The latest episode of the Seasoned Skeptics Podcast is out now, and we're diving deep into some of the freshest (and freakiest) horror releases while keeping our signature skeptical eye peeled for what works, what flops, and what just leaves us grinning... or grimacing.

We kick things off with Smile 2 (2024), the sequel that takes the cursed smile entity to new nightmare levels. Following pop sensation Skye Riley (Naomi Scott) as she battles terrifying hallucinations, fame's pressures, and her own dark past ahead of a massive world tour, this one amps up the psychological horror with body horror flair and a standout lead performance. We break down whether it tops the original, how it handles trauma and mental health themes, and if that ending curse-spreading twist hits as hard as it aims to.

Next up: Black Phone 2 (2025), bringing back Finney and Gwen Blake years after the Grabber's defeat. Now older, the siblings face new supernatural chills at a snowy winter camp tied to mysterious past murders, ghostly payphone calls, and lingering evil that refuses to stay buried. Ethan Hawke's shadow looms large, and we discuss the film's shift in focus, its '80s throwback vibes, dream visions, and whether it delivers satisfying sequel scares or gets tangled in its own phone lines.

We also tackle Vicious (2025), Bryan Bertino's (The Strangers) latest—a claustrophobic, supernatural mind-bender starring Dakota Fanning as Polly, a struggling woman who receives a cursed wooden box from a mysterious elderly visitor one fateful night. Forced to make horrifying "payments" of things she hates, needs, and loves to survive, the film spirals into anxiety-fueled terror with metaphorical depth. We unpack the box's twisted demands, Fanning's intense performance, and whether this slow-burn haunts as effectively as it unnerves.

And because no Seasoned Skeptics episode is complete without a detour into the absurd: we somehow ended up debating Arby's roast beef—is it genuinely underrated comfort food, a guilty pleasure masterpiece, or just over-hyped sliced nostalgia? (Spoiler: opinions were as heated as the roast itself.)

Grab your headphones, stifle that involuntary smile, and join us for laughs, scares, and a side of fast-food skepticism.

New episode drops now—listen wherever you get your podcasts!

#HorrorPodcast #Smile2 #BlackPhone2 #ViciousMovie #SeasonedSkeptics

Join hosts Nick and Derral on Seasoned Skeptics as the horror genre rookie (Nick) gets schooled by long-time fan Derral in this chilling yet fun breakdown!

We dive deep into three wildly different scares:

The eerie psychological terror of Smile (2022), where a cursed grin spreads unstoppable dread.

The tense supernatural thriller The Black Phone (2021), with a kidnapped kid getting ghostly help from beyond via a disconnected line.

The wild holiday horror-comedy classic Gremlins (1984), where cute critters turn into mischievous monsters after breaking just a few simple rules.

From jump scares and trauma themes to laughs amid the chaos, we share unfiltered reactions, hot takes, and whether these hold up for newbies and vets alike.

Perfect for horror fans or anyone curious about the genre—hit play and join the skepticism!" #horrorfilm #horrorpodcast #horrormoviereview

Join hosts Nick and Derral on Season Skeptics as we dive into three wild 2025 horror releases we binged this week!

We break down: The Monkey (Osgood Perkins' Stephen King adaptation) – cursed wind-up toy + outrageous gore + dark laughs

Companion – twisted sci-fi thriller with shocking reveals and demented domestic vibes

Together – supernatural body horror that takes "growing closer" to horrifying extremes

Skeptical takes, no-holds-barred opinions, spoilers ahead (we warn you!), and our verdict on whether these are must-watch or skip-worthy.

Perfect for horror fans hunting fresh scares!

What did you think of these? Drop your ratings in the comments! Subscribe for more unfiltered horror movie/series reviews, deep dives, and all things spooky.

#horrormovies #themonkey #companion #together #horrorpodcast #SeasonSkeptics Feel free to mix and match or let me know if you want it more spoiler-free, shorter, funnier, or focused on specific tones!