The Horror Comedy Hangout

Chris & Jess

A celebration of horror and horror comedy cinema and the filmmakers who make them. We will review horror and horror comedy films and TV shows, and talk to those creatives who work hard to make them—filmmaking tips from my years on set. Bring your favorite drink to the show.  We also throw a horror movie review now and then! 

  1. DEC 12

    The Ugly Stepsister: Is Beauty a Curse??

    Send us a text THE UGLY STEPSISTER Review | Body Horror, Fairy Tales, Beauty Standards In this episode, Chris and Jess dive deep into The Ugly Stepsister (2025) — the disturbing, Norwegian body-horror reimagining of the Cinderella fairy tale. Is beauty a curse? And what does this film reveal about the pressure placed on women’s bodies? Directed by Emilie Blichfeldt in her first feature film, The Ugly Stepsister flips the classic story on its head, following the tormented stepsister Elvira as she’s pushed through brutal beauty rituals, grotesque transformations, and impossible expectations. Set in a grim, mud-soaked kingdom where appearance equals survival, the film becomes a dark allegory for body dysmorphia, social pressure, and the violence of perfectionism. Chris and Jess break down: How the movie reframes the fairy tale from the stepsister’s POVWhy fairy tales make perfect horrorThemes of beauty, control, identity, and self-worthThe mother’s disturbing role in transforming her daughterReal-world parallels to Body Dysmorphic Disorder, “Dance Moms,” and toxic beauty cultureHow the film compares to The Substance, Frankenstein, The Thing, and other body-horror classicsWhat worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s worth your watchIf you love body horror, dark fairy tale horror, or psychological genre films, this episode is for you. Support the show Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thehorrorcomedyhangout?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Email us at https://thehorrorcomedyhangout.com/ Thanks for hanging with us at the Horror Comedy Hangout—where the scares are real, but the laughs might kill you! See you next time... if you survive

    19 min
  2. NOV 28

    The SECRET Formula Behind Iconic Horror Villains? Bad Haircut Movie Review

    Send us a text And can you really hate a villain once you hear their side? Chris and Jess dive into Bad Haircut — one of the strangest, funniest, and most unexpectedly emotional horror films of the year — and its unforgettable villain, Mick, played by Frankie Ray. Billy Crumpus (Spencer Harrison Levin) just wanted a confidence boost. Instead, his simple haircut turns into a nightmare when he meets Mick — a barber who is charming, unhinged, needy, broken, hilarious, and absolutely terrifying… sometimes all in the same sentence. As Billy becomes trapped in Mick’s barbershop, a maze of locked doors, creepy keepsakes, and emotional manipulation, the film becomes a chaotic blend of horror, dark comedy, and raw vulnerability. What starts as a makeover becomes a battle for identity — and a look into a villain shaped by loneliness, insecurity, and the need to matter. Mick isn’t just scary. He’s heartbreaking. And maybe… he’s not the real villain at all.  In this episode, we break down: How insecurity and self-image drive both Mick and Billy Why the barbershop becomes a psychological battleground How emotional wounds can turn someone dangerous Plus fun facts: • Frankie Ray called Mick “the darkest, most emotionally damaging hole” he’s ever crawled into. • The role became his breakout moment after 36 years as a character actor. • Director Kyle Misak built the film around the idea that “men need love also” — turning Mick into a villain you fear and feel for. • Premiered at Fantastic Fest 2025 to rave reactions from horror fans and critics. If you love character-driven horror villains, emotional breakdowns, chaotic barbershops, or stories that make you question who the real monster is… this is your episode. Support the show Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thehorrorcomedyhangout?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Email us at https://thehorrorcomedyhangout.com/ Thanks for hanging with us at the Horror Comedy Hangout—where the scares are real, but the laughs might kill you! See you next time... if you survive

    17 min
  3. OCT 23

    A Halloween Feast Exclusive Interview: Guile Branco & Asia Lynn Pitts

    Send us a text In this episode of The Horror Comedy Hangout, hosts Chris and Jess chat with Guile Branco — writer, director, and star of A Halloween Feast — and Asia Lynn Pitts, an actor who brings the film’s characters, including the unforgettable goth girl Susan, vividly to life. In this engaging conversation, Guile opens up about the film’s origins, how he brought his vision to life, and the challenges of wearing multiple hats on set. He shares behind-the-scenes stories, insight into the creative process, and offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers navigating the world of independent cinema and film distribution. Asia opens up about embracing her goth-inspired role, how she connected emotionally to her character, and the professionalism behind filming her more intimate scenes. She also reflects on finding balance between her acting career and her personal life, offering an honest perspective on what it takes to stay grounded in a creative industry. It’s an insightful, funny, and candid conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the heart behind horror comedy. Support the show Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thehorrorcomedyhangout?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Email us at https://thehorrorcomedyhangout.com/ Thanks for hanging with us at the Horror Comedy Hangout—where the scares are real, but the laughs might kill you! See you next time... if you survive

    57 min
  4. OCT 16

    Is Shelby Oaks the MOST TERRIFYING Horror Movie of 2025?

    Send us a text Is the behind-the-scenes story of Chris Stuckmann’s long-awaited horror film, Shelby Oaks, actually scarier than the movie itself? That’s what Chris and Jess are diving into this week! After years of production delays, viral Kickstarter buzz, and wild fan theories, Shelby Oaks has finally arrived — backed by Mike Flanagan and packed with mystery, trauma, and found-footage chills. But does the film live up to the hype? In this episode, we break down: The film’s eerie story and its mix of mockumentary and traditional horror styles What worked — atmosphere, visuals, and a strong emotional core What didn’t — pacing, some familiar beats, and overuse of found footage The real-life horror story behind the making of the movie Plus, Chris dives into the idea of “friendworking” instead of networking — how real relationships in filmmaking led to Shelby Oaks connecting with Mike Flanagan and Paper Street Pictures Stick around to hear Chris and Jess debate whether Shelby Oaks is a bold indie horror success or a cautionary tale about the pressures of passion projects. Subscribe for more horror comedy reviews, filmmaker interviews, and spooky fun! Like, comment, and tell us what YOU thought of Shelby Oaks! #ShelbyOaks #ChrisStuckmann #MikeFlanagan #HorrorReview #Friendworking #IndieFilm #HorrorComedyHangout Support the show Follow us at https://www.instagram.com/thehorrorcomedyhangout?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Email us at https://thehorrorcomedyhangout.com/ Thanks for hanging with us at the Horror Comedy Hangout—where the scares are real, but the laughs might kill you! See you next time... if you survive

    28 min

About

A celebration of horror and horror comedy cinema and the filmmakers who make them. We will review horror and horror comedy films and TV shows, and talk to those creatives who work hard to make them—filmmaking tips from my years on set. Bring your favorite drink to the show.  We also throw a horror movie review now and then!