From slasher throwbacks to the year’s biggest indie hits—from a “Strange Darling” to stranger religious propaganda—we cover it all.
In our indie spotlight double feature, we discuss two of the most surprising and buzzed-about indie horror films of 2024.
Strange Darling received rave reviews upon its release. While it didn’t make the same box office impression as some other indie horror films released this year, those who had a chance to see it were impressed. Naturally, we talk about Kyle Gallner’s awesomeness, but how did the rest of the cast do? Was the nonlinear style necessary? And how well did it convey its themes?
The Substance has been wowing audiences since winning the Best Screenplay award at its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. A gross body horror with an odd sense of humor, the film is big and bold. Whether it is disgusting scenes, flagrant nudity, or in-your-face messaging, the film is relentless.
We talk about feminist messaging, when gratuitous nudity is actually necessary, and how to effectively cram a message down the audience’s throat. Does this movie really check off all the boxes for Blake, or was he just set up for a major disappointment? Is this truly Demi Moore’s best performance?
THE LOCK IN (2014)
We have wanted to do a Christian horror movie for a long time, and we finally got around to it with 2014’s The Lock In, which left us with so many questions. Did the film have a script? How many times did people who were not in the movie walk into the shot? Is this an anti-porn or an anti-dumpster diving story? All this is before we even get to the movie itself!
Surprisingly, The Lock In (watch the trailer) is a pretty straightforward horror movie. While that probably improves the overall quality, it was still disappointing to us. We also try to figure out why, out of all the problems that were plaguing the country in 2014, this plot centered around the harm pornography is causing. We also talk about how an awful ending is an awful ending no matter what your message may be.
SLASHER DOUBLE FEATURE: IN A VIOLENT NATURE (2024) AND DIRECTOR’S CUT (2024)
In a Violent Nature is unlike any slasher that has come out since… well, possibly ever. It uses some of the expected tropes – over-the-top kills, friends camping in the woods, a Big Bad who cannot be stopped – but it is the rare film in the subgenre that critics seem to love. But what do audiences think? And, more importantly, what did WE think?
Normally, nostalgia is a good thing. Especially when it allows you to look back on your teenage years. Yeah, there is some embarrassing stuff that will make you shake your head, but coming-of-age stories are popular for a reason. And besides, the stupid stuff you did when you were fifteen is a lot easier to explain than the dumb shit you do in your forties.
Director’s Cut is a reminder of younger days. It is a rare instance when it is not a good thing. Juvenile writing, horrible characters, and writing that is too on the nose are just some of the examples of what went wrong. And those may be its strong points.
ABOUT THIS PODCAST:
Every week AIPT Movie Editor Nathaniel Muir and his cinema partner in crime Blake Heath discuss indie and genre movies you have have never heard of, the ones you cannot hear enough about, and the ones you never want to hear about again.
Episode 373: ‘Mockbuster’ (2026)
We have spent years talking about how important The Blair Witch Project is. We discuss the pros and cons of the latest reimagining of the iconic found footage classic. And we are definitely interested. Plus, the latest internet horror fad that Hollywood wants to adapt into a movie. And while it does seem a little silly to us, they do have a strong director attached to it.
The Asylum has been putting out grade-A quality B movies for a long time. Sharknado may be their most well-known, but their specialty are mockbusters like Tomb Invader and Top Gunner. We could not wait to take a look at their inner workings.
Mockbuster does much more than that. Sure, there is plenty of footage from The Asylum library. And yes, all of it is amazing. The interviews with the people at the top of the company are also great. They know the score and are funny, entertaining, and informative.
But it is the documentary’s subject that is the beating heart of the film. Anthony Frith is one of the most charming people we have ever seen and we enjoyed watching his journey. Mockbuster ended up being an unexpected feel-good watch thanks to Frith and all of the incredibly supportive people featured.
On top of all that, we get to see how a movie from The Asylum gets made!
Adventures in Movies! is a part of the Morbidly Beautiful Podcast Network. Morbidly Beautiful is your one stop shop for all your horror needs. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and old favorites, it can be found at Morbidly Beautiful.
Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror. You can reach us personally or on Twitter @AdventuresinMo1.
Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com
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We have spent years talking about how important The Blair Witch Project is. We discuss the pros and cons of the latest reimagining of the [...]
July 10, 2026
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It has been a bad week for people who enjoy physical media. ‘GTA VI’ is not getting a physical release, Playstation games are not getting [...]
July 3, 2026
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The Evil Dead franchise holds a special place in our hearts. It is a part of our youth and brings back lots of pleasant memories. [...]
June 26, 2026
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Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror.
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