The THING about Films

Ambrose & Kelly
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Are you the one your friends turn to for horror recommendations? Do you have a running list of the best practical effects? Then you're one of us. The THING about Films is your weekly sanctuary for all things horror. We review the new, revere the classics, and unearth the hidden gems of the genre. From the goriest body horror to the quietest ghost story, no subgenre is off-limits. This is more than a podcast; it's a community for those who truly love to be scared.

  1. |Christine (1983) — John Carpenter's Demon Engine Still Purrs

    1D AGO

    |Christine (1983) — John Carpenter's Demon Engine Still Purrs

    Let us know what movie you would like us to review next She's patient. She's possessive. And she remembers everyone who ever wronged her. This week Ambrose and Jessica take a wrench to John Carpenter's 1983 cult classic Christine — the story of a 1958 Plymouth Fury that gets possessed, hunts down bullies, and looks incredible doing it. But there's a lot more going on under that cherry red paint than a killer car movie. This one is about obsession, toxic masculinity, the dark side of American car culture, and what happens when a bullied kid gets handed a two-ton weapon and decides to use it. Plus — the real-life curse of James Dean's Little Bastard, the MPAA ratings battle that forced Bill Phillips to go back and stuff F-bombs into a finished script, and why Stephen King calling this movie boring is a fundamental misread of how cinema works. What We Cover Why Carpenter took this job as a deliberate career rescue mission after The Thing flopped — and the wild parallel to Arnie buying a junkerHow the entire ghost mythology from King's novel got ripped out and rebuilt from scratch — and why Ambrose will die on that hillThe casting battle over Scott Baio, Brooke Shields, and Kevin Bacon — and how Keith Gordon ended up being the perfect choiceArnie's wardrobe transformation as a masterclass in visual storytellingThe "Show Me" regeneration scene: three weeks, hydraulic pumps, an upside-down camera, and the debris problem that almost blew the illusionTerry Leonard driving a flaming two-ton car down a dark highway through a painted-black windshield with a millimeter-wide slit to see throughChristine's radio as her only voice — and why the sound design is criminally underratedThe MPAA ratings problem: not enough blood, so they added profanityJames Dean's Little Bastard — the real-world cursed car legend that gives this film its lingering chill Support the show Write a Review - https://the-thing-about-films.beam.ly/review Newsletter- http://bit.ly/4bgHXk0 EPISODES FM - _https://episodes.fm/1809836198?view=apps&sort=popularity Swift - https://www.swiftenergy.gg/products/tropicrush?ref=svalxxsi Facebook Group Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263899825130479 Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/thethingaboutfilms.bsky.social Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thethingaboutfilms/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=TheTHINGaboutFilms&t=1754605765379 X - https://x.com/thingaboutfilms?s=21

    49 min
  2. |The Nun (2018): Gothic Masterpiece or Glorified Funhouse Ride? We Went to Romania to Find Out

    MAR 13

    |The Nun (2018): Gothic Masterpiece or Glorified Funhouse Ride? We Went to Romania to Find Out

    Let us know what movie you would like us to review next A Nun throws herself off a balcony. The Vatican scrambles. And somewhere in the Carpathian Mountains, a demon in a habit is waiting. This week Ambrose and Jessica descend into the fog-soaked chaos of The Nun (2018) — the Conjuring universe's most divisive entry, and somehow its biggest box office hit. We're talking real Romanian castles, a director who may or may not have shared a room with actual ghosts, and a marketing stunt so evil that YouTube banned it. Plus: why Valak sued Warner Brothers, the "nepo baby" casting drama, and two very different coffin ratings from the Crypt. This week in the Crypt: The Hammer Horror DNA hiding in plain sight — and why Indiana Jones is in here tooTaissa Farmiga, claustrophobia, and why being genuinely terrified on set might be a feature, not a bugThe Romanian ghost story Corin Hardy told completely straight-facedValak's real identity (hint: winged baby, two-headed dragon, absolute chaos)The YouTube ad that made people throw their phones across the roomWhy the Catholic Church in Lebanon said "absolutely not"Frenchie's dark secret and how it ties back to The Conjuring (2013)The atmosphere is stunning. The story is barely holding together. And somehow, they can't stop watching. Support the show Write a Review - https://the-thing-about-films.beam.ly/review Newsletter- http://bit.ly/4bgHXk0 EPISODES FM - _https://episodes.fm/1809836198?view=apps&sort=popularity Swift - https://www.swiftenergy.gg/products/tropicrush?ref=svalxxsi Facebook Group Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263899825130479 Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/thethingaboutfilms.bsky.social Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thethingaboutfilms/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=TheTHINGaboutFilms&t=1754605765379 X - https://x.com/thingaboutfilms?s=21

    39 min
  3. |Companion (2025): The "Nice Guy" Horror Movie That Will Ruin Dating Apps Forever

    MAR 6

    |Companion (2025): The "Nice Guy" Horror Movie That Will Ruin Dating Apps Forever

    Let us know what movie you would like us to review next Your worst date. A remote cabin. An app that controls everything about your partner. And an electric wine opener that becomes the most satisfying kill in recent horror history. Ambrose and Jessica break down Companion — the 2025 horror-comedy that's one part rom-com, one part slasher, and one hundred percent a takedown of men who think love is something you can order off a menu. This episode covers: The Barbarian connection — and why director Zack Cregger handed the keys to first-timer Drew HancockTrailer Gate: did the marketing actually spoil the robot twist, or does it not even matter?Sophie Thatcher's tightrope performance as Iris — and the one-eye crying thing that is weirdly perfectJack Quaid weaponizing his nice-guy face as the most unsettling boyfriend in horror right nowThe "go to sleep" command, the Campbell's Soup font, the Goo Goo Dolls needle drop with a very specific meta layerWhat Companion is really about — control, commodification, and "nice guy" misogyny with a remote controlThat ending — and whether Iris deserves peace more than a robot revolution If the answer to "would you want to control everything about your partner" is yes... this movie has something to say to you. Support the show Write a Review - https://the-thing-about-films.beam.ly/review Newsletter- http://bit.ly/4bgHXk0 EPISODES FM - _https://episodes.fm/1809836198?view=apps&sort=popularity Swift - https://www.swiftenergy.gg/products/tropicrush?ref=svalxxsi Facebook Group Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263899825130479 Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/thethingaboutfilms.bsky.social Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thethingaboutfilms/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=TheTHINGaboutFilms&t=1754605765379 X - https://x.com/thingaboutfilms?s=21

    38 min
  4. |The Ugly Stepsister (2025) — Fairy Tale? No. Medical Dungeon? Yes.

    FEB 27

    |The Ugly Stepsister (2025) — Fairy Tale? No. Medical Dungeon? Yes.

    Let us know what movie you would like us to review next So, you bought a ticket for a fairy tale. But you got a bone chisel. This week Ambrose and Jessica (filling in for Kelly, who's recovering from surgery — get well soon!) crawl down into the Critic's Crypt to break down The Ugly Stepsister (2025) — Emily Blitchfield's debut feature that takes the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella and drags it straight into full-on body horror territory. Think less glass slipper, more hammer and chisel. Less pumpkin carriage, more tapeworm extraction. What We Cover Who is Elvira — and why she's the most relatable character in any Cinderella story ever madeWhy Agnes (Cinderella) is not the pure, helpless good girl you grew up withThe rotting body in the spare room and what it says about money, class, and survivalDr. Esthetique's Institute — the procedures, the practical effects, and the foley work that will make you never eat celery againThe tapeworm scene, the extraction scene, and the Sundance vomit incidentThe toe-chopping finale — and the tragically funny mistake that makes it worseHow this compares to The Substance (and why this one is angrier and grimier)The Oscar-nominated makeup work and how they made a classically trained dancer look "aggressively average"What the film is actually saying about the beauty industry, eating disorders, and the economics of marriageContent warning: graphic body horror, surgical procedures, eating disorder themes, blood, and a tapeworm extraction that one Sundance audience member did not survive emotionally. Mentioned This Episode The Substance (2024)Raw (2016) — dir. Julia DucournauCrash (1996) — dir. David CronenbergDead Ringers (1988) — dir. David CronenbergPossession (1981)The Fly (1986)A Rose for Emily — William FaulknerThelma & Louise (1991)William Castle (gimmick marketing legend)Jacques Joseph — pioneered modern rhinoplasty in the late 19th centuryThe 1899 Paris trend of sewing hair into eyelids for "permanent" lash extensions (yes, it was real) Support the show Write a Review - https://the-thing-about-films.beam.ly/review Newsletter- http://bit.ly/4bgHXk0 EPISODES FM - _https://episodes.fm/1809836198?view=apps&sort=popularity Swift - https://www.swiftenergy.gg/products/tropicrush?ref=svalxxsi Facebook Group Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263899825130479 Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/thethingaboutfilms.bsky.social Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thethingaboutfilms/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=TheTHINGaboutFilms&t=1754605765379 X - https://x.com/thingaboutfilms?s=21

    43 min
  5. |In the Mouth of Madness (1994) Review: “Do You Read Sutter Cane?” + John Carpenter’s Reality-Breaking Horror

    FEB 20

    |In the Mouth of Madness (1994) Review: “Do You Read Sutter Cane?” + John Carpenter’s Reality-Breaking Horror

    Let us know what movie you would like us to review next In this episode of The THING about Films, Ambrose is joined by Jessica (because Kelly lost her voice and is officially on vocal rest 💀) for a listener-requested trip straight into John Carpenter’s brain-melter: In the Mouth of Madness (1994). We’re talking Sam Neill as the world’s most stubborn skeptic, a horror author whose books don’t just scare people—they change people, and a “road trip” to Hobbs End… a town that feels like it was printed out of a paperback and stapled onto reality. Along the way, we hit the wild opening asylum setup, the “Do you read Sutter Cane?” moment, the looping-road nightmare logic, and why this movie still feels weirdly ahead of its time. Spoiler note: This episode is not spoiler friendly. We get into the full story and the ending. Follow + Support the Show Follow the podcast wherever you listen so you don’t miss the next review. If you enjoyed the episode, leave us a rating/review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening—it helps more horror fans find the show. Got a movie you want us to cover? Message us on social and hit us with your request. Find us on social: @thethingaboutfilms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) VIP PASS (Ad-Free Episodes) Want every episode ad-free? Join our VIP PASS—the link is in these show notes. Support the show Write a Review - https://the-thing-about-films.beam.ly/review Newsletter- http://bit.ly/4bgHXk0 EPISODES FM - _https://episodes.fm/1809836198?view=apps&sort=popularity Swift - https://www.swiftenergy.gg/products/tropicrush?ref=svalxxsi Facebook Group Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263899825130479 Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/thethingaboutfilms.bsky.social Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thethingaboutfilms/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=TheTHINGaboutFilms&t=1754605765379 X - https://x.com/thingaboutfilms?s=21

    44 min
  6. |My Bloody Valentine (1981) — The Slasher That Drags Romance 2,700 Feet Underground

    FEB 13

    |My Bloody Valentine (1981) — The Slasher That Drags Romance 2,700 Feet Underground

    Let us know what movie you would like us to review next In this episode of The THING about Films, Ambrose and Kelly head into the coal-dusted chaos of My Bloody Valentine (1981) and break down why it’s one of the most memorable slashers of the early 80s. They talk about what makes the setting feel so different from the usual “teens in the woods” formula, how the town’s working-class vibes shape the story, and why the killer design is still an all-timer. They also dig into the real-world production story (including what it took to film in an actual mine), the long history of censorship and missing footage, and how the later uncut release changed the way people reevaluated the movie. Plus: favorite set pieces, what holds the movie back, how the 2009 remake compares, and a full Critic’s Crypt verdict with coffin ratings. SPOILER NOTE:  This episode does include some spoilers discussion of My Bloody Valentine (1981). The episode also includes talk about the 2009 remake. CONTENT NOTE:  Includes discussion of gore and violent set pieces. CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow/subscribe wherever you listen, and if you enjoyed the episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more horror fans find the show. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: @thethingaboutfilms  Want ad-free episodes? Check out the VIP PASS for uninterrupted listening. Support the show Write a Review - https://the-thing-about-films.beam.ly/review Newsletter- http://bit.ly/4bgHXk0 EPISODES FM - _https://episodes.fm/1809836198?view=apps&sort=popularity Swift - https://www.swiftenergy.gg/products/tropicrush?ref=svalxxsi Facebook Group Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263899825130479 Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/thethingaboutfilms.bsky.social Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thethingaboutfilms/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=TheTHINGaboutFilms&t=1754605765379 X - https://x.com/thingaboutfilms?s=21

    44 min
  7. |Re-Animator (1985) Turns 40: The Neon-Green Splatter Classic That’ll Make You Side-Eye Your Fridge

    FEB 6

    |Re-Animator (1985) Turns 40: The Neon-Green Splatter Classic That’ll Make You Side-Eye Your Fridge

    Let us know what movie you would like us to review next We just crawled back out of the morgue with our hair full of fake blood and our brain full of neon-green science choices. This week on The THING about Films, Ambrose and Kelly revisit Re-Animator (1985) for its 40th anniversary and ask the only important question: why does this movie somehow feel gross, funny, and completely unstoppable at the exact same time? We’re talking Herbert West being the ultimate roommate from hell, how director Stuart Gordon brought theater-kid rehearsal energy to a splatter movie, and why Jeffrey Combs is basically welded to this role forever (in the best way). Plus: gallons and gallons of blood, practical effects wizardry, and the kind of “how did they even film this” moments that only the 80s could get away with. SPOILER NOTE  This episode is spoiler-heavy for Re-Animator. CONTENT WARNING  We discuss a sexual assault scene in the film (the Dr. Hill/Megan sequence). If you’d rather skip that part, just use the timestamps/chapters in your player. IN THIS EPISODE, WE GET INTO Why this is more “Frankenstein chaos” than a typical zombie movieHow H. P. Lovecraft wrote the original story as a serialized, work-for-hire gig… and hated itThe unexpected path from Chicago theater to splatter classic (and the almost-TV-series version)Casting perfection: Combs as West, Barbara Crampton as Megan, and the gloriously slimy Dr. HillPractical effects breakdowns: headless body tricks, table illusions, and why it still worksThe “how is the censored cut longer?” weirdness: unrated vs R-rated vs the Integral Cut“Grand Guignol” energy: when the shocks are so over-the-top you laugh on reflexOur Critic’s Crypt verdict: scares, laughs, and total madnessSUPPORT THE SHOW  Want the ad-free version? Grab the VIP PASS: Ad-free episodes (no interruptions, just pure horror chaos)$4/month or $48/yearAnd we’re also building a Discord for horror nerd chaos. If you enjoyed the episode, hit follow/subscribe wherever you listen, and leave a quick review. It helps other horror fans find the show (without having to summon us with a snack-based ritual). Support the show Write a Review - https://the-thing-about-films.beam.ly/review Newsletter- http://bit.ly/4bgHXk0 EPISODES FM - _https://episodes.fm/1809836198?view=apps&sort=popularity Swift - https://www.swiftenergy.gg/products/tropicrush?ref=svalxxsi Facebook Group Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263899825130479 Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/thethingaboutfilms.bsky.social Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thethingaboutfilms/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=TheTHINGaboutFilms&t=1754605765379 X - https://x.com/thingaboutfilms?s=21

    47 min
  8. | How Poltergeist Changed Horror: Practical Effects, PG-13 Origins, and Haunted House Legacies

    JAN 30

    | How Poltergeist Changed Horror: Practical Effects, PG-13 Origins, and Haunted House Legacies

    Let us know what movie you would like us to review next Nice suburban house. Cute family. Cozy living room TV. And then… the static talks back. In this episode of The THING about Films, Ambrose and Kelly go all-in on Poltergeist (1982) — the haunted-house classic that traumatized a generation, somehow walked away with a PG rating, and helped push Hollywood straight into the PG-13 era. We break down why the Freeling family feels so real, why the TV is basically the scariest “front door” ever invented, and how this movie quietly roasts the American dream while it’s stacking your kitchen chairs like a threat. We also get into the behind-the-scenes chaos: the Steven Spielberg vs. Tobe Hooper “who actually directed this?” debate, the MPAA rating drama (yes, it was originally an R), and the practical effects era at its most impressive… and most ethically messy. SPOILER NOTE: This is a spoiler-friendly discussion of Poltergeist (1982). CONNECT WITH THE SHOW Follow The THING about Films: @thethingaboutfilmsDrop your thoughts: What scene messed you up first — the clown, the tree, the closet… or the TV static? SUPPORT THE SHOW  Want more episodes, bonus content, and the ad-free experience? Includes ad-free main episodes + access to our Discord hangout (and other bonus goodies, if you want to list them here) Support the show Write a Review - https://the-thing-about-films.beam.ly/review Newsletter- http://bit.ly/4bgHXk0 EPISODES FM - _https://episodes.fm/1809836198?view=apps&sort=popularity Swift - https://www.swiftenergy.gg/products/tropicrush?ref=svalxxsi Facebook Group Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1263899825130479 Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/thethingaboutfilms.bsky.social Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thethingaboutfilms/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=TheTHINGaboutFilms&t=1754605765379 X - https://x.com/thingaboutfilms?s=21

    45 min
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About

Are you the one your friends turn to for horror recommendations? Do you have a running list of the best practical effects? Then you're one of us. The THING about Films is your weekly sanctuary for all things horror. We review the new, revere the classics, and unearth the hidden gems of the genre. From the goriest body horror to the quietest ghost story, no subgenre is off-limits. This is more than a podcast; it's a community for those who truly love to be scared.

Information

  • Creator
    Ambrose & Kelly
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Thing about Films
  • Show Website
    The THING about Films