Sink your teeth into this episode of Kraken Cans Cast as we explore the eerie legends of New Orleans most infamous vampires. From the enigmatic Jacques St. Germain, rumored to be relative to the Count St. Germain, to the chilling tale of the Carter Brothers and their sinister thirst for blood, we unravel the dark history lurking in the city shadows…

In our latest review round-up, Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 has Laura and Hugo at odds, Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths steals their hearts, and Brazilian awards darling I’m Still Here sparks a heated debate between our two hosts—is it Oscar bait or a worthy contender? Tune in and have your say on this month’s biggest releases! Book tickets to Mickey 17 @ LAB…

In this episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we dive deep into the swamps of Louisiana to uncover the legend of the Rougarou the Cajun werewolf with a hunger for mischief and mayhem. We trace its origins back to France, where it was first known as the loup-garou, and explore how French settlers brought the tale across the ocean, letting it evolve into the …

In this review roundup, hosts Laura Gommans and Hugo Emmerzael dive into three films that have caught their attention. Oz Perkins’ latest offbeat horror, The Monkey, leaves them both questioning if the American director knows how to land an ending. Hugo shares insights from his Cannes conversation with Jia Zhang-ke about his latest work, Caught by …

Is Detroit haunted by a mischievous, red-eyed menace? For centuries, sightings of the Nain Rouge have been followed by disasters, fires, riots, even the city's worst tragedies. Is it a warning of doom or the cause of it? In this episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we dive into the legend of the Red Dwarf of Detroit, its eerie appearances, and the chaos le…

With a new wave of nostalgia-driven musical biopics—A Complete Unknown, Better Man, Maria—flooding theaters, hosts Laura Gommans and Hugo Emmerzael ask: what does it take to make a great musical biopic these days? A genre weighed down by formulaic storytelling and its own well-worn bingo card of narrative beats, the musical biopic too often settles…

In this episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we dive into the eerie legend of The Crying Boy Curse, a tale of mysterious fires and haunted paintings that just won’t burn. Using David Clarke’s article The Curse of the Crying Boy as our guide, we break down the origins of this creepy phenomenon and the strange stories that keep the legend alive. But we don’t…

In our first edition of the Review Roundup, a new biweekly cinematic dispatch, Laura Gommans and Elliot Bloom get into the latest films everyone's talking about. From the swirling controversies surrounding Brady Corbet’s Academy-nominated The Brutalist to the unexpected Marvel-like crossover in Pablo Larraín’s Maria, Laura and Elliot share their re…

Today, we wrap up our two-part series on Pennhurst Asylum! In Part 1, we explored its dark history and why it’s the perfect storm for paranormal activity. Now, in Part 2, we’re joined by special guest Jenni Lynn, a Pennhurst employee of 10 years and seasoned paranormal investigator. She shares firsthand experiences, insider tips, and chilling stori…

Legendary filmmaker Ernest Dickerson joins host Elliot Bloom for a compelling journey through his remarkable career. From his early love of sci-fi and fascination with the practical elements of filmmaking to meeting long-time collaborator Spike Lee on his first day of film school, Dickerson reflects on the defining moments that have influenced his …

In this first part of our Pennhurst series, we dive into the dark and unsettling history of the Pennhurst State School and Hospital. We explore how overcrowding, mistreatment, and abuse created a grim environment for its patients, painting a haunting picture of life behind its walls. This episode sets the stage for why Pennhurst remains one of the …

Fresh off winning the Dutch Film Critics’ Choice Award at the Netherlands Film Festival, LAB111 resident filmmaker Jeroen Houben joins host Kiriko Mechanicus to discuss his bittersweet, offbeat drama Torch Song. The film tells the story of an eccentric former pop singer who reconnects with her estranged half-brother in the Netherlands, only to unra…

What makes a house feel haunted? Is it the lingering energy of the past, a vengeful spirit, or something darker? In this episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we’re diving into the fascinating world of hauntings. From residual energies replaying on loop to intelligent entities with a message, and even the malevolent forces you don’t want to meet—we’re break…

A fearless voice against systemic injustice, Raoul Peck has crafted a body of work that interrogates the legacies of colonialism, racism, and power with unflinching clarity. In this episode, Peck joins our producer Elliot to discuss his latest film, Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, an intimate exploration of South Africa’s first apartheid-era photograp…

This year, vampires emerge from the shadows once more with Robert Eggers’ haunting reimagining of Nosferatu. But why does the vampire continue to linger in our cultural imagination? In this episode, hosts Laura Gommans and Tom Ooms embark on a cinematic journey through the dark, blood-soaked history of vampires and night stalkers. From terrifying s…

Join us for a deep dive into the mystique of Ouija boards, the ultimate gateway to the unknown. In this episode, we explore the origins of the spirit board, its rise to fame in spiritualism, and its controversial reputation as both a harmless parlor game and a tool for summoning dark forces. From historical hauntings tied to Ouija sessions to chill…

In a village under constant threat of displacement, where homes and schools are torn down and the land is slowly seized, how does one resist? For Basel, the camera is a weapon in the fight to preserve his community of Masafer Yatta. No Other Land is an unflinching documentary of settler violence, created by two Palestinians and two Israeli filmmake…

Bloodsucking Fiends: A Love Story by Christopher Moore In tonight’s Vampire Book Club Episode, we’re going to discuss the humorous vampire novel Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore. Tori loved this book in the 90s and is excited, Chael had never read it before. We discuss what we loved and what we didn’t and go through most of the plot. The Va…

In our first episode of the new year 2025, we enter Paranuary (a play on our paranormal-themed January) and dive into the unsettling world of mimics. We explore how different entities use mimicry for a variety of reasons and discuss theories about what mimics might be. We also introduce the concept of doppelgangers, adding another layer of mystery …

In this episode, we unwrap the eerie tale of the Candy Lady, a chilling urban legend from early 1900s Texas. Known for luring children with sugary treats that led to their mysterious disappearances, this sinister story is sure to leave you with goosebumps—and second thoughts about those sweets! To lighten the mood, we’re also playing a fun game whe…

This week on Kraken Cans Cast, we’re diving into the chilling folklore of the Yule Cat—a massive, menacing feline that’s been lurking in Icelandic Christmas traditions for centuries. We uncover the origins of this holiday beast, the tale of Gryla (the not-so-jolly ogress), and her mischievous Yule Lads. Plus, we share a Reddit story from someone wh…

To mark the release of Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, a 40-year passion project with a staggering $120 million price tag, we turn our attention to cinema’s most audacious, eccentric, and underappreciated visions — the “ugly ducklings” that, against all odds, have found their place in the cultural canon. This episode explores the daring, often …

When 26 royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey (modern-day Republic of Benin) would finally be returned from France, filmmaker Mati Diop was granted rare access to document this historic moment. Dahomey, Mati's deeply moving and thought-provoking documentary, is the result of that access—a cinematic meditation that not only chronicles the repa…

For this episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we delve into the chilling true story of The Watcher. Join us as we explore the unsettling tale of a mysterious figure who tormented a New Jersey family with ominous letters and cryptic warnings. Who—or what—was The Watcher, and why did this eerie tale capture the world’s attention? Grab a drink, turn off the l…

Trigger warning: Please be advised that this episode includes discussions about sexual violence. In this powerful episode, host Elliot sits down with Shiori Ito to discuss her film debut, Black Box Diaries. The documentary is a firsthand account of Shiori’s harrowing experience of sexual violence by media mogul Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a man with ties t…

In this episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we dive deep into the chilling legend of Krampus, the Christmas enforcer of the naughty list. We explore the history of this horned holiday terror, his partnership with Saint Nick, and how they make the ultimate good cop/bad cop team. We also talk about the traditions of Krampusnacht and Krampuslauf—nights fille…

In this monumental episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we dive deep into the bizarre and terrifying legend of the Snallygaster—Maryland’s infamous winged cryptid with tentacles, a bloodthirsty beak, and a taste for chaos. But this isn’t your usual episode… We’re joined by our first-ever guest, Corey’s brother-in-law Aaron, to help tackle this beast of a t…

In Kneecap, Rich Peppiatt delivers a raw and politically charged origin story about JJ, a Belfast teacher, and two self-proclaimed "low-life scum," Naoise and Liam, who form the first Irish-speaking hip-hop group. The film is a powerful act of cultural resistance, celebrating the revitalization of the Irish language through music. Peppiatt discusse…

In this episode, we dive into the legend of the Jersey Devil, starting with its bizarre origin story and the wild variations that have popped up over time. We explore real-life encounters, including the infamous Phenomenal Week, and dig into theories about what might really be lurking in the Pine Barrens. Of course, we couldn’t skip how this legend…

Join us for a cinematic road trip through the films of visionary director Wim Wenders, whose work has redefined cinematic storytelling. In conjunction with the LAB111 program Drifters and Dreamers: The Films of Wim Wenders and the stunning 4K restoration of Paris, Texas (1984), Tom Ooms and Elliot Bloom explore the recurring themes of transience, m…

In this episode we dive into southern folklore from the Gullah culture. This supernatural entity sneaks into your house at night, climbs on top of a sleeping person, and sucks the life out of them. Striping them of not just their skin, but of their entire life. Give us a shout Follow us on all major social media platforms @KrakenCansCast and reach …

In this episode of Kraken Cans Cast, Corey and Mike take listeners deep into the mysterious world of Haunchyville, Wisconsin. They explore the eerie tale of circus dwarves who built a hidden community in the woods, guarded by their fearsome albino protector. The episode then pivots to a fascinating YouTube video featuring a so-called real-life surv…

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires In tonight’s Vampire Book Club Episode, we’re going to discuss the novel The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix. Despite the misleading title, we enjoyed it as a horror novel. We debate whether the big bad counts as a vampire, talk about what worked for us in the story,…

Following a packed-out CC Film Club screening of Knight Of Cups, host Hugo chats with Tom van der Linden, the creator of the popular YouTube channel Like Stories Of Old, to explore this often-overlooked masterpiece by Terrence Malick. Like Stories Of Old combines media analysis with personal reflection in emotive video essays, offering viewers a fr…

Get ready for a wild ride as we delve into the legend of the Hidebehind, a spooky figure from the lumberjack community. We’ll unpack its eerie backstory and then share a hilarious yet chilling Reddit tale of a Hidebehind encounter that’ll have you laughing and cringing at the same time. Tune in for this perfect mix of folklore and humor! Give us a …

Visionary director Tarsem Singh joins Kiriko to reflect on The Fall (2006), once dubbed by the filmmaker himself as “the most expensive passion project” until Megalopolis. A film nearly derailed by Harvey Weinstein, The Fall has since been reclaimed by a dedicated fanbase, championed by figures like Roger Ebert. Now with a stunning 4K restoration, …

Crafted on a shoestring budget, Kevin Boitelle's feature debut, Trip-Tych, serves as both a film about the art of filmmaking and a reflection on the creative struggle inherent in the process. In conversation with host Kiriko, Kevin reminisces about his formative film experiences and his early collaborations with friends, emphasizing his desire to p…

In this chilling episode of Kraken Cans Cast, we dive into the eerie legend of the Pigman of Northfield, Vermont. From his grotesque appearance to his disturbing origins, we explore the tales of a half-human, half-pig creature terrorizing the area. What truth lies behind the sightings, and how has this local legend endured for decades? Grab your fa…

For Episode 11 of Kraken Cans Cast, we’re diving into the infamous Hook Man legend! We’ll start by unraveling the classic lovers’ lane tale that has haunted teens for generations. Then, we’ll explore the different varieties of Hook Man stories that have popped up over the years. But the terror doesn’t end with folklore—next, we connect this legend …

There is nothing as hypnotizing than the larger-than-life women that we see on the screen—captivating, outrageous, and irresistibly seductive. Join us as we celebrate some of cinema’s most iconic female archetypes, from the bold ladies who are both excessive and exciting to the enigmatic witches who cast their spell through exaggerated feminine man…

Get ready for a spooky dive into the history and origins of Halloween in this special edition Kraken Cans Cast episode. Corey and Mike unravel the roots of this haunted holiday before exploring chilling stories, including the infamous Pasadena Texas Candy Man murders and eerie Halloween urban legends. We’ll also dig into some creepy (and funny) Red…

Fresh off her feature debut opening the Netherlands Film Festival, one of LAB111's resident filmmakers Laura Hermanides joins Hugo to discuss Witte Flits—a project that began as a documentary but evolved into a striking fictional narrative. The film tackles the complex, timely debate surrounding euthanasia, particularly in cases of unbearable psych…

In this episode, we dive into the unsettling phenomenon of the Black Eyed Kids—those eerie, pale children who knock on doors, asking for help. Their strange, robotic speech and unnerving pitch-black eyes send chills down the spine of anyone who encounters them. Many believe these mysterious beings bring bad luck, leaving terror in their wake. Tune …

Orson Welles stands as a visionary filmmaker, a notorious showman, and an enigmatic storyteller who blurred the lines between fact and fiction. In this episode, Tom and Elliot dive deep into the life and legend of one of America's most celebrated yet elusive filmmakers, exploring the enduring allure of his work. As we celebrate the re-releases of T…

This week, we’re diving into the creepy legend of Bloody Mary. We’ll cover the twisted origin stories, what it’s like to actually summon her, and some wild Reddit posts from people who say they’ve seen her. Plus, we’ll break down what might really be going on when you look in the mirror and why Bloody Mary is such a big part of pop culture. Buckle …

After his 1980s collaboration with legendary filmmaker Michael Powell on a documentary chronicling Powell’s career, director David Hinton knew the story was only half told. Now, Hinton returns with the complete portrait of The Archers, Britain’s visionary filmmaking duo, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. In this episode, Hinton sits down with …

After diving into the history of dolls and Robert the doll last week, this week we take a look at maybe the most famous doll in pop culture today. Annabelle was made popular in the Conjuring universe but what's the real story behind her? Tune in this week as we talk Annabelle, the Okiku doll from Japan, and the Letta doll from Australia. Are these …

In this episode we dive into the eerie story of one of Americas most haunted dolls, Robert the doll, along with a history and brief explanation of why dolls seem to be a target for possession. Whether they're vessels for spirits or cursed objects, these dolls blur the line between playtime and the paranormal, making you think twice before bringing …

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the acclaimed stop-motion epic Coraline, Laura Gommans had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Henry Selick about his illustrious career and lifelong love for cinema. From scary tales at Aunt Lib's house to being terrified by the cyclops in The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, Henry reveals the origins of his eerie yet …

For the second part of our Champ, the Lake Champlain monster episode, we’ll kick things off by recapping the key concepts and findings from Part 1. Then, we’ll dive into the skeptical viewpoint, examining the evidence—or lack thereof—and the scientific explanations behind the Champ legend. We’ll also explore how Champ has become a driving force for…