Hack or Slash

LGBTQ+ Episodes

Queerness and horror have been intertwined since the early days of the genre. This category highlights films that directly feature LGBTQ+ characters, themes, or subtext, reflecting how horror can give voice to stories of identity and difference. Curated for our 31 Days of Horror challenge.
Backrooms (2026)
450
June 18, 2026

Backrooms (2026)

Send us Fan Mail This week we’re unpacking Backrooms (2026). We dissect its liminal-space atmosphere, debate its trauma-driven emotional core, and weigh how its nineties found-footage framing reshapes internet-born horror. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 33:04. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Backrooms (2026)⁠ Related Episodes 447: Obsession (2025) 419: Cloverfield (2008) Main Episode Kane Parsons to Direct A24 Movie ‘The Backrooms’ Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Renate Rein...
Oddity (2024)
448
June 4, 2026

Oddity (2024)

Send us Fan Mail This week we’re unpacking Oddity (2024). We assess its atmosphere, dissect the relationships between its characters, and weigh how Carolyn Bracken’s dual performance sharpens the film’s grief, tension, and dark humor. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 21:35. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Oddity (2024) Main Episode Interview with Damian McCarthy How Olin Lost His Eye Support the show Thanks for listening to Hack or Slash! Want more from the show? Jo...
419: Cloverfield (2008)
419
Nov. 20, 2025

419: Cloverfield (2008)

This week our patrons have voted for us to review Cloverfield (2008). We discuss the impact of its found footage style, explore the complexities of the characters' relationships, and evaluate its status as a post-9/11 anxiety film. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 44:52. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Cloverfield (2008) Main Episode Cloverfield Alternate Endings 36 Spooky Facts and Trivia About ‘Cloverfield’ (2008) Even Though I'm Godzilla's Number 1 Fan, I Still Think Clov...
411: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
411
Sept. 25, 2025

411: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

This week we're doing the time warp with The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). We examine its impactful cult following, discuss the complexities of its characters, and reflect on its iconic soundtrack. In this episode's b-side, we recount live show experiences, ponder the definition of Rocky Horror virginity, and explore what makes it ageless. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 29:24. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) Main Episode The Rocky H...
402: Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare (2025)
402
July 24, 2025

402: Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare (2025)

This week we’re venturing into the twisted world of Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare (2025). We dissect our feelings towards the portrayal of Peter Pan, explore the film's gruesome kills, and analyze the complex narratives surrounding its characters. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 38:20. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare (2025) Mentioned in the Episode 312: Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023) 324: Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 (2024) S...
392: Clown in a Cornfield (2025)
392
May 22, 2025

392: Clown in a Cornfield (2025)

This week we’re heading into the heartland to check out Clown in a Cornfield (2025). We discuss how the film stacks up to its source material, examine the effectiveness of its comedy, and question whether Frendo has what it takes to join the slasher hall of fame. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 38:25. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Clown in a Cornfield (2025) Buy the Books Clown in a Cornfield - Novel Clown in a Cornfield 2: Frendo Lives - Novel Clown in a Cornfield 3: The...
380: Companion (2025)
380
March 6, 2025

380: Companion (2025)

This week we’re unpacking the layers of Companion (2025). We explore the dynamic between humans and AI, parse through the film's exploration of abusive relationships, and discuss the impact of its marketing on the viewing experience. This episode...
378: Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995)
378
Feb. 21, 2025

378: Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995)

This week our patrons have voted for us to unpack the lore of Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995). We discuss its attempts at expanding the Candyman mythos, evaluate Tony Todd’s performance, and critique the effectiveness of its scares. This...
349: I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
349
Sept. 20, 2024

349: I Saw the TV Glow (2024)

This week we’re tuning into I Saw the TV Glow (2024). We delve into the film's exploration of identity, unpack the layers of its emotional depth, and consider its classification as a horror movie. In this episode's b-side, we reminisce about beloved...
345: Cuckoo (2024)
345
Aug. 23, 2024

345: Cuckoo (2024)

This week we’re unraveling the maze of Cuckoo (2024). We evaluate its visual style, dissect its complex character dynamics, and consider the strength of the film's creature designs. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 23:15. Mentioned in...
320: Paranormal Activity (2007)
320
March 1, 2024

320: Paranormal Activity (2007)

This week we’re rolling back the tapes of Paranormal Activity (2007). We analyze its impact on the horror genre, explore how it maximized its shoestring budget, and debate the polarizing effect retroscripting had on its characters. This episode...
310: Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
310
Dec. 29, 2023

310: Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

This week the patrons have voted for us to review Anna and the Apocalypse (2017). We assess its quality as a musical, unpack its approach to a zombie apocalypse, and debate the likability of its characters. This episode contains spoilers, starting at...
276: What Keeps You Alive (2018)
276
June 16, 2023

276: What Keeps You Alive (2018)

This week we're delving into psychological horror as we dissect What Keeps You Alive (2018). We unpack the complexities of its lead roles, challenge the potency of its plot twist, and critically examine the storytelling. This episode contains...
233: The Loved Ones (2009)
233
Sept. 30, 2022

233: The Loved Ones (2009)

This week the Hack or Slash patrons have voted for us to review The Loved Ones (2009). We break down the intensity of its gore, unpack the power of its emotional parallels, and discuss the narrative subtext. This episode contains spoilers, beginning...
227: Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
227
Aug. 19, 2022

227: Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)

This week we head back to the theater to check out Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022). We assess the film’s use of comedy, critique its depiction of cellphone flashlights, and lament the struggle of toxic friend groups. This episode contains spoilers,...
226: They/Them (2022)
226
Aug. 12, 2022

226: They/Them (2022)

This week the gang’s back together to check out They/Them (2022). We uncover the director’s push for authentic representation, break down the film’s emotional punches, and ponder the success of its ending. This episode contains spoilers,...
222: Jaws 3-D (1983)
222
July 15, 2022

222: Jaws 3-D (1983)

This week we prep for Shark Week by checking out Jaws 3-D (1983). We reflect on the franchise’s tonal change, assess the effectiveness of its 3-D components, and break down the impact of its shark. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 29:18....
221: A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
221
July 8, 2022

221: A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)

This week we bare our fangs as we check out A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014). We break down the film’s approach to violence, unpack its use of black and white cinematography, and assess the quality of its characters. This episode contains...
220: Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland (1989)
220
July 1, 2022

220: Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland (1989)

This week we pack our camping gear and check out Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland (1989). We break down the film’s approach to gore, unpack the fast-tracked production process, and assess the quality of its wigs. This episode contains spoilers,...
Pride 2022: Understanding Camp in Horror feat. Vardaan Arora
June 5, 2022

Pride 2022: Understanding Camp in Horror feat. Vardaan Arora

In this bonus episode, Kris and Paris are joined by actor Vardaan Arora to commemorate Pride and explore the subject of camp within horror. We learn more about Vardaan’s connection to horror, unpack how our lived experiences have primed us to...
216: Lizzie (2018)
216
June 3, 2022

216: Lizzie (2018)

This week we explore an alternative take on a historic murder case by checking out Lizzie (2018). We assess the film’s slow burn pacing, unpack the theories behind the case, and discuss where this film falls within the genre. This episode contains...
The Rewind: Black Christmas (2019)
Dec. 25, 2021

The Rewind: Black Christmas (2019)

This week we're joined by horror podcaster Allison Broder to celebrate the holidays by rewinding Black Christmas (2019). We explore the film’s bad reputation, dissect its depiction of toxic masculinity, and explore its portrayal of the original...
184: Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021)
184
Nov. 5, 2021

184: Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021)

This week we conclude a hit Netflix trilogy by checking out Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021). We unpack the originality of its approach to witches, explore the depths of its characters, and discuss the parallels between 1666 and 1994. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 28:20.
176: Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021)
176
Oct. 8, 2021

176: Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021)

This week we keep the Spooky Season going by checking out Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021).