2015 (Part 3)

In the third part of the 'Also-Rans' series for 2015, the host explores a batch of films rated 6 out of 10—above average but not quite great. The episode begins with a deep dive into *Goosebumps*, a film the host initially dismissed but rediscovered as a heartfelt, imaginative gateway horror experience that balances childlike wonder with genuine scares. A heartfelt conversation with guest Father Malone reveals how the film’s supernatural elements, strong character work, and nostalgic charm made it a surprisingly powerful watch, even for adult horror fans. The discussion expands into a broader debate on what defines horror—ranging from supernatural threats to existential dread—before transitioning to a review of *Last Shift*, a low-budget, atmospheric police station thriller praised for its tension, phone call mechanics, and ambiguous ending. The episode also features a musical interlude with James Chapman (Maps), who shares his long-lost concept album *Welcome to the Tudor Gate*, described as a haunting blend of 70s folk horror and 80s synth scores. The segment closes with a comparison of the original *Last Shift* and its polished remake *Malum*, with the original winning for its raw, unsettling edge. The final highlight is *Queen of Earth*, a psychological horror anchored by Elizabeth Moss’s intense performance, though marred by an overbearing score.