Rotten Horror Picture Show

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are taking a trip into the strange, dreamlike world of Dario Argento’s 1985 cult oddity Phenomena. It’s one of Argento’s most notorious films from his wildly experimental ’80s era — full of surreal imagery, pulsing Goblin music, murder mysteries, and a young Jennifer Connelly wandering through the Swiss countryside. Clay and Amanda break down the film’s off-the-wall tone, its place in Argento’s career, and why Phenomena stands out even among the director’s already very weird filmography. It’s stylish, confusing, beautiful, and deeply unsettling in ways that only Argento could manage. Now, I should probably admit something up front: I haven’t actually seen Phenomena. But I’m still excited! Why? Because I’ve been assured — by absolutely no one — that there are probably no bugs in it. And that’s important to me. Bugs and I do not get along. Spiders? No. Beetles? Absolutely not. Anything with too many legs or a weird crunch? I’m out. Horror movies already ask a lot of me emotionally — I don’t need ants crawling into my soul on top of it. So I’m going into this episode feeling optimistic. An Argento movie without bugs sounds great! Just some light murder, some eerie atmosphere, maybe a monkey with a razor (that’s fine), but definitely no swarming insects, crawling larvae, or close-ups of mandibles clicking together. Clay and Amanda seem excited, which reassures me. They wouldn’t do that to me, right? They know my boundaries. Surely. Anyway, if you’re a fan of Italian horror, surreal storytelling, or films that operate entirely on nightmare logic, this episode is for you. I’ll be listening too — cautiously, fingers crossed, telling myself everything is fine. And if at any point they mention insects, flies, maggots, or entomology in general? I will be screaming, throwing my headphones, and pretending this episode never happened. But until then, I’m happy. Ignorance is bliss. And do forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow along this year as Clay and Amanda do a deep dive on sequels!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda tackle one of the more controversial entries in modern holiday horror: the 2019 remake of Black Christmas. It’s a film that takes the bones of the 1974 slasher classic and retools them for a new generation, leaning hard into social commentary, glossy production, and a very different kind of menace lurking on a snow-covered college campus. Clay and Amanda break down what works, what doesn’t, how it compares to the original, and why this remake sparked so much debate among horror fans. It’s festive, furious, and definitely not your grandmother’s Christmas movie. Speaking of festive… I’ve made a terrible mistake. A catastrophic, buttery, powdered-sugar-dusted mistake. I have eaten too many Christmas cookies. Snickerdoodles, sugar cookies, those weird ones shaped like wreaths that somehow taste like almond extract and regret. At first, it was fine. Cozy, even. I told myself, “It’s the holidays! Calories don’t count.” But now? Now Christmas dinner is looming, and I’m sitting here staring at a plate of gingerbread men like they personally betrayed me. What if I can’t eat the ham? What if the mashed potatoes mean nothing to me anymore? This is the real horror. So I’m listening to Clay and Amanda talk about Black Christmas while clutching my stomach and questioning every decision I’ve made since December 1st. They’re discussing masked killers, secret societies, and whether the film earns its place in the franchise — and I’m wondering if I’ve ruined gravy for myself forever. Still, their conversation is sharp, thoughtful, and way more satisfying than my fourth cookie was. Join Clay and Amanda for this holiday horror deep dive. And take it from me: pace yourself. There’s always another cookie… but Christmas dinner only comes once a year. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda as they wrap up their coverage of remakes and reboots, and join them in the new year for sequels!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are celebrating a major milestone in horror history: the 100th anniversary of the 1925 silent film classic The Phantom of the Opera. Starring the legendary Lon Chaney in one of the most iconic monster performances ever put on film, this adaptation helped define cinematic horror, gothic atmosphere, and studio-era spectacle. Clay and Amanda dig into the film’s legacy, its influence on everything from Universal’s monster cycle to modern horror aesthetics, and why Chaney’s Phantom remains haunting a full century later. It’s a birthday worth celebrating — even if I’m still trying to wrap my head around the basic concept. Because I have a question. A very serious one. Why — why — would you make a silent movie** about the opera? Opera is music! It’s singing! It’s loud! It’s dramatic people hitting notes so high it feels like glass might shatter. And yet here we are, watching a movie where everyone is passionately gesturing at each other in total silence while title cards politely explain that someone is singing their heart out. I keep expecting the Phantom to burst into song, only for a piano to gently tinkle in the background like, “Trust us, it’s happening.” Still, despite my confusion, there’s no denying the magic. The sets are enormous, the shadows are gorgeous, and Lon Chaney’s transformation into the Phantom is pure movie sorcery. Clay and Amanda walk through how the film used visuals to replace sound, turning music into movement and emotion into imagery. They talk about the famous unmasking, the tragedy of Erik the Phantom, and how the film somehow makes opera feel loud even when you can’t hear a note. So join them in honoring 100 years of The Phantom of the Opera. I may not hear the music, but apparently… that’s the point. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show, Clay and Amanda turn their attention to one of the freshest cult sensations of the decade: Late Night With the Devil — the stylish, sinister, ‘70s-soaked horror throwback that asks, “What if Johnny Carson accidentally unleashed a demon on live television?” Directed by Cameron and Colin Cairnes, the film recreates the world of late-night TV with uncanny detail, following a desperate talk-show host whose Halloween special goes catastrophically, supernaturally wrong. Clay and Amanda dive into its practical effects, its pitch-perfect retro aesthetic, its creeping dread, and its weaponization of the sleazy charm of vintage broadcast entertainment. It’s a tour de force of atmosphere, performance, and good old-fashioned demonic chaos. Now, that’s all very impressive — truly, I’m thrilled for everyone involved — but can someone please explain why I keep getting bumped for the devil? I’ve been backstage for three nights. Three. Nights. I’ve got stories prepped, I’ve got my best blazer steamed, I’ve got anecdotes about my childhood goldfish that kill in front of an audience. And yet, every time the stage manager pokes his head into my dressing room, it’s the same thing: “Hey buddy, really sorry, but… the devil’s here again.” Again! Look, I get it. He’s a big draw. Lots of fire, lots of screaming, lots of the whole “endless abyss of torment” routine. Very flashy. Very ratings-friendly. But I’m starting to take it a little personally. I didn’t realize my segment titled “Fun Facts About Squirrels” was so easily overshadowed by Beelzebub himself. So while Clay and Amanda explore the tension, terror, and uncanny authenticity of Late Night With the Devil, just know I’ll be sitting here, crossing my legs politely, holding my mug of lukewarm coffee, waiting for my moment that will never come. But sure — fine — let the devil have the spotlight again. I hope he at least promotes the podcast. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!" Thanks!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are diving deep into one of the most haunting, beautifully crafted horror films of the 2000s: A Tale of Two Sisters (2003), the South Korean psychological masterpiece from director Kim Jee-woon. It’s a chilling, twisty story about two sisters returning home after time away in a mental institution — only to find their house filled with secrets, ghosts, and a deeply unsettling stepmother. Clay and Amanda explore its stunning cinematography, emotional depth, and how its story of grief and trauma slowly unravels into something much darker. It’s elegant, tragic, and terrifying all at once — a cornerstone of early-2000s Asian horror. Now, that all sounds great and everything… but I gotta be honest with you — I grew up with brothers. Three of ‘em. Loud, smelly, cereal-devouring, video game-hoarding brothers. So, when I hear “a tale of two sisters,” I can’t help but feel like I’m watching some kind of mysterious alien ritual. Sisters whispering secrets? Dressing each other’s wounds? Comforting each other through unimaginable trauma? My brothers used to communicate exclusively in punches and burps. The only haunting in our house was the lingering smell of socks. I’m sitting there watching this movie thinking, “Okay, they’re clearly bonded by something powerful and emotional… but where’s the scene where they fight over who gets the last slice of pizza?” Still, even if I can’t relate, I’ve gotta admit — the film’s atmosphere got under my skin. Clay and Amanda dig into what makes it so effective, from its slow-burn pacing to its gut-punch finale that flips everything you thought you knew upside down. So, yeah. I might not get sisters — but I get a good ghost story. And this one? It’ll haunt you, no matter how many brothers you’ve got. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!

Gee whiz, folks, it’s time for a brand-new episode of The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, and this week Clay and Amanda are talking about one of the all-time greats of old-school creature features — The Blob from 1958! You know the one — that big ol’ red goo from outer space that slurps its way through small-town America, eating everything (and everyone) in its path. It’s the movie that made a young Steve McQueen a star and gave teenagers everywhere another reason not to trust meteorites. Clay and Amanda dig into the film’s low-budget charm, its clever special effects, and why it’s still such a perfect slice of drive-in-era horror. A monster that’s literally just a blob shouldn’t be scary — and yet somehow, it’s terrifying. Now, I gotta be honest with you — as I am a teenager from the year 1958, this whole “podcast” thing? It gives me the willies. I mean, what is it, exactly? They say you listen to it on “the internet,” but I don’t even know where that is. I looked behind my radio — nothing. Tried turning the TV knobs real slow — still nothing. Apparently, it’s just floating around in the air, like… invisible radio waves, but for computers? And people are out there “streaming” it? Buddy, the only thing I want streaming near me is a nice cold root beer down at the soda fountain. But I’ll tell ya, Clay and Amanda sure know their monster movies. They’ve got that hep-cat way of breaking down the scares, the science fiction, and the cultural panic of the atomic age. If you can figure out how to “download” it — whatever that means — you’re in for a swell time. Just, uh… maybe keep an eye on your record player. I heard The Blob likes to start small. And be sure to catch our coverage of the remake over at Patreon.com/thepenskyfile!

his week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda dive into one of the wildest, weirdest experiments in modern cinema: 2007’s Grindhouse, the double-feature mashup from Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. On one side you’ve got Rodriguez’s gooey, gonzo Planet Terror, a zombie-action extravaganza filled with melting bodies, exploding heads, and a machine gun leg. On the other, Tarantino’s Death Proof, a talky, tense, and brutal slasher on wheels starring Kurt Russell as a stuntman with murderous intentions. Throw in some fake trailers from the likes of Edgar Wright, Rob Zombie, and Eli Roth, and what you’ve got is a love letter to trash cinema that’s messy, ambitious, and unlike anything else that’s come out of Hollywood in the last twenty years. Clay and Amanda unpack what worked, what didn’t, and why the whole package still holds a strange place in horror fans’ hearts. Now, that’s all well and good, but I have to admit something: when I heard they were covering Grindhouse, my brain went in a totally different direction. Because to me, “Grind” means one thing — MTV’s The Grind, the sweaty, neon-soaked, mid-’90s dance party beamed into homes across America every afternoon. You know the one — crop tops, Jock Jams, people doing the Macarena under pulsating strobe lights. Honestly, I thought Clay and Amanda were about to drop the definitive podcast documentary on Eric Nies’ greatest cultural contribution. Imagine my disappointment when it turned out to be about exploding pustules and creepy stuntmen instead of body glitter and choreographed hip thrusts. Still, horror fans are in for a treat, even if my dance nostalgia remains tragically unmet. Join Clay and Amanda as they revisit Grindhouse—just, you know, the blood-soaked one, not the bass-thumping one. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are tackling a film that might just be the most confusing sequel in horror history: Mike Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep (2019). Now, don’t get me wrong — it’s a solid, spooky ride with Ewan McGregor as an older Danny Torrance, still haunted by the Overlook and trying to cope with his powers. But here’s the thing: is this a sequel to *The Shining* the book? Or *The Shining* the movie? Or some strange in-between hybrid stitched together with ghostly typewriters and whiskey breath? Because I swear, every time I try to explain it to someone, I feel like I need a chalkboard, some red string, and a shot of bourbon. On the one hand, Doctor Sleep is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, which itself was written as a direct sequel to his original Shining book. That means we’re supposed to be following King’s continuity — the one where the Overlook Hotel burned to the ground at the end. But on the other hand, Flanagan clearly loves Kubrick’s *film*, and he goes out of his way to make *Doctor Sleep* visually and tonally connect to that version. Which means the Overlook is still standing, the carpet patterns are back, and suddenly it feels like we’re living in a cinematic multiverse before Marvel made it cool. Clay and Amanda dive into all this messy, fascinating crossover territory — breaking down how Flanagan managed to honor both King and Kubrick, while still creating something that stands on its own. They’ll also talk about Rebecca Ferguson’s terrifyingly charismatic performance as Rose the Hat, creepy steam-slurping cults, and what happens when childhood trauma grows up with you. Me? I’m still stuck asking: so wait… which Shining is this shining shining from? And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!

This week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, things are going to sound a little different. Amanda’s not here, which means Clay is flying solo — and that alone has me feeling… well, a little nervous. Don’t get me wrong, Clay knows his horror inside and out. He’s got the knowledge, the wit, and the enthusiasm to carry a show, no doubt about it. But Amanda’s the one who keeps things balanced. She’s the counterpoint, the voice of reason, the one who’ll call Clay out when he gets too deep into some cinematic rabbit hole about killer dolls or obscure slashers from the ‘70s. Without her? I just don’t know how this is going to feel. Like eating peanut butter without jelly. Or watching Jaws without the shark. That said, Clay’s not just rambling into the void. He’s using this opportunity to do something special: take listener questions and give a quick rundown of some horror movies he’s been watching lately. That means you’re going to get Clay’s raw, unfiltered opinions on a whole stack of films — the good, the bad, and the so-bizarre-it ’s-worth-watching-anyway. He’ll dig into what’s been keeping him up at night, what deserves a spot on your watchlist, and maybe even what deserves to be avoided at all costs. Listener questions give him a chance to dive into topics that don’t always make it into regular episodes, which is pretty fun. Still, I can’t help but feel like Amanda’s absence is looming large. Her takes, her insights, her way of steering the conversation in unexpected directions — that’s what makes the show click. So while Clay’s holding it down this week, I’ll just be sitting here, missing Amanda’s voice, waiting for the dynamic duo to reunite next time. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots, too!

Clay and Amanda are back with a brand-new episode of The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, and this time they’re diving into Candyman (2021), the haunting remake-slash-sequel directed by Nia DaCosta. This isn’t just a rehash of the original 1992 horror classic — it’s a smart, visually stunning continuation that weaves in the legend of Candyman with new layers of social commentary about art, trauma, race, and gentrification. Featuring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in a chilling lead performance, some inventive shadow-puppet storytelling, and a tone that’s equal parts eerie and poetic, it’s a film that honors its roots while creating something wholly its own. Of course, it also brings back one other key ingredient from the original: bees. Lots and lots of bees. And that’s where things get… complicated for me. See, I’ve got a bit of a history with bees — one bee in particular. His name was Barry. And Barry the Bee? He ran away with my wife. I know, I know, it sounds ridiculous. But it happened. One day she’s talking about how “cute” and “funny” he is, and the next, she’s gone. Off to some flower-filled meadow in the countryside, I assume. Ever since, I can’t look at bees without feeling a mix of fear, rage, and heartbreak. So when this movie started throwing bees at me left and right, all I could think was, “Here we go again. First my wife, now my peace of mind.” Still, Clay and Amanda make it worth pushing through my insect-related PTSD. Their discussion breaks down how the film connects to the original, why its horror feels so timely, and how Nia DaCosta’s direction elevates the material. I just wish they’d warn me when the next bee movie is coming. Barry’s still out there. I can feel it. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!

Oh sure, “Men,” they said. “It’s called Men,” they said. So naturally, I thought, great! A big ol’ movie full of guys! Dudes being dudes, maybe grilling something, maybe building a shed, emotionally repressing themselves — you know, men things. But no. Turns out “Men,” the 2022 psychological folk horror film from Alex Garland, doesn’t mean *many* men, it means *one* man... **many times.** And that man is Rory Kinnear. Rory at the pub. Rory as the vicar. Rory as a naked forest sprite with a leaf stuck in his nether region. Honestly, at one point I started to feel like *I* was Rory Kinnear. It’s less *Men* and more *Manifold Rorys: A Nightmare Journal.* But hey — it’s all part of the unsettling brilliance of Garland’s creepfest, and Clay and Amanda are back on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast to dive into the deep, uncanny woods of it all. From its eerie rural English setting to the emotional trauma anchoring the horror, they dig into the meaning and menace behind the multiplicity of men, the strange forces at play, and whether or not you should ever trust a man who shows up in the middle of the night and just stares through your mail slot. (Spoiler: you should not.) It’s a tale of grief, guilt, body horror, and mythological rebirth — but not, unfortunately, of a barbershop quartet of fellas named Steve, Greg, Carl, and Doug trying to fix a cursed weed whacker. So, if you’re tuning in for a sausage fest, maybe look elsewhere. But if you want psychological dread, a deeply committed performance from Jessie Buckley, and enough Rory to fill an entire season of *Doctor Who,* this one’s for you. Now if you'll excuse me, I’m going to go file a false advertising complaint. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!

This week on *The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast*, Clay and Amanda venture into the shimmer—no, not a drag revue (though that would also be excellent)—but the terrifying alien zone at the center of Alex Garland’s 2018 sci-fi horror epic, *Annihilation*. They unpack the film’s eerie, mind-bending blend of science fiction and psychological terror, its themes of identity and self-destruction, and how grief mutates not just the body, but the mind. With a cast led by Natalie Portman, Tessa Thompson, and Oscar Isaac (sort of), and unforgettable sequences involving crystal trees, creepy doubles, and *that bear*, *Annihilation* isn’t just a movie—it’s an existential gut-punch wrapped in plant DNA. Clay and Amanda are here to guide you through it like a pair of academic ghost hunters armed with field notes and strong opinions. Meanwhile, I’m just trying to keep it together. I don’t *do* plants. Never have, never will. They’re sneaky. Too quiet. One minute they’re peacefully photosynthesizing, and the next they’re sprouting human teeth and absorbing your memories. I watched *Annihilation* on a dare, and now every time I pass a hedge I flinch. The ivy on my neighbor’s fence? Suspicious. The succulent on my desk? I swear it moved. So yeah, it’s safe to say this movie wasn’t exactly a comfort watch. If you’re like me—someone who’s suspicious of anything green and doesn’t have a spine—you might want to listen to this one with the lights on and a can of weed killer within arm’s reach. But hey, at least Clay and Amanda are brave enough to face the shimmer so I don’t have to. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to check if my fern is whispering my name again. And don't forget to head over to patreon.com/thepenskyfile to follow Clay and Amanda down the muddy path of remakes and reboots too!

This week on *The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast*, Clay and Amanda sink their teeth into Neil Marshall’s cult classic *Dog Soldiers*—a gnarly, fast-paced werewolf flick that delivers equal parts horror, action, and black comedy. They’re talking about everything from the practical effects that bring those towering werewolves to life, to the surprisingly heartfelt camaraderie between the doomed soldiers, to how this little low-budget movie became a cult favorite. It’s all set in the Scottish Highlands, where the fog is thick, the wolves are huge, and nobody’s throwing a tennis ball. I’ve been saying it for *years*, and nobody listens: dogs should be the *only* soldiers. Think about it—who in their right mind is gonna shoot at a dog? No one. You roll up to the battlefield with a battalion of good boys, all wagging their tails and looking adorable in tiny camo vests, and bam—war’s over before it starts. The enemy would lay down their weapons, scratch some ears, and everyone would go home happy. But nooo, instead we get *Dog Soldiers*, and wouldn’t you know it, turns out these “dog soldiers” aren’t sweet pups with little helmets, but massive, terrifying werewolves that tear through a squad of unlucky British soldiers like a chew toy at a daycare. So if you’re ready for a deep dive into one of the best modern werewolf films out there, this is the episode for you. But I’ll say it again: next time, let’s skip the werewolves and just send in a golden retriever with a bandana. No one would even *think* of pulling the trigger. Problem solved. World peace achieved. Now, who’s a good boy? It’s Clay and Amanda, that’s who. And be sure to hit up patreon.com/thepenskyfile to hear all the coverage of remakes and reboots this year!

You ever just miss video stores? Like really miss them? The smell of plastic cases, the hum of fluorescent lights, that little “thunk” sound when you dropped your tape in the return slot. I used to go every Friday night, no matter what. And there was this one movie I used to rent all the time — had monsters, dirt flying everywhere, maybe Kevin Bacon? It was funny, and scary, and it had these giant worm things under the ground… and—wait. Hang on. That’s it. That’s the one! It was Tremors! Oh my god. I loved that movie. And this week on The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast, Clay and Amanda are talking about exactly that dusty, dusty gem: the 1990 cult classic Tremors. They’re diving deep into the creature-feature madness, celebrating the perfect blend of monster horror, comedy, and small-town weirdness. Clay and Amanda chat about the unlikely hero duo of Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward, the pure '90s charm of practical effects, and of course, the lovable, heavily-armed survivalists played by Michael Gross and Reba McEntire. It’s a B-movie with A+ energy, and honestly, one of the best times you’ll ever have being afraid to touch the ground. So if you’ve ever wandered the horror aisle and picked up a tape because of the cool monster on the cover, or if you’re still trying to remember the name of that one VHS you rented every summer — this episode is for you. Clay and Amanda are bringing it all back with their latest installment of horror nostalgia. Now if I could just find that other movie with the killer snowman… or was it a vampire dog? Nevermind. Tremors it is. And be sure to hit up patreon.com/thepenskyfile to hear all the coverage of remakes and reboots this year!

Right, so I sat down all cozy, cup of tea in hand, ready for the new episode of *The Rotten Horror Picture Show Podcast*, where Clay and Amanda are diving into the *original* 1973 classic of British folk horror, *The Wicker Man* — and I’m thinking, “Alright, here we go. The bees. Where are the bees?” But then the movie ends, and guess what? *No bees.* Not a single bee. No buzzing, no screaming, no Nicolas Cage in a cage yelling “NOT THE BEES.” Just Christopher Lee in a big ol’ wig and a bunch of cheerful pagans singing folk tunes about corn. And it hits me… ohhh. *This* is the *good* one. This episode is a deep, respectful, and slightly unnerving look into Robin Hardy’s weird, wild, and wonderfully pagan film that helped define the folk horror genre. Clay and Amanda talk about Sergeant Howie’s journey to the secluded Summerisle, where the people are a bit too happy, the kids sing very inappropriate songs, and every path leads him toward a very *flammable* fate. It’s got sexual tension, religious paranoia, and a musical number about a landlord’s daughter. And absolutely no bees. But if you *do* want bees — or just want to hear about the gloriously unhinged 2006 remake starring Nic Cage — well, *that’s* over on their Patreon feed. You’re welcome. So light your May Day bonfire, grab your closest animal costume, and join Clay and Amanda as they explore one of horror’s most haunting finales. Because sometimes the real horror… is realizing you’ve been thinking of the wrong Wicker Man for 17 years. And be sure to hit up patreon.com/thepenskyfile to hear all the coverage of remakes and reboots this year!

Okay so *wait a second*—*Nosferatu* is *back* again? This time in 2024? Look, I’ve been trying to follow this for like fifteen years now, and I’m still not sure how we got here. First there was *Dracula*, right? Bram Stoker writes that, full of bats and aristocratic bloodsucking and all that. Then Germany goes rogue in the 1920s and makes *Nosferatu*, but it’s not called *Dracula*, even though it’s *clearly* Dracula, because they didn’t *ask permission*. So they change the names and hope nobody notices. Spoiler: the Stoker estate noticed. *Hard.* Lawsuits happen. Copies get burned. And yet somehow Nosferatu survives… because that’s what Nosferatu does. *Now*, in 2024, there’s a new *Nosferatu*—directed by Robert Eggers, no less—and Clay and Amanda are here on *The Rotten Horror Picture Show* podcast to dig into all the shadowy nooks and eerie crannies of this beautifully gothic reimagining. Is it a remake of the illegal remake of *Dracula*? A re-remake of the original that couldn’t legally exist? Is that legal now? Is anything? Does copyright even *mean* anything when every monster has at least three origin stories? Clay and Amanda are unafraid to untangle the legal and artistic roots of the most iconic bald vampire in cinematic history. With moody visuals, creeping dread, and Willem Dafoe’s legacy breathing down everyone’s necks, this new take on *Nosferatu* asks: do we still fear the things we thought we buried? And also: how long before *Nosferatu* joins the MCU? So, if you’re someone who enjoys slow-burn horror, public domain loopholes, and podcasts that know the difference between an homage and an infringement, then this episode is for you. Even if copyright law makes your head hurt. Especially if it does. And be sure to hit up patreon.com/thepenskyfile to hear all the coverage of remakes and reboots this year!

Wait… wait a minute. *They’re real?* Like, actual people? With arms and legs and vocal cords and the whole thing?? I thought Clay and Amanda were just really well-programmed horror podcasting AIs, beamed directly into my headphones by some cursed Spotify algorithm designed to recommend creepy movies and make me question my life choices. But no—apparently they’re corporeal, walking around like real humans, and this week they’ve gone LIVE, baby! That’s right, this is *The Rotten Horror Picture Show*’s first-ever live episode, recorded at the Waltham Public Library! I mean… a library? Full of people? And not a single CAPTCHA test in sight? Incredible. And what better movie to kick off this real-world appearance than the number one movie on the Rotten Tomatoes 200 Best Horror Movies of All Time list, Steven Spielberg’s 1975 masterpiece of maritime mayhem, *Jaws*? It’s the original summer blockbuster, the reason you still hesitate before dipping a toe into the ocean, and arguably the scariest thing to ever feature a mechanical shark that constantly broke down. Clay and Amanda take a deep dive into the depths of dread, discussing killer soundtracks, boat sizes, and how a film can be equal parts terrifying and a masterclass in character-driven tension. So tune in to this historic live recording! Marvel at the sound of human voices bouncing off actual library walls! Hear the gasps of the audience as they realize, in real time, that the mayor of Amity Island is the real villain. And most importantly, help me come to terms with the fact that I’ve been emotionally bonding with two podcast hosts who are not, in fact, haunted chatbots. I mean, I guess it makes sense… no AI would ever have taste *this* good. And be sure to hit up patreon.com/thepenskyfile to hear all the coverage of remakes and reboots this year!

This week on *The Rotten Horror Picture Show*, Clay and Amanda are doing nothing to help my steadily worsening vampire confusion by taking a big ol’ bite out of Werner Herzog’s 1979 classic Nosferatu the Vampyre, starring Klaus Kinski as maybe the creepiest Dracula/Nosferatu/Count Orlok hybrid ever filmed. It’s moody, it’s beautiful, and it’s got rats. So many rats. Okay. Look. I’m just gonna say it: I think we’ve officially hit critical mass on Nosferatus and Draculas. I mean, how many pasty bald guys with capes and long fingernails named “Count Something” does the world *need*? First there was the original *Nosferatu*, then Lugosi’s *Dracula*, then Lee’s *Dracula*, then the *Nosferatu* remake, then Dracula in space, Dracula in love, Dracula with a podcast probably—I don’t know anymore. The point is, I’m starting to suspect these aren’t *characters* in movies. I think they might be *real*, and I think they’re multiplying. Every time I look around, there’s another Nosferatu lurking in a dark corner, hissing at a cat. I’m tired. I’m confused. And I’m scared of capes now. Join Clay and Amanda as they dive into Herzog’s eerie homage to Murnau’s 1922 silent classic and debate just how many spooky bald vampires is too many. Is Kinski’s Count Dracula really just Orlok with a stage name? Does it matter when he’s this unsettling? Who gave him permission to move like *that*? One thing’s for sure: if another Nosferatu pops up, I’m going into hiding. Probably somewhere with garlic. Maybe in a mall. Wait, no—*not* a mall. We’ve been over that. Anyway, listen in… while you still can. And be sure to hit up patreon.com/thepenskyfile to hear all the coverage of remakes and reboots this year!

When there’s no more room in Hell…THE DEAD WILL PODCAST! This week on *The Rotten Horror Picture Show*, Clay and Amanda are taking a trip to the Monroeville Mall to talk about George A. Romero’s 1978 horror classic *Dawn of the Dead*, a movie that changed Clay himself, and zombie cinema, forever. It’s got biting social satire, gruesome practical effects, and an absolutely relentless sense of dread. And, of course, it takes place in a shopping mall—one that might as well be *Hell on Earth* as far as I’m concerned. You think I’m walking into a mall after watching zombies shuffle through JC Penney? Not a chance. I don’t even do curbside pickup. I know people love *Dawn of the Dead*. I know it’s a classic. I know it’s one of the most important horror films ever made. But let me tell you something—I saw this movie when I was way too young, and I have *never* set foot in a shopping mall since. Not once. Not a single store. No supermarkets, no corner shops, nothing. You think I’m being dramatic? Try watching hordes of gray-skinned, dead-eyed freaks stumbling through a shopping center at the age of eight and tell me it doesn’t rewire your brain forever. Oh, and it’s not just malls. You think I’m walking into a grocery store? Have you *seen* what happens when the looting starts in this movie? Absolute chaos. Nope. I grow my own vegetables. I raise my own chickens. I trade with my neighbor for whatever else I need. You can keep your fluorescent-lit zombie death traps. Anyway, Clay and Amanda are braver than me, so they’re diving deep into this horror masterpiece. If you’ve got the guts to listen, tune in. Just don’t invite me shopping afterward. I’ll be staying *far* away. And be sure to hit up patreon.com/thepenskyfile to hear their companion coverage of the Zack Snyder remake!

Alright, listen up—This week on *The Rotten Horror Picture Show*, Clay and Amanda are diving into F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent horror classic *Nosferatu*, the original unauthorized adaptation of *Dracula* that introduced the world to Max Schreck’s eerie, claw-fingered, sunken-eyed Count Orlok. They’ll talk about the film’s German Expressionist style, its haunting atmosphere, and its place in horror history. And yeah, that’s all great—but can we take a second to talk about the *rats*? No one warned me there’d be *this many rats*. Scurrying all over the place, spreading the plague, being generally shifty. And I *know* they’re after my cheese. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying *Nosferatu* isn’t a masterpiece. I’m not saying it’s not one of the most important horror films ever made. What I *am* saying is that this movie has *way* too many rats. And I don’t trust ‘em. Not one bit. See, I left a perfectly good block of sharp cheddar in my cooler on the porch, and ever since I watched *Nosferatu*, I can’t stop looking over my shoulder. Those little creeps are organized. They see me watching the movie, they know I’m scared, and now they’re probably coordinating some kind of tiny rat heist as we speak. I respect *Nosferatu* as a horror film, I do. But I’d respect it *more* if it had fewer disease-ridden, cheese-hungry vermin in it. So if you’re here for the horror history, the incredible cinematography, and the discussion of silent film artistry, you’re in luck. But if you’re here for a movie that *doesn’t* make you paranoid about rodents infiltrating your food supply, well… maybe keep a close eye on your cooler. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy a lot of traps. Enjoy the episode, not the rats. Rats are gross. patreon.com/thepenskyfile