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PODCAST

Opening Kill

Michael Duren & Brian O’Connor

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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All Episodes

72:14

Opening Kill Episode 72: A Nightmare On Elm Street

Opening Kill ·

2026/10/01

🔪 Season 3 is officially OPEN! 🔪The Opening Kill Podcast is back and we’re kicking off Season 3 with a deep dive into one of horror’s most iconic nightmares: A Nightmare on Elm Street. But this season, we’re changing the game. We’re debuting a brand-new format that puts the spotlight where it belongs: the opening kill. We’ll be digging deeper into the kills that kick off our favorite horror movies, what makes them memorable, how they set the tone, and why that first kill can make or break a

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57:22

Opening Kill Episode 70: Send Help

Opening Kill ·

2026/05/21

🏝️✈️ This week we’re diving into Sam Raimi’s wild survival horror ride that strands Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien on a deserted island after a brutal plane crash. What starts as a tense survival story quickly spirals into a darkly funny, bloody battle of power, paranoia, and revenge. 🩸🔥We talk Raimi’s signature gore and chaos, the shifting dynamics between Linda and her nightmare boss Bradley, and just how unhinged this movie gets by the final act. From gnarly island survival moments to

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50:02

Opening Kill Episode 69: Devour Interview with Scott...

Opening Kill ·

2026/05/14

This week we’re diving into the indie horror film Devour with a killer lineup of guests! 🎬🔪 We’re joined by the film’s director, Scott B. Hansen, along with cast members Gus Langley and Katelynn E. Newberry to talk all things Devour. From the film’s insane creatures and intense scares to behind the scenes stories from set, we explore what it took to bring this nightmare to life. We also get into the challenges of indie filmmaking, character work, and the passion that fuels independent horror

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57:35

Opening Kill Episode 68: Child's Play 2

Opening Kill ·

2026/05/08

🔪🧒 This week we’re diving into Child's Play 2 — the sequel that turned Chucky into a full-blown horror icon. We talk killer toy factory chaos, some of the best practical effects in horror, and why this movie might be even more fun than the original. From Andy’s rough foster home situation to Chucky’s relentless one-liners and brutal kills, this sequel wastes no time bringing the mayhem. Grab your Good Guy doll… if you dare. 🔥🩸Follow Opening Kill on our social media, to stay up to date on news

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54:09

Opening Kill Episode 66: Malignant

Opening Kill ·

2026/04/23

In this week’s episode, we dive headfirst into the absolute chaos that is Malignant, a movie that starts as a creepy haunted-house mystery 👻 and then completely loses its mind (in the best way possible) 🤯🔪. We break down James Wan’s wild tonal shifts, the over-the-top kills 🩸, and that twist that turns the whole movie on its head 😵‍💫.From eerie visions 👁️ to full-blown police-station mayhem 🚔💥, we talk about what works, what doesn’t, and why this film has become such a polarizing favorite

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60:37

Opening Kill Episode 64: Green Room

Opening Kill ·

2026/04/09

A broke punk band takes a last minute gig at a remote club… and plays the wrong kind of audience. After witnessing a brutal crime backstage, they find themselves trapped in a green room, fighting for survival against a ruthless gang of neo-Nazis led by the cold and calculating Patrick Stewart. What follows is a tense, bloody game of cat-and-mouse where every decision could be their last.This week, we break down the relentless intensity, shocking violence, and DIY survival tactics that make Green

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74:42

Opening Kill Episode 63: Sleepy Hollow (with Guest...

Opening Kill ·

2026/04/02

Step into the fog-drenched streets of Sleepy Hollow as we dig into Ichabod Crane’s eerie investigation of a string of brutal decapitations haunting a superstitious town. With whispers of the Headless Horseman riding through the night, nothing is quite what it seems and science clashes hard with the supernatural.We break down the gothic vibes, wild kills, and Tim Burton’s signature creepy style, while debating just how unhinged this mystery really gets. Joining us for the ride is special guest

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42:37

Opening Kill Episode 62: Leprechaun (1993)

Opening Kill ·

2026/03/26

Deep in the Irish countryside, a vengeful little creature guards his pot of gold with murderous intentand he’s not about to let anyone get away with stealing it 🍀💰🔪. In Leprechaun (1993), a group of unsuspecting people stumble into a nightmare when they unknowingly unleash the titular trickster, played with gleeful menace by Warwick Davis. What starts as a seemingly lighthearted setup quickly spirals into chaotic, campy horror as the leprechaun uses magic, riddles, and brutal kills to

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57:50

Opening Kill Episode 61: Gille Klabin Interview

Opening Kill ·

2026/03/19

Gille Klabin is a filmmaker known for his visually inventive storytelling and genre-bending style. He directed the 2019 psychedelic thriller The Wave, starring Justin Long, which quickly became a cult favorite for its wild visuals and surreal ride through a night gone completely off the rails. Klabin is also the writer, producer, special effects artist, and director behind the upcoming film Weekend at the End of the World, continuing to showcase his hands-on approach to filmmaking and passion for

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50:51

Opening Kill Bonus Episode: Friday the 13th Part 3

Opening Kill ·

2026/03/13

Enjoy this special bonus episode!

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82:35

Opening Kill Episode 59: Haunt

Opening Kill ·

2026/03/12

This week we step inside Haunt (2019), a Halloween-night nightmare where the haunted house is way more real than anyone bargained for. We’re also joined by friend of the show and horror author Stephanie Rose https://stephanierosewriter.com/ who helps us break down all the brutal scares and twisted fun this movie delivers.Looking for something to do on Halloween, Harper and her friends stumble upon an extreme haunted attraction promising the most terrifying experience imaginable. The rules are

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55:20

Opening Kill Episode 50: Barbarian

Opening Kill ·

2026/01/15

🎉 Episode 50 – Barbarian 🎉 We made it to 50 episodes, and we’re celebrating the milestone by diving headfirst into one of the wildest horror rides in recent years: Barbarian. This week, we break down the movie that starts as an uncomfortable Airbnb nightmare and spirals into something way darker, weirder, and way more brutal than anyone expects. We talk spoiler-free vibes up top, then tear into the twists, the shifting perspectives, and how Barbarian weaponizes tension, trauma, and audience

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46:35

Opening Kill Episode 48: Bloody New Year

Opening Kill ·

2026/01/01

This week we ring in the new year with Bloody New Year (1987), a bizarre slice of late-’80s British horror that throws a group of teens onto a mysterious island where time itself seems completely broken. What starts as a simple New Year’s Eve party quickly spirals into chaos when they discover an abandoned hotel filled with deadly traps, unexplained hallucinations, and a sinister force determined to make sure no one survives to see January 1st.We break down the movie’s strange time-loop vibes,

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56:10

Opening Kill Episode 43: Black Friday

Opening Kill ·

2025/11/29

snag some savings and laughs as we dive into the interesting Black Friday.

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49:52

Opening Kill Episode 42: Ghost Ship

Opening Kill ·

2025/11/20

Episode 42: Ghost Ship (2002) ⚓👻All aboard the Antonia Graza! This week we’re diving into the early-2000s supernatural cult classic Ghost Ship, famous for one of the most shocking opening scenes in horror history. We break down the plot, the grisly mysteries hiding below deck, and whether this haunted vessel still floats after all these years. Plus, we decide if the Opening Kill deserves the coveted Butcher Knife 🔪 or if it sinks with the Dreaded Butter Knife 🧈. Hop on deck, grab your life vest,

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73:08

Opening Kill Episode 41: Hatched (Ft. Brian, From The...

Opening Kill ·

2025/11/13

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 characters, the practical effects, and of course we decide if that Opening Kill deserves the mighty Butcher Knife 🔪 or gets stuck with the dreaded

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38:16

Opening Kill Episode 39: Halloween (1978)

Opening Kill ·

2025/10/31

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 everything from the haunting score to the ultimate Final Girl, Laurie Strode. Plus, since it’s Trick or Treat, we’re spicing things up with some Halloween

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62:07

Opening Kill Episode 38: Trick 'R Treat

Opening Kill ·

2025/10/30

🎃 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 Trick ‘R Treat ranks among modern Halloween classics. Plus, we talk about why this movie feels like Halloween in every frame. And of course, we

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52:40

Opening Kill Episode 37: Hell Fest

Opening Kill ·

2025/10/23

🎢 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 subscribe on YouTube to catch all the scares (and our faces) every week. Grab your popcorn, secure your wristband, and don’t trust the guy in the mask… Follow

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51:59

Opening Kill Episode 36: The Evil Dead (1981)

Opening Kill ·

2025/10/21

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 Book of the Dead trivia, behind-the-scenes chaos, and a healthy appreciation for Bruce Campbell’s exaggerated screaming, we break down why The Evil Dead is

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