cannot help but also talk about Stephen King's original novel and Toni shares their experience seeing William Goldman's theatrical stage adaptation.

Episode Highlights: We explore the internal/interior nature of King's book (with so much happening in Paul's head) and how well we feel this translates (or not) onto the screen/stage. Toni shares how the production they saw in Colorado Springs in 2023 played with the spaces of and characters in Misery. Katherine shares her sadness at losing her beloved novel-within-a-novel framework in the film. We discuss how these different texts play with important themes of Misery, including addiction and pain. And, as we praise the masterful Kathy Bates, we also look at how these three texts portray and construct the idea of female monstrosity.  

A Dose of Scholarship: We referenced Harriet Stilley's article "Operation Hobble: Masculine Fear Versus Female Monstrosity in Misery" from Horror Homeroom. 

This podcast episode first aired on July 26, 2024.

Jackson O'Brien...a hero amongst editors! 

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

Steve DeWinter and Renee Miller | Interview (2024) | Eerie Extras

In this spooktacular Eerie Extra, Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with horror authors and creators Steve DeWinter and Renee Miller. 

We explore the horrific power and potential of immersive storytelling (which is a really awesome way of presenting and engaging with the horror genre). Steve and Renee discuss how their work The Babysitter plays with different sources of horror through its multiple possible pathways and how the horror of their story shapes, and is shaped by, the ways that audiences interact with the narrative. Renee and Steve also share how they got into interactive horror and offer advice for folks interested in knowing more about creating branching narratives and producing multimodal stories. 

This interview occurred on June 26, 2024; the episode first aired on July 12, 2024.

 

An optioned screenwriter with a Bachelor's degree from Metro State College, Renee Miller has been enthralled by the dark twists and chilling narratives of horror since discovering Dean Koontz in eighth grade. With a penchant for crafting stories that delve into the deepest fears and darkest corners of the human psyche, Renee now brings her expertise to the thrilling world of choose-your-own-adventure audio storytelling. Tune in as she explores the eerie possibilities where each decision can lead to spine-tingling suspense or terrifying consequences.

 

Steve DeWinter is a #1 bestselling Amazon author of action-adventure sci-fi novels, with over 100,000 books sold worldwide. He's topped the Amazon Children's Action & Adventure Sci-Fi Bestseller list, Steampunk Bestseller list, and achieved multiple Top 20 rankings simultaneously. Notably, he co-authored two fantasy novels with the legendary Charles Dickens. Yes! That Charles Dickens. Now, Steve is pioneering a new frontier: Illustrated Interactive Audiobooks. These immersive, audio-first experiences combine interactive storytelling with augmented reality (AR) technology. You're not just the reader – you're the main character, making choices that shape the narrative while exploring real-world locations. Explore Steve's traditional books on Amazon and experience his innovative Illustrated Interactive Audiobooks (including The Babysitter, a thrilling interactive horror story written by Renee) at https://hiddenworld.icu/

 

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

Leprechaun (1993) | Episode #95

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca search for their pot of gold as they discuss the 1993 horror comedy film Leprechaun.

Episode Highlights: We talk about the awesomeness that is Warwick Davis and how his performance encourages us to laugh with him rather than at him. We explore whether the film can be read as a traditional affirmative horror movie where greed and foreigners are the threat, or whether this film might be read as a dissaffirmative examination of how we fabricate American nostalgia. We think about the ramifications--if any--on the film's potential source of horror after learning that several scenes of Leprechaun were filmed at the same location as where Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons were shot. And Toni provides some important background information on how and why this film was made and how certain production decisions impacted the finished movie we watched. 

A Dose of Scholarship: There really isn't much in the way of scholarship on Leprechaun; however, there are some interesting analyses of this film out there including Stephanie Archer's 2021 piece "Horrific Inquiry: Leprechaun (1993)" in Film Inquiry. 

This podcast episode first aired on Jun 7, 2024.

Thank you Jackson O'Brien for being our awesome editor!

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

Willy's Wonderland (2021) | Episode #94

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca put a coin in the pinball machine to discuss 2021's Willy's Wonderland.

Episode Highlights: We talk about how Nicholas Cage is the reason for the season and, hands down, the best part of this film. We explore the film's brilliant practical effects with the puppets/animatronics. Katherine shares how the film builds on the carnivalesque aspects of the suspension of normality, the carnival king, the ambivalent nature of fire and laughter, and dualism of images. We discuss the lovely performances of the adult actors, but lament the teenage characters and how their scenes--which take us out of Willy's Wonderland--pull down the narrative. Ultimately, as Toni puts it, while the film might not have hit all the notes...we'd love to grab a beer with the fascinating and clever filmmakers.  

A Dose of Scholarship: For more on the carnivalesque, check out Mikhail Bakhtin's "Carnival and the Carnivalesque" in John Storey's 1998 Cultural Theory and Popular Culture. And be sure to check out the essay Toni referenced: Clark Collis's "'Nic Cage is into reptiles...': The insane, behind-the-scenes story of Willy's Wonderland."  

This podcast episode first aired on April 5, 2024.

Shout-out to Jackson O'Brien; thank you for editing this episode!

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

Friday the 13th (2009) | Episode #93

In this episode of the Such a Nightmare podcast, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca return--for a final time (at least for now!)--to Camp Crystal Lake as they discuss the 2009 horror slasher film Friday the 13th.

Episode Highlights: We examine the film's (potentially) strange juxtaposition between a wholesome family reunion narrative and shots of lots (and lots) of boobs; Katherine shares how all the boobery made for a personally very awkward family viewing. We talk about how this film, as both another entry in the franchise and a remake, offers a déjà vu/dream-like experience that manages to offer a nice blend of the expected and the refreshing. We share some of our favorite kills in this film and Katherine talks about her re-watching of Freddy vs. Jason having now seen all Friday the 13th and all Nightmare on Elm Street films.

A Dose of Scholarship: Please check out our guide to this franchise: Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th.

This podcast episode first aired on March 1, 2024.

Jackson O'Brien: thank you for your editing magic!

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

Five Nights at Freddy's (2023) | Episode #92

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca work the graveyard shift as they discuss the 2023 horror film Five Nights at Freddy's. 

Episode Highlights: Toni shares what it was like playing the game on band trips as a kid and how this shaped their anticipation and hopes for this film. We talk about the challenges this film faced and--in our opinions--did not overcome as the movie tries to appeal to both current kids and adults who remembered the game from their own childhoods. We look at the film's establishment of a world beyond Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria and how this worldbuilding aspect of the film, along with the backstory it built about the murdered children, affected the horror of this story. And we explore what we think this film could have been in its best incarnation. 

A Dose of Scholarship: While there isn't any scholarship on the film, there is some interesting scholarship on the Five Nights at Freddy's games. We encourage you to check out Betsy Brey's chapter "Five Nights at Fan Games: Feminism, Fan Labor, and Five Nights at Freddy's" in the 2020 book Indie Games in the Digital Age. Another essay worth looking at is Yujie Ji and Yixuan Zhao's 2022 "Follow the Purple Bunny: A Brief Analysis of Five Nights at Freddy's Narrative." And there are a couple of pieces written about the film that proved helpful in our discussion: Michael Cripe's "Five Nights at Freddy's Surpasses Split to Break a Record for Horror Studio Blumhouse" and Jesse Hassenger's "The Five Nights at Freddy's Movie is a Dizzying Mashup of Decades of Culture."

This podcast episode first aired on February 16, 2024.

Deepest of appreciation to Jackson O'Brien...thank you for editing this podcast!

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

David-Jack Fletcher| Interview (2024) | Eerie Extras

In this spooktacular Eerie Extra, Such a Nightmare co-host Katherine Troyer speaks with horror author and editor David-Jack Fletcher.

 

We discuss the significance of normalizing LGBTQIA+ identities within the horror genre. This leads to an even bigger discussion of how queer horror can both offer a space for connection and push us beyond our comfort zones. David-Jack shares the vision behind Slashic Horror, his indie horror press that he co-founded with Lee Cross James. And we talk about the magic of crossing genres and the ways his work, including his novella The Haunting of Harry Peck, present the familiar in unfamiliar ways (or perhaps the other way around) through his genre-blending writing.

 

This interview occurred on January 4, 2024; the episode first aired on January 30, 2024.

 

David-Jack Fletcher is a writer and scholar hailing from Australia. With a PhD from Macquarie University in Cultural Studies, he wrote for over a decade in an academic setting before—in his words—jumping out of academia to pursue his dream of becoming a horror author and editor. To that end, he has a Post-Graduate Certificate in Editing and Publishing from the University of Southern Queensland, and he completed an internship with Sydney-based Spineless Wonders. Additionally, he was awarded a mentorship with the Australasian Horror Writers Association (AHWA) in 2022, undertaken with award-winning author Paul Mannering. David-Jack has published short stories in several horror anthologies across the UK, the US and Canada, and has appeared in international podcasts and interviews. Furthermore, his debut gay horror-comedy, The Haunting of Harry Peck, was published by Rack & Rune Publishing in February 2022 and became an international Amazon bestseller. And his latest award-winning novel, Raven’s Creek is now available through all major retailers, published through his own imprint, Slashic Horror. For more information, visit his LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/djfletcher 

 

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com

Jason X (2001) | Episode #91

In this episode, hosts Katherine Troyer and Toni Tresca hop a rocket to outer space...where, of course, Jason is waiting...as they discuss the 2001 horror slasher film Jason X.

Episode Highlights: We talk about how this film is part of a slew of films in the late 90s/early 00s that sought to shock their respective franchises back to life with a journey to space. We think about how this film, despite (or perhaps because of) it's different setting, fits within the larger Friday the 13th franchise. We look at Jason X's portrayal of Jason, exploration of final girls, and presentation of slasher tropes. And, while we are clearly in a minority far from many fans and most critics, we have to admit: space was surprisingly fun!

A Dose of Scholarship: For scholarship on the Friday the 13th franchise, we (continue to) encourage to you to turn to 1) Horror Homeroom's special issue on Friday the 13th. and 2) Wickham Clayton's 2020 book SEE! HEAR! CUT! KILL! Experiencing Friday the 13th.

This podcast episode first aired on January 19, 2024.

Wielding his own machete...an editing machete that is...Jackson O'Brien once again made this episode better...thank you!

ALL LINKS  Twitter/Instagram: @NightmarePod1; YouTube: Such a Nightmare;  Email: suchanightmare.pod@gmail.com; Website: suchanightmare.com