2015 (Part 4)
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In the fourth part of the 'A Year in Horror' series covering 2015, the host delivers a deeply personal and passionate retrospective on the year's most impactful horror films. Beginning with Room, a harrowing psychological thriller praised for Brie Larson’s transformative performance and its emotional depth, the episode transitions into a critical exploration of the 'elevated horror' trend, questioning its validity while acknowledging its cultural resonance. The host then dives into It Follows, lauding Mika Monroe’s breakout performance and the iconic synthwave score by Disasterpiece (Richard Vreeland), before spotlighting Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak in a richly detailed conversation with guest Perrin Hayish. Their discussion celebrates the film’s gothic grandeur, visual opulence, and thematic depth, despite its slow start and dated CGI, positioning it as a cult classic that has grown in appreciation over time. The episode culminates in the host’s definitive number one pick: Creep, a found footage masterpiece that delivers relentless dread through a deceptively simple premise, with Patrick Bryce’s direction and Mark Duplass’s writing earning high praise. The episode closes with a teaser for next month’s deep dive into Vincent Price’s filmography.
Room (2015) is a powerful emotional thriller that transcends its grim premise through exceptional performances and a child’s-eye view of trauma.
The term 'elevated horror' is questioned as a marketing label, but the films it describes—like It Follows and Crimson Peak—deserve recognition for their artistic ambition.
Crimson Peak, though initially underappreciated, is a visually stunning gothic romance with rich symbolism and a haunting atmosphere that rewards repeat viewings.
Creep (2014/2015) is the definitive horror film of the year, using minimalism and psychological tension to create a deeply unsettling experience.
Mika Monroe’s performance in It Follows is a career-defining moment, marking her as a leading figure in modern horror.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Room: A Haunting Emotional Triumph
“Room is an emotional triumph. Brie Larson's performance will take your breath away. It's equal parts thriller and mother-son love story.”
The Rise and Critique of 'Elevated Horror'
The host explores the term 'elevated horror,' analyzing its use to describe films like It Follows and The Babadook. While skeptical of the label, the host acknowledges its intent to highlight films with artistic depth and psychological complexity.
It Follows: A Synthwave Masterpiece
“When you watch it in conjunction with the film, it's even better. It escalates like the panic, it builds tension, it just does not allow you a minute to chill before you begin to feel like unease again.”
Crimson Peak: A Gothic Love Letter to Horror
“It's not only one of the, because now we have slightly more of these type things... Crimson Peak was a bit of an outlier and maybe a bit of a pioneer.”
The Invitation: A Masterclass in Suspense
“This thing is so official. Maybe they're overcompensating. It's kind of hard to call everybody up out of the blue after two years.”
“It is my top of most of the popper most for 2015. Thank goodness for Creep. No shaking of the bag today.”
“Room is an emotional triumph. Brie Larson's performance will take your breath away. It's equal parts thriller and mother-son love story.”
“When you watch it in conjunction with the film, it's even better. It escalates like the panic, it builds tension, it just does not allow you a minute to chill before you begin to feel like unease again.”
Host
Guest
guillermo del toro
person
crimson peak
media
perrin hayish
person
it follows
media
mika monroe
person
creep
media
the invitation
media
room
media
brie larson
person
tammy blanchard
person
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