Dead Lover gets the Streamin’ Demons treatment. Jo and guest Charlotte unpack the film’s bizarre romance, stage-play style visuals, and that wild scratch-and-sniff screening gimmick. From resurrecting a lover with a grown finger to theatrical sets and low-budget creativity, this review dives into why the film is weird, quirky, and unexpectedly fun.

Find more from Streamin’ Demons here:
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KEY MOMENTS

 * Opening chaos – Jo introduces Charlotte as the “London correspondent” who attended the press screening.
 * Scratch-and-sniff cinema – The wild theatre gimmick where audiences smelled scenes during the movie.
 * The play-style filmmaking – Charlotte explains how the movie feels like a stage play adapted to film with minimal sets and four actors.
 * The weird love story – A grieving gravedigger tries to resurrect her drowned lover through bizarre experiments… including growing a finger.
 * Jo’s big take – If your “weirdo-meter” likes films like Fried Barry, this one might be your jam.
 * The theatre question – Charlotte debates whether the film works better as a cinema experience or a quirky late-night TV watch.
 * Theme kicker – A low-budget, eccentric indie that proves creativity can carry a film even when the resources are tiny.

Dead Lover will be available in UK Cinemas (in glorious STINK-O-VISION!) from 20th March

A lonely gravedigger who stinks of corpses finally meets her dream man, but their whirlwind affair is cut short when he tragically drowns at sea. Grief-stricken, she goes to morbid lengths to resurrect him through madcap experiments.

Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxoY-3mu04g

Dead Lover Breakdown: Weird Romance, Scratch-n-Sniff & Theatre Horror | Streamin’ Demons

In this episode of What’s Kraken, Jo talks with Georgie Ray about RIP Man 2, indie horror, acting, and building characters from the inside out. From self-doubt on set to the joy of making art on a budget, this one gets personal, funny, and inspiring. Support the work at https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell

Support the new movie here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/z12/the-rip-man-2-rest-in-pain-again

Watch the original The RIP Man: https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-r-i-p-man

Key Moments
Opening riff – Jo and Georgie jump right into RIP Man 2, indie filmmaking, and the fun of discovering new actors on the rise.

The Ostrich breakdown – Georgie explains her short film The Ostrich as a mix of Fleabag and Black Swan, built around the “ostrich effect” and a darker, more gruesome edge than the trailer reveals.

Female rage as a creative lane – Georgie talks about loving horror, writing female-rage characters, and how that energy keeps showing up in both her films and the roles she gets cast in.

Stage vs. screen – From playing Feste in Twelfth Night to working on film sets, Georgie shares how theatre demands instant recovery while film becomes a long game of waiting, bonding, and trying to stay present.

Actor self-doubt is real – One of the most honest parts of the episode is Georgie opening up about the inner critic, overthinking movement and performance, and how she physically shakes it off to get back in the scene.

The character bible – Georgie reveals her detailed actor process: building a full notebook for each character, down to how they wake up and what their routine looks like, so the performance feels lived-in.

Personal heart of the episode – Georgie reflects on how supportive her parents have been, and shares the advice she’d give her younger self: good things will come, love yourself, and love the people who love you.

The RIP Man 2's Georgie Ray on Horror, Acting, and Art | What’s Kraken Interview

I'm over the moon to have Stephanie Bingham with me. Stephanie is a historian, paranormal researcher and psychic. 

From experiencing her first spirit at a very early age, Stephanie had many encounters before she really knew if the people were actually dead or alive.

She experienced a spirit climbing into bed with her, and then experienced a child with Shark like teeth, after her room mate put beads under her bed without telling her.

Stephanie was also given the privilege of being the subject expert on the TV show Mysteries Decoded, when they filmed an episode about the Lizzie Borden House.

We then discussed if people really experience Demons, and being asked to assist a child spirit across a busy Hotel Lobby, and we finished off by discussing why the Fairies of England didn't take to kindly to Stephanie





S2 E12 Stephanie Bingham - Historian, Paranormal Researcher and Psychic

This week on Streamin’ Demons, Jo and Amelie take a look at the 2022 indie horror film Anacoreta. The movie follows a group of filmmakers heading out to a remote cabin in the woods to shoot an experimental horror project, but as the cameras keep rolling the situation slowly starts to unravel.

The acting is surprisingly strong, especially considering the cast is often playing actors inside the film itself. Jo and Amelie talk about how that works in the movie’s favor early on, along with the solid atmosphere and setup. But once the story hits the third act, the logic starts to slip and the tension that was building begins to fall apart.

Along the way the hosts also get into a debate about how people react to danger in the woods. Amelie’s instinct is to call out to a stranger and figure out who they are. Jo’s instinct is much simpler: get in the truck and leave.

Is Anacoreta worth checking out? Jo and Amelie break down what works, what doesn’t, and why the film ends up being a mix of solid ideas and frustrating decisions.

More episodes and links:
https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell

We are Amazon Affiliates. If you use an Amazon link we share and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission.

KEY MOMENTS

Opening riff – Jo kicks things off joking about reviewing a “new” movie from 2022 that they couldn’t talk about until now.

The premise – A group of filmmakers head to a remote cabin to shoot an experimental horror movie… and things slowly start unraveling.

Acting inside acting – The cast pulls off the tricky job of playing actors making a movie, shifting between intentionally bad acting and real performances.

Jo’s take – The first two acts work well, but once the movie hits Act 3 the internal logic falls apart and the tension drops.

Cultural clash moment – Jo and Amelie debate what they’d actually do if they saw a stranger who was stalking them in the dark in the woods. Amelie would call out and talk. Jo’s response: get in the truck and leave.

Location oddity – The “abandoned” cabin somehow has perfectly maintained flowers, which becomes one of the episode’s running jokes.

Final verdict – There’s real talent here from the filmmakers, but the third act keeps the movie from landing as well as it could.



Anacoreta Breakdown: Found Footage Horror & Act 3 landings

This week i had the pleasure to talk to Sabine Blaise. Sabine is the owner/organiser of the Eastern Canada Sasquatch Organization, Second Annual Gatineau-Ottawa Sasquatch Conference 2026

Sabine has always been interested in the Sasquatch from a very early age, along with the paranormal also.

From hearing knocks and whoops in the Gatineau Hills, to noticing shadows, and smelling strange odors, Sabine has encountered many strange events while out camping. 

We discussed the distinct differences between sasquatch and bear evidence and does the Sasquatch have supernatural powers.

Sabine then explained how the Gatineau-Ottawa Sasquatch Conference came about, and what she has planned for the second edition this year.



S2 E11 Sabine Blais  - Eastern Canada Sasquatch Organization

Dolly (2025) is NOT about Dolly Parton — and Jo is still recovering from that realization. This Shudder-backed horror throws you straight into the blood-soaked chaos within five minutes, no slow burn, no filler.

Jo & Amelie break down the film’s relentless pacing, jaw-dropping practical effects, and the surprisingly layered performance behind the monstrous Dolly. From grindhouse energy reminiscent of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Evil Dead to moments of unexpected sympathy for the killer, this one flies by at 83 minutes and leaves a mark.

They debate the “paralysis” character moments, scream at the screen, and agree this is a rare horror that’s brutal, funny, and wildly entertaining without relying on cheap jump scares.

If you love retro horror vibes, backwoods terror, practical gore, and smart writing that respects its audience — this is your movie.

In U.S. theaters and on Shudder March 6.

KEY MOMENTS

Opening chaos – Within five minutes: blood, abduction, and no time to breathe.
Monster reveal – Dolly’s design and practical effects hit hard and feel authentically retro.
Jo’s big take – The “death by paralysis” moments that sparked debate about character realism.
Amelie’s reflection – This is horror you can scream through, laugh through, and survive together.
WTF moment – The shovel scene. No spoilers. Just pain.

Follow us & support the madness: https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell

As Amazon Affiliates, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you use an Amazon link we share, we may receive a commission.

Dolly (2025) Breakdown: Brutal Gore & Retro Horror | Streamin’ Demon

This week i was delighted to see the return of Sadhu Dah.

Sadhu Dah started off by speaking  about the different type of Cryptids in Thailand.

We then discussed the Buddhist Superstitions, Traditions in connection to Exorcisms.

then we finally touched on the subject of The Thai gods and religion.

S2 E10 Sadhu Dah - Paranormal Specialist and exorcist

The Morrigan (2025) is a new Irish folk horror film blending pagan mythology, supernatural possession, and classic B-horror energy — and Jo & Amelie are breaking it all down in this spoiler-free Streamin’ Demons review.

Is this indie horror movie worth seeing in theaters? Or is it the perfect Friday-night streaming watch?

We dive into:

 * Irish folklore and the Morrigan war goddess mythology
 * B-movie horror elements and low-budget CGI debate
 * Strong performances that elevate familiar possession tropes
 * Gorgeous rain-soaked coastal cinematography
 * Why this 90-minute horror thriller never drags

Jo argues the cinematic landscape shots deserve the big screen, while Amelie calls it a cozy horror experience — perfect for popcorn, M&Ms, and guessing what happens next.

If you’re into folk horror movies, supernatural thrillers, indie horror films, or possession stories with strong acting and tight pacing, The Morrigan (2025) might be your next watch.

 Follow & support everything here: https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell

KEY MOMENTS

Opening chaos – Fresh screener energy, red shirts, and immediate spoiler-free reactions.

Main plot or twist – Tomb, curse, and possession elements unpacked without spoilers, plus discussion on the film’s efficient flashback technique.

Character study – Strong performances elevate a familiar horror setup and keep the tension engaging throughout.

Jo’s big take – The cinematography and immersive landscape shots make a compelling case for seeing it on the big screen.

Amelie’s reflection – A perfect Friday-night B-horror: snacks, guessing what happens next, and pure cozy chaos fun.

WTF moment – The unexpected showdown of carrots vs. M&Ms becomes the real horror debate of the episode.

AMAZON AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

We are Amazon Affiliates. If we use an Amazon link and you click or purchase through it, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Morrigan (2025): Folk Horror & Cozy Chaos | Streamin’ Demons

This week i had the pleasure to speak with Bruce Brown, Bigfoot and Dogman researcher.

Bruce has been a patrolman, a deputy sheriff, and a Bigfoot and dogman researcher.

Bruce had his first Bigfoot experience when he was 8, when he noticed a family of what he thought were apes, and at the age of 12, when he threw a fish to a juvenile bigfoot 

We then discuss the Patterson-Gimlin video, and the fact that the video is becoming more and more truthful

We finish off, by discussing if the Bigfoot was really discovered, would they get the government protection other creatures get.

S2 E9 Bruce Brown - Bigfoot and Dogman Researcher

Paradise on Hulu gets the Streamin’ Demons deep dive. Jo & Amelie unpack the wild extinction-level event reveal, Sterling K. Brown's gripping lead as agent Xavier, James Marsden's president flashbacks, and why this smart sci-fi thriller feels so grounded and human despite the bunker world. A killer first-episode hook that had us hooked—perfect binge if you love mystery with heart.

Key Moments:

Opening chaos – Jo kicks off with the usual chaos, allergies, sickness blame game, and that deep 15-year friendship telepathy riff (hummus sync!). 

Main plot or twist – The massive premiere reveal: what looks like a normal day turns into post-apocalypse bunker life after an extinction event, president murdered, total game-changer. 

Character study – Sterling K. Brown shines as the dedicated agent/single dad Xavier—fit, intense, relatable struggles; James Marsden nails the charismatic president in flashbacks. 

Jo’s big take – Thought it was some neighbor drama at first, blown away by the smart sci-fi that doesn't shove tech in your face, more thriller/mystery with real human connections (loved not recognizing faces for immersion). 

Amelie’s reflection – Praises the grounded, sober approach—like Black Mirror or Battlestar Galactica, everyday problems in extreme settings, character depth, no over-info overload, hooks you right from episode one. 

WTF moment – That late-episode jazz-hands twist flips everything you thought you knew, leaving you desperate for more.

We are Amazon Affiliates—if we drop an Amazon link anywhere and you click or buy through it, we do get a little money at no extra cost to you.

Check out more madness and links at https://linktr.ee/Emptyhell

Solid pick, Amelie—went from "meh screener week" to this hidden gem (well, not so hidden with those Emmy noms and buzz). The human stuff hits hard, the twist lands perfectly, and yeah, Sterling looks way too good for any of us. Go stream Paradise on Hulu/Disney+ if you haven't—worth the ride. Peace out! 

Paradise Breakdown: Post-Apocalypse Twist, Secret Service Murder & Human Drama

Streamin' Demons is your bi-weekly guide through the vast world of streaming entertainment. Join host Jo Szewczyk and special guests as they dive deep into three carefully selected titles - from the latest releases to hidden gems and everything in between. Each 30-45 minute episode features unfiltered reviews, engaging discussions, and authentic reactions that help you decide what to watch next. Whether you're a casual viewer or a dedicated binge-watcher, our candid conversations and expert insights will keep you informed and entertained. Subscribe now to join our growing community of streaming enthusiasts!

🎬 New episodes every other week ⏱️ Quick, focused 30-45 minute format 👥 Featured guests and expert perspectives 📺 Coverage across all major streaming platforms

Streamin' Demons

Join bestselling author Jo Szewczyk in What’s Kraken?, Empty Hell’s signature interview series where raw, unfiltered conversations cut through the noise. In just 20 minutes, Jo—known for his dark narrative hit Surviving Gen X—dives deep with creators, artists, and the voices shaping culture, politics, and entertainment today.

From filmmakers to musicians, writers to activists, comedians to elected officials—What’s Kraken? brings you the stories, struggles, and process behind the people changing the world around us. No scripts. No pretense. Just real talk with real people.

Subscribe now and join our growing community of entertainment enthusiasts. New episodes drop regularly on our YouTube channel and everywhere you get your podcasts!

What's Kraken with Jo Szewczyk

Surviving Gen X

Welcome to the SIPA Paranormal Chronicles, a Weekly Podcast for believers, skeptics, and everyone in between.

Launched by an Ottawa based paranormal team SIPA - Scientific Investigation of Paranormal Activity

Join our enthusiastic host, Lee, as he attempts to unveil a new layer of the mysterious, from chilling tales of ghosts to traditional concepts of the afterlife, From the complex world of demonology to the intriguing world of reincarnation, and from the mysterious world of Cryptids to the Intergalactic world of UFO’s and Extraterrestrials.

Our episodes will be rich with content designed to intrigue and inform and will hopefully unravel some of the mysteries that have captivated humanity for centuries.

Guests include paranormal researchers, seasoned ghost hunters, mediums and ordinary individuals with extraordinary experiences.

Listeners are invited to share their own paranormal experiences, which may even become topics of future episodes. Contact us at:

https://www.facebook.com/people/SIPA-Canada/61559002901355/

So, grab your headphones, settle in, and prepare for an adventure that challenges what you think you know about the paranormal, one ghostly chronicle at a time!

Jo

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