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Opening Kill

Michael Duren & Brian O'Connor

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Opening Kill is the podcast that dives deep into the chilling world of horror films! Every Thursday, we explore a different movie, uncovering behind the scenes secrets, analyzing themes and of course the opening kill. Join us as we chat with fellow horror enthusiasts to celebrate the art of fear in cinema. Opening Kill is hosted by Brian O'Connor and Michael Duren, just two friends with an unhealthy horror obsession.
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This week we’re chopping our way into the swamp with Hatchet 🪓🌿 the gory love letter to classic slashers. And we’re not going in alone. We’re joined by Brian from the Killer Point of View Podcast 🎙️ to talk Victor Crowley, backwoods ghost stories, and why this movie feels like a haunted house that punches you right in the face 😬 We break down the c…
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This week on Opening Kill, we’re diving into the eerie, neon-drenched sci-fi horror Companion — the movie where grief gets a body count and technology gets way too personal. We’ll break down the plot, the vibes, and of course the killer design choices that make this one stand out in a sea of spooky future-shock nightmares. And you know the drill — …
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Episode 39: Halloween (1978) – Special Trick or Treat Edition 🎃🔪 It’s our favorite night of the year, and we’re celebrating in style with a special Halloween episode! This week, we’re diving into the one that started it all — John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978). Michael Myers returns to his hometown for a night of terror, and we’re breaking down ever…
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🎃 Episode 38: Trick ‘R Treat (2007) 🎃 This week, we’re diving into one of the ultimate Halloween anthologies — Trick ‘R Treat! From werewolves and vengeful kids to that adorable little pumpkin-headed enforcer, Sam, this movie packs every October vibe you could want. We break down each twisted tale, talk about how they all connect, and debate where …
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🎢 This week on Opening Kill, the crew takes a wild ride through Hell Fest (2018) — the slasher that turns your favorite haunted attraction into a blood-soaked nightmare! We talk killer costumes, haunted house horror, and whether this theme park of terror lives up to its name. Plus, we’ve got video episodes all season long — so make sure to subscrib…
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We had some issues, but we now have the episode out again. This week on Opening Kill, things get a little groovy… and a little snotty. Michael is down for the count with a brutal cold, so Shay steps into the host chair and takes us back to the creepy cabin in the woods where it all began — Sam Raimi’s 1981 horror classic The Evil Dead. Armed with B…
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Season 2 Premiere Episode 35: The Houses October Built (2014) Season 2 is officially HERE — and we're kicking things off by diving headfirst into haunted hayrides, killer clowns, and extreme haunt horror! This week we're talking The Houses October Built (2014), a documentary-style found footage thrill ride that asks a terrifying question: how far w…
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Thanks for staying hooked through Season 1 with us — what a killer ride! We're closing things out with the 2025 reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer. In this season finale, we dive into everything from the film's plot twists and fresh kills to the new cast of characters and how this version stacks up against the original.This is one, where the…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we sink our fangs into Joel Schumacher's cult classic The Lost Boys. We kick things off with our usual plot breakdown — teenage rebellion, vampire biker gangs, and Santa Carla's finest mullets. Then, we get into the gnarly details of the film's iconic kills and makeup effects (yes, those glowing contacts were just a…
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In this thrilling episode of Opening Kill, we dive deep into the 1997 teen slasher classic I Know What You Did Last Summer! We're joined by the brilliant Stephanie Rose, author of Hiding Lies and the upcoming Small Town Slasher. Together, we break down the plot, explore all the juicy twists and turns, and revisit those unforgettable moments that ma…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we're diving deep into one of the most iconic horror thrillers of all time — Jaws (1975). We break down the plot, explore the film's massive cultural impact, and, of course, spotlight one of the most legendary opening kills in cinematic history: Chrissie's midnight swim. From the haunting score to Spielberg's master…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, Michael is back in the co-pilot seat as we dissect the highly anticipated return to deep space horror in Alien: Romulus. We're diving headfirst into the film's intense practical effects, stripped-down story, and—of course—the brutal, blood-slicked kills that harken back to the franchise's terrifying roots. Is Romulu…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, Brian and Shay break down The Cabin in the Woods, the meta-horror film that flips every classic slasher trope on its head. They talk about the five archetypal teens lured to a remote cabin, the shadowy organization manipulating their fate, and the ancient gods demanding blood to keep the world from ending. From zomb…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, Brian is joined by horror aficionado Shay Astor to revisit the slasher that started it all — the original Friday the 13th (1980). Together, they dissect the film's iconic kills, twist ending, and lasting influence on the genre. From Mrs. Voorhees' chilling reveal to the birth of Camp Crystal Lake lore, Brian and Sha…
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This week on Opening Kill, we dive into Halloween Ends, the baffling conclusion to the rebooted trilogy. As always, we run through the plot (good luck making sense of it), count the bodies, and hand out our Butcher Knife or Butter Knife award for the opening kill. Let's just say expectations were stabbed—and not in a good way. Tune in for the carna…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we're diving into the chaos of Cloverfield – the found-footage monster movie that redefined viral marketing and left audiences dizzy (literally and figuratively). We break down the film's plot, discuss the mysterious monster tearing through Manhattan, and spotlight the kills that made this a standout creature featur…
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In this eerie and hilarious milestone episode of Opening Kill, we venture deep into the Swedish wilderness with the 2017 folk horror gem The Ritual. We break down the film's chilling plot, iconic kills, and the existential dread that stalks our main characters through the forest. From Norse mythology to grief and guilt, we unpack the layered themes…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we dive into the 1988 horror classic Child's Play! We're joined by fan of the show JP as we dissect the plot, laugh at the campy moments, and appreciate the practical effects that brought Chucky to life. From over-the-top kills to creepy doll antics, we break down what makes this movie iconic—and what makes it downr…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we carve into Halloween Kills with our signature deep-dive format. From the brutal cold open to the return of legacy characters and the town's descent into mob justice, we break down the film's highs, lows, and blood-soaked details. As always, we discuss what worked, what didn't, and whether Michael Myers still has …
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In episode 22 of Opening Kill, the crew takes on Ready or Not—the 2019 horror-comedy where a wedding night turns into a bloody game of hide-and-seek. We dive into everything from the wild story and over-the-top kills to the cast, with lots of love for Samara Weaving, who totally owns the role of the badass bride. There's plenty of fun trivia thrown…
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If you want to enhance your viewing experience, we highly recommend you check out https://thebirthdaymurders.net/ , then watch the movie! In this chilling episode, Michael and Brian sink their teeth into the 2024 psychological horror film Longlegs. They kick things off by unpacking the eerie plot, centered on an FBI agent drawn into a disturbing se…
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Blood, Bullets, and Bats – From Dusk Till Dawn This week on Opening Kill, we sink our teeth into Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino's cult classic From Dusk Till Dawn. From heist flick to vampire showdown, we break down the plot twists, our favorite characters (yes, even the Gecko brothers), killer effects, and—of course—the unforgettable kills…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we're galloping through the bizarre world of the new movie Death of a Unicorn. It's a wild ride filled with magical mayhem, and we've got all the details. We break down the plot, the quirky characters, and—of course—the kills (because what's a unicorn movie without a little bloodshed?). Tune in for our deep dive, wh…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we dive deep into the cult classic April Fool, a film that has captivated audiences with its dark humor and unexpected twists. We explore the eerie atmosphere, memorable characters, and the satirical take on classic horror tropes that makes April Fool stand out in the genre. From its unique storytelling to the shock…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we dive deep into In A Violent Nature, a fresh and twisted take on the slasher genre. From its unique narrative approach to the jaw-dropping kills, we break down what makes this film stand out. We explore its unconventional plot, the characters that drive the chaos, and how it flips the typical slasher formula on it…
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In this electrifying episode of Opening Kill, we're bringing the laughs, scares, and wild kills with a deep dive into Lisa Frankenstein! We break down the quirky plot, the unforgettable characters, and of course, the killer moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. But the fun doesn't stop there — we're joined by the fantastic hosts of How Do…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we dive deep into the 2009 vampire thriller Daybreakers. The team breaks down the unique plot, where humanity is on the brink of extinction, and vampires have taken over the world. As the human population dwindles, the film explores themes of survival, desperation, and the blurred lines between predator and prey. Of…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, hosts Michael and Brian take a deep dive into the 2025 horror-comedy film The Monkey. They break down what makes this hilarious yet terrifying movie stand out, exploring its wild plot, the best moments, and the kills that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. They start by discussing the unique premise of The M…
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In this spine-chilling episode of Opening Kill, we dive deep into the eerie world of Cobweb. Join us as we dissect the film's gripping plot, the unsettling kills, and the sinister themes that keep you on the edge of your seat. From exploring the psychological tension to unraveling the twists and turns, we break down what makes Cobweb a haunting wat…
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Join Michael Duren and Brian O'Connor as they dive into the chilling world of Valentine (2001). In this episode, the guys break down the slasher flick's brutal kills, dissect the story's twists and turns, and share some fun behind-the-scenes facts that'll have you looking at this cult classic in a new light. Whether you're a fan of the film or just…
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In this chilling episode of Opening Kill, we unravel the eerie tale of The Woman In Black. Join us as we explore the plot, the spine-tingling facts, and much more surrounding this haunting story. To make things even more thrilling, we have a special guest, Jaunty Haunts, who shares her personal paranormal experiences. From ghostly encounters to une…
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In this episode of Opening Kill, we sink our teeth into the 2010 remake of The Wolfman. Join us as we explore the eerie plot, the behind-the-scenes secrets, and the iconic kills that make this film a thrilling ride. From the haunting transformation scenes to the gripping finale, we dive into what works (and what doesn't) in this dark creature featu…
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Brian and Michael travel back to Haddonfield, for Halloween (2018), the long-awaited return of Michael Myers to the big screen. We dive deep into how this sequel reboots the franchise, ignoring all the previous follow-ups and reimagining Laurie Strode's story as a traumatized survivor. From the brutal kills to the intense cat-and-mouse chase betwee…
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Brian and Michael freeze their asses off in the Artic with The Thing, the prequel to the 1982 film, also called The Thing. The cast includes Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton and Kristofer Hivju. It tells the story of a team of scientists on a Norwegian Antarctic research station who discover a alien and a ship buried deep in the ice, realizin…
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Michael and Brian dive into the 1999 found footage horror movie The Blair Witch Project. This is one of the most successful indepentend films of all time, and put "found footage horror" on the map. It's the story of three fim student, shooting a documentary in the woods of Maryland about a local myth known as the Blair Witch. Things then quickly go…
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We deep dive into the gothic horror film, written and directed by Robert Eggers. The remake of the 1922 silent film Nosferatu, which was an unauthorized remake of Bram Stroker's 1897 novel Dracula. This dark story of lust was highly anticipated by us, so find out if it lives up to the hype, as we spoil it and give our thoughts. Follow us on our soc…
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Michael and Brian are joined by the talented Shay, who has done makeup work in various films, shows and music videos. We discuss the fantastic holiday horror Krampus, from 2015. It tells the story of a delighfuly disfunctional family, who has lost the festive spirit. This causes them to be on the recieving end of the wrath of Krampus, a horned anti…
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Brian and Michael discuss the 1984 Christmas slasher film Silent Night, Deadly Night. The story concerns a young man named Billy Chapman, who suffers from PTSD over witnessing his parents' murder on Christmas Eve by a man disguised as Old Saint Nick and his subsequent upbringing in an abusive Catholic orphanage. In adulthood, the Christmas holiday …
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We get into the Holiday Spirit, with Eli Roth's Thanksgiving. Released in 2023, Thanksgiving is a call back to those classic who done it slashers from the 90s. Who will John Carver dispose of? Listen to find out. Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing. Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/op…
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We dive into the classic 80s flick Fright Night Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing. Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-Pod/61569602580667/ Please subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and concider rating …
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In the debut episode of Opening Kill, Brian and Michael discuss everyone's favorite clown Art, and dive into the depraved world of Terrifier Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news and fun series we are doing. Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/opening_kill_pod/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Opening-Kill-…
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