ScaryCrit: A Black Horror Podcast
ScaryCrit exists to shine a light on the often underappreciated and groundbreaking contributions of Black filmmakers, actors, and storytellers to the horror genre. From classic masterpieces to bone-chilling releases, we're here to celebrate the powerful narratives, cultural influences, and unique perspectives that define Black horror.Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the genre, our podcast is your guide to discovering hidden gems, exploring social commentary, and embracing the terrifying brilliance of Black folk in horror.With in-depth analyses and behind-the-scenes insights, our podcast offers a front-row seat to the terror. Tune in every other Thursday as Lauren and...
Whose Keys? - A Haunted House (2013)
For our season finale (to quote Tom from Spongebob: "HAHAHA, FINALLY!"), we're switching gears a bit ending our Halloween-perrenials focus on a funny note with 2013's A Haunted House. Sometimes funny but always committed, we unpack what we've found to be Marlon's signature formula for these spoof films, how this film plays with its combo of genres, and our curiosity about the accessibility and inaccessibility of some of the humor.
Now. We've said it before and we'll say it again. Thank you for listening and hanging on throughout such a crazily drawn out season. Making it to...
Do You Know You Only Have 20 Minutes? - Casper (1995)
*recorded June 7th, 2026 (#KNICKSIN5)
In the penultimate episode of our Halloween Perennials season, take the scenic route with us down to Friendship, Maine, where we’re set for a spooky stay at Whipstaff Manor. That’s right, Your faves are crittin’ the one and only Casper (1995), a certified 90s baby classic and a movie that hit as re-runs during ABC Family’s 31 Nights of Halloween (IYKYK!!!).Â
Speaking of hit, Casper is definitely one of those movies that hit different watching it as an adult. We talk about that along with some ghostly tropes that the...
WHOLE HOUSE MAD - Evil Dead Burn (2026)
...You already know what the hell is going on here on this day. Your favorite Black horror podcasters experienced Evil Dead Burn (2026) opening day and gave y'all two weeks to get hip!Â
  But now, it's time to unpack.Â
  This time, French director Sébastien Vaniček (ahhh, we're such big fans and apologies for any mispronunciations of your name!) is in possession of the Book of the Dead and through his twisted vision, wicked camera work and acerbic humor, we are taken into a family in turmoil: supernatural, vicious, bereaved...
...Because! - Sleepy Hollow (1999)
*recorded May 30th, 2026
We are back from the dead yet again with a new episode, Critters! Grab your luggage and take the scenic route with us to the 1999 period classic, Sleepy Hollow. Between how the film started out as a garish slasher to the influential, character-driven spooky favorite it is, to a bunch of mispronunciations of "Ichabod" and how our first encounters with the film made this a Halloween perennial, there’s much to discuss. So make haste! …Because!
Timestamps
4:09 - Negronomicon
20:55 - Crit
57:01 - Final Curls
Sinful Salad - Sinners (2025)
To start, there is...SO much we didn't talk about. And there's a lot we DID talk about. But there was a lot of it we had to cut for time! In short, we could go on and on about this movie but we'd be here all day—which we're sure a lot of you would love! But as we close out Black History Month, we hope our love and enthusiasm is tangible for the focus of this Special episode of ScaryCrit, devoted to one of 2025's greatest hits, a new crown jewel in Black horror and honestly a pi...
ParaPOV - ParaNorman (2012)
This week on Scary Crit, Lauren and J catch up on the holidays before cracking open the Negronomicon. Our hosts break down Sinners domination of the Oscar nominations, some dark horses in the awards race, and turn the page to a surprising announcement of a brand-new Kenan and Kel movie.Â
For the Crit this week, we're revisiting ParaNorman (2012), the stop motion gem that combines zombies, witch trials, and small town fear into a love letter to the genre. From the emotionally heavy themes to why this movie sticks out as a Halloween perennial in the horror canon, w...
GHWIC - The Witches (1990)
Remove those grubby shoes and those synthetic wigs, Critters! There are no kids here (#FTK) and we're among equals to have a small conference about The Witches (1990). Watch for mice!Â
An enduring childhood classic, we give praise to Anjelica Huston's committed and iconic performance as the Grand High Witch, insight into why children's movies of today don't seem to really have it for their young audiences, and practical effects leaving the most out-of-this-world impressions, amongst other things.Â
So happy listening! But if you speak out of turn, you best be ready to be Formula 86ed.Â
<...Camp Conviction - Addams Family Values (1993)
Happy Turkey Day! To celebrate, we're pivoting away from our Halloween theme to snap our fingers to the hilariously morbid 90s Thanksgiving classic, Addams Family Values (1993). We've got the whole spread: campiness done right, the enduring icon that is Joan Cusack's Debbie, satire that reflects with a sting, and what went down at Camp Chippewa. So whether you're cooking or on dish duty, press play and let us (and The Addams) keep you company!
Timestamps
Negronomicon - 6:50
Crit - 18:46
Final Curls - 1:08:30
Gems...
OUTSIIIIDE! - Ginger Snaps (2000)
This week, we sink our claws into Ginger Snaps (2000), a dark, coming-of-age horror story that turns puberty into a full-blown monster movie. What starts as a tale of two outcast sisters quickly spirals into a blood-soaked exploration of transformation, identity, and the brutal side of growing up and growing apart.
We’re talking werewolves, womanhood, and why Ginger Snaps still stands as one of the most honest and gnarliest depictions of teenage horror ever made.
It’s moody, messy, and magnificently macabre...just how we like it.
Timestamps
5:21 - Negr...
Jingle Back - Trick 'r Treat (2007)
All Hallows Eve is upon us! Don your best costumes, grab that plastic jack o'lantern bucket and come paint the ntown red with us as we indulge in 2007's Trick 'r Treat. A tight 82-minutes of delicious anthological horror goodness, we unwrap the treats of Michael Doughterty's immediately established rules, intersecting stories, and how this is one movie that truly encapsulates the spirit of Halloween. So! Happy listening! Just be sure to check your candy, keep that costume on, don't touch those decorations and do NOT blow out that jack o'lantern before midnight!!!!
Timestamps
<...Game of Twitches - Twitches (2005)
Scary? Crit? Exactly! On today's episode, get out your broomsticks because we're off to Coventry to discuss everybody's favorite twin witches with Twitches (2005)! Arguably one of Disney Channel's best original movies (especially for Halloween), we give Tia and Tamera Mowry their flowers while talking about the enduring legacy of Twitches, the layered significance of Camryn and Alex's upbringings, standout characters, and our curioisity on the film's production among other topics. We love this movie as well as Tia and Tamera are so happy to celebrate the film's 20th anniversary among all the other Twitches fans with the release of...
What It Do - I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)
What better way to step into Spooky Season than with a brand new season of ScaryCrit?!Â
We're kicking off S11 with some bombastic news: we'll be guests at the Fayetteville Fan Fest on October 18th! A huge thank you to El'Ja Bowens for the opportunity, we can't wait!Â
We're also very excited to dig right into season 11 and we thought it'd be fun to come full circle and Crit the legacy sequel of the film that was our very first ScaryCrit. That's right! Today we're going back to Southport to talk this year's I Know Wh...
On the Page - The Reading (2023)
And just like that, we've finally made it to the end of season 10! For this season finale, gather 'round the table, lock arms, and open yourself up to J & L's interpretation of 2023's The Reading. There's so much to get into about this film that was on the page (and glaringly left off it) but one thing is clear: horror could be Mo'Nique's second wind and ScaryCrit is all the way here for it.Â
A huge thank you to our Critters for sticking beside us throughout our jagged prescence throughout the season. Life stay happenin' but we l...
Witch's Sous - House of Spoils (2024)
And we're back yet again with a delicious dish for this everlong season of ScaryCrit! Get ready to whet your whistles with J & L's foodie review of 2024's House of Spoils. From L's need for more desperation, J's love of the intersectionality sprinkled throughout, the horror of The Struggle™, and wondering if they both watched the same movie, there's something in this meal of a Crit all of you listeners will love. So dig in!
Timestamps
4:04 - Negronomicon26:46 - Crit1:23:49 - Final CurlsGems from Ep. 109
I Know Wh...Pretty Plasma - I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
🎶Beeeee who you aaaare for your priiiiide🎶
We're back just in time from yet another unscheduled sabbatical for Pride Month! And what better way to celebrate than by turning the channel to our crit of the hazy fever dream that is 2024's I Saw the TV Glow? A conversation about identity, nostalgia, and concept over story, get comfortable and be ready for the laughs and analysis! We're so happy to be back. 'Preciate y'all and your patience as we do this show and this thing called life.Â
Timestamps
5:50 - Negronomicon
29:39...
Pure Un-imagination - Imaginary (2024)
A day late, but not a dollar short!Â
In Episode 107, J & L discuss the horror-effort Imaginary (2024), getting into the many disconnected subplots, what genre the film could've really benefitted from, and the fact that this film is a movie that just...happens. Ideas and concepts, y'all. Ideas and concepts...
Disclaimer: We love you, DeWanda Wise (and Issa Rae)!!! And we know it's pronounced MAHN-guh—y'all know's J's heart.Â
Timestamps
4:04 - Negronomicon
32:14 - Crit
01:20:52 - Final Curls
Gems from E107
But Her Sheets! - Def by Temptation (1990)
The horrors persist but so do we! Life is lifin' which has led to our most drawn-out season yet but not to worry, Critters. We're still here, we're not going anywhere and we've got Ep. 106 for you, hot off the presses! Listen as we take it back to 1990's Def by Temptation for an episode that captivates with conversations about filmmaking on a budget, Melle's beef with lack of quality sheets, how Temptation's victims were all character studies, Black masculinity + power-plays, and some fish named Steve. We've missed y'all and hope you enjoy the episode! Dig in!
<...
Wasted Time - Don't Let Go (2019)
In episode 105, Lauren and Jared jump through the many timeline paradoxes of Don't Let Go. The supernatural mystery loses its punch and the emotional drama dosen't quite hit home as we stumble behind Detective Jack Radcliff (played by David Oyelowo) on his journey to save his nieces life.Â
We break down the film's time-warping premise, the emotional stakes, and how the world building fails to deliver. Is it a crime thriller? A ghost story? A time travel tale? Or none of those things? Join us as we try to unpack the time travel, grief, and second chances of ...
Staking Claim - Black as Night (2021)
In episode 104, we dive into the 2021 horror film Black as Night. This not-so-unique blend of supernatural horror and social commentary takes us deep into the heart of New Orleans, where a young girl must confront a terrifying vampire threat that lurks in the shadows.
We’ll discuss the film’s themes of colorism, gentrification, and the coming-of-age throughline that has a hard time hitting the mark. Â
Grab your garlic and stake, and tune in for a deep dive into a film that will leave you questioning what’s lurking in the dark.
Timesta...
Undelivered - The Deliverance (2024)
Happy New Year, Critters! Wishing you a spooky start to 2025.
In episode 103, Lauren and Jared wrap up 2024 and talk birthday shenanigans and Christmas games before diving into one of the most talked about horror movies of last year, The Deliverance. If you couldn't tell by the title of this episode, we were whelmed. There is something important missing from this film and this episode explores what exactly that thing is. Â
Gems from E103
CeCe, Constricted - Venom (2005)
In episode 102, Lauren and Jared get in their early aughts bag and discuss Jim Gillespie’s lesser-known film Venom.Â
We don't have a newsletter anymore but...! You can find us on Instagram @ScaryCritPod
Timestamps
12:35 - Negronomicon
32:55 - Crit
1:37:57 - Final Curls
Gems from E102
Oddity (2024)Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)Hoarders (reality show) (2009)South Park (animated series) (1997)Ed, Edd n’ Eddy (animated series) (1999)Dexter’s Laboratory (animated series) (1995)The Powerpuff Girls (animated series) (1998)Courage the Cowardly Dog (animated series) (1999)28 Years Later (2025)Killing Eve (te...Stiff Company - Oddity (2024)
In episode 101, Lauren and Jared discuss their most recommended film of 2024, Oddity.Â
We don't have a newsletter anymore but...! You can find us on Instagram @ScaryCritPod
Timestamps
6:18 - Negronomicon
22:14 - Crit
38:26 - Pause here if you haven’t watched!
1:30:48 - Final Curls
Gems from E101
Heretic (2024)Candyman (1992)Final Destination (2000)Creepshow (1982)Night of the Living Dead (remake) (1990)Scary Movie (film series) (2000)In Living Color (1990)Vampires Suck (2010)Scary Movie 2 (2001)Scary Movie 3 (2003)Scary Movie 4 (2006)Airplane! (1980)Scary Movie 5 (2013)The Boondocks (animated television series) (2005)A Haunted House (2013)The...Fear Point - Night of the Living Dead (1968)
We’ve reached a milestone, and what better way to celebrate our 100th episode than with a deep dive into a true classic of horror? Join Lauren and Jared as we explore the chilling legacy of Night of the Living Dead (1968).
This iconic film not only redefined the zombie genre but also pushed the boundaries of social commentary in horror. We’ll dissect its unforgettable characters, groundbreaking visuals, and the cultural impact that continues to resonate today.
Plus, we’ll call the Negronomicon off the shelf to share our must see horror movies for 2024. So grab y...
Y'all: ...The Reason? - Them: The Scare (2024)
....We missed y'all. Please excuse us for the unintentional hiatus but we have returned with a new episode and our second Special! Our first Special focused on season one of the horror anthology series Them, Them: Covenant (2021). With season two, titled Them: The Scare (2024) having been recently released, we had to strike while the iron was hot with another Special. We get into what we thought about the season, the casting, execution of theme and ideas and how it compares to S1. So lock in, turn up that volume up and get cozy with 99 1/2!
...
I Am Him - American Psycho (2000) ft. ElJa Bowens
NINE-NINE
We've got one question... Do you like Phil Collins?
Â
Get ready for a deep dive into the dark and stylish world of American Psycho (2000) as we dissect the enigmatic Patrick Bateman. Join Lauren, Jared, and returning guest El'Ja Bowens for a thrilling discussion on this psychological thriller, exploring the film's satirical edge, haunting visuals, and Christian Bale's unforgettable performance.
We'll unravel the layers of Bateman's psyche, discussing the blurred lines between reality and delusion, the cultural and intersectional commentary, and the film's enduring impact on pop culture.
Sign Up f...
Halloween: Nonsensical - Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Is is really Spooky Season if we're not talking about a Halloween movie?
Get ready for a side-splitting episode as we delve into the sequel that is 'Halloween: Resurrection' (2002). Join Lauren and Jared for a deep dive into this ironically iconic installment where Michael Myers returns once again to murder and mame LIVE on the internet.Â
We'll explore the portrayal of Blackness, the misuse of the Black characters in the film, and the impact this film had on the 'Halloween' franchise. From the strange pacing to the classic jump scares, we break down the elements t...
RepMArations - Ma (2019)
"Hey, guys!" In our latest podcast episode, we take you on a journey into the unique world of Ma (2019). Join us as we dissect the complex psyche of the unforgettable character portrayed by the illustrious Octavia Spencer (we love you!), and the harrowing transformation of a seemingly ordinary house into a place of unspeakable horrors.
We'll explore the themes of isolation, obsession, and the haunting consequences of past secrets, all while taking a closer look at the exceptional performances that brought this psychological thriller to life.
Prepare for a thought-provoking crit that uncovers the darkest c...
Sandbox - The Cell (2000)
We are playing hella mindgames in this episode of ScaryCrit, where we get lost in the trappings of the 2000s trippy thriller The Cell. This has been an episode long in the making and it makes quite a step in our #Roadto100! Bolstered by Melle's delicious passion for this underrated gem, we explore Jennifer and Vince's uncharacteristic roles, the movie essentially being two different stories, the illustration of fantasy and darkness through the mind and the mind itself being the perfect sandbox for The Cell to play with all it's weirdness in.
Note: If y'all have not...
Don't Be Yellin' - Dead Silence (2007)
Beware the stare of Mary Shaw.
She had no children, only dolls.
And if you see her in your dreams...
You BEST bet'not scream!!! Tf? Today on ScaryCrit, we're taking a trip down to dreary Raven's Fair to hang with the good sis Mary and her vociferous dolls and dish about Dead Silence (2007). A brainchild of the fathers of Saw (2005), Leigh Whannel and James Wan, we have a fun time analyzing how this film holds up in the possessed/haunted doll subgenre, toying with the idea of if the movie were from another character's perspective...
Hell and Back - As Above, So Below (2014)
Today on ScaryCrit, we're getting lower than low, crittin' the 2014 found-footage horror gem As Above, So Below. Quite an underrated entry in the genre, drop down with us as we chat about the film's not quite on-the-nose take on Dante's Inferno, the first act's noteworthy genre shift/blend, the film's take on what hell is and how this personally affected each of the characters. Remember, once you're in hell, the only way out is down. So pray, repent, press play and dive on in!
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Pandora's Hand - Talk to Me (2023)
   This season of ScaryCrit keeps coinciding with some must-watch horror releases and we'd be remiss if we didn't take full advantage! This week's episode is no different as we grab hold of A24's horror feature Talk to Me (2023), having seen it on its opening night. We think that Talk to Me is a unique film in that it operates parallel to your typical possession horror flick (which makes for some unforgettable results).
   Listen in as we unpack that as well as the Philippou bros.'s direction (and career beginnings), the bystander effect and what it means to bea...
Triggered Hinges - Insidious: The Red Door (2023)
We return to the Further in today's episode as we crit the recently released Insidious: The Red Door, the fifth installment of the iconic supernatural horror series! Some of the things we discuss are whether or not the series was able to maintain its scare factor, the complicated father/son relationships that frame the story, the refreshing inclusion of Dalton's college friend Chris (shout-out to actress Sinclair Daniel!), and Patrick Wilson's debut as director. So, grab your lanterns, make sure to mark your way back and join us we go beyond the Red Door and see what hauntings are...
'Till Tomorrow - Near Dark (1987)
When we tell you Lauren has been dying to talk about Near Dark (1987) Â since season 1! Kathryn Bigelow's genre bending cult classic holds a special place in our hearts and if you haven't seen this vampire-cowboy-romance then strap in for the ride of your night. For this crit, we discuss the true meanings of relationships, loneliness, and the canonical depictions of vampires and how this film flips what we expect to see in a film like this.Â
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I Can't Stand the Spades - The Blackening (2023)
Wassup Podcast People!
After a break to recharge and plan WE. ARE. BACK. And what a season opener we've got in store for you! We call the Negronomicon off the shelf to give you updates on the WGA strike and talk about the games of the summer, Diablo IV and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Then, we crit one of the most anticipated horror films this year, The Blackening (2023);Â our theater experience, the duality between horror and comedy, and what we think made this film so authentically good.
We've also got a b...
Mother, Slay I - Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Timing was on our side for our season 8 finale, as we decided to go with a good ol' fashioned bookend—anybody remember the season premiere? That's right! Our film for today is none other than the just-released Evil Dead Rise (2023)! The trope for this one centers on murderous mothers so you know we get into all the things possessive, obsessive and manipulative parenting (which goes a bit differently in the Evil Dead universe). Now, if y'all have not seen the movie and don't want to be spoiled, you might want to do what Danny should've done and not press pl...
Goated - The VVitch (2015)
Our trope this week dear Critters is that of witches, who we stan over at ScaryCrit. For this one, we're lighting a candle and opening the book to Robert Egger's 2015 folk-horror gem, The VVitch.
From Egger's ardent direction when it came to historical authenticity, to Thomasin's plight and Jared's passion for good for her! Â stories, there's so much to conjure up while talking about this film: The actual factual history of witches being in direct opposition to patriarchy and the stringent ideals of men and church, what it means to be goaded into becoming that which you're a...
Devil's Doll - Dolly Dearest (1991)
Ooooh, it's playtime over at ScaryCrit today as we unbox 1991's plastic horror Dolly Dearest. While the 90s are well known to have been in the grip of another tiny terror, Dolly Dearest still offers a lot for us to talk about, from Dolly's design, the family dynamics of the Wades, stark cultural differences and the uncanny. So come join us in the dollhouse—it's teatime!
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Timestamps
07:00 - Neg...
Slash Clown - Terrifier (2016)
It's a funhouse over at ScaryCrit today as we encounter Art the Clown in 2016's indie gore-fest, Terrifier. Coulrophobia, what may have inspired Terrifier, the strong and weak points of the film and how ridiculousness is Terrifier's fuse box are just some of the crazy things discussed in today's episode. And for our The Last of Us Part II (2020) players, Jared has finally made it to that moment; be sure to skip the cold opening if you want to avoid spoilers!
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Devils On My Shoulder - Wendell and Wild (2022)
Ever make a deal with the devil?
In the Crit this week on ScaryCrit, Lauren and Jared discuss sour deals and alt-Black Girl Magic with Henry Selick's Netflix phenom Wendell and Wild (2022).
Rate and review ScaryCrit on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
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Timestamps
16:11 - Negronomicon
41:45 - Crit
01:48:38 - Final Curls
Gems from E85
The Denial Dinner - The Invitation (2015)
So, let's say your ex disappears for 2 years, pops back up with a new man, and invites you to a get-together out of the blue to "reconnect?" Well, that's just what happens to our buddy Will in 2015's indie thriller The Invitation, which we use as the crux for our trope this week: cults. Listen as we explore what cults are and why they have a draw, Will's trauma as a catalyst, the concept of the film's unnerving dinner party and The Invitation's theme of sacrifice and denial. As a bonus, we also recorded this during the airing of...
