Michael Varrati
@michaelvarrati.bsky.social
Filmmaker/screenwriter of a bunch of indie horror flicks and some made-for-TV movies your mom likes. Co-host of Midnight Mass.
Reposted by Michael Varrati
Actual icon. The modern horror landscape wouldn't be the same without her, not to mention her outstanding work across many other genres. In many ways, it's wild that her last name was Hill, because she moved mountains.
Happy Birthday to the late Debra Hill, co-creator of Halloween (she was raised in Haddonfield, NJ) and the force behind such sleepover classics as Clue, Adventures in Babysitting, The Dead Zone and Big Top Pee-Wee.
#debrahill #clue #halloween
#debrahill #clue #halloween
November 10, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Actual icon. The modern horror landscape wouldn't be the same without her, not to mention her outstanding work across many other genres. In many ways, it's wild that her last name was Hill, because she moved mountains.
Del Toro's FRANKENSTEIN releasing to streaming the same weekend as Bram Stoker's birthday is a fun little Gothic coincidence, especially since John Polidori's THE VAMPYRE was written as part of the same contest wherein Mary Shelley wrote her novel...and THE VAMPYRE directly influenced DRACULA.
November 9, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Del Toro's FRANKENSTEIN releasing to streaming the same weekend as Bram Stoker's birthday is a fun little Gothic coincidence, especially since John Polidori's THE VAMPYRE was written as part of the same contest wherein Mary Shelley wrote her novel...and THE VAMPYRE directly influenced DRACULA.
…a conceit which Curtis brought to DRACULA first while cribbing from himself in his 1973 adaptation starring Jack Palance. It’s pretty grand, really: Barnabas was directly inspired by Dracula…and, in turn, Dracula lore was culturally altered because of Barnabas. Vampires beget vampires.
I haven’t seen Besson’s DRACULA, but it’s so wild how “Mina is the reincarnation of Dracula’s bride” has become part of the accepted lore. None of this is from the book; he’s directly pulling from Coppola’s 1992 film, which was cribbing from DARK SHADOWS (and maybe THE MUMMY), as was FRIGHT NIGHT 🤣
November 9, 2025 at 4:23 PM
…a conceit which Curtis brought to DRACULA first while cribbing from himself in his 1973 adaptation starring Jack Palance. It’s pretty grand, really: Barnabas was directly inspired by Dracula…and, in turn, Dracula lore was culturally altered because of Barnabas. Vampires beget vampires.
It is no longer enough to reanimate the dead. You must also yassify the dead.
November 9, 2025 at 12:08 AM
It is no longer enough to reanimate the dead. You must also yassify the dead.
Reposted by Michael Varrati
sometimes an Oxford comma can make all the difference
November 8, 2025 at 12:36 PM
sometimes an Oxford comma can make all the difference
Reposted by Michael Varrati
Good morning! AI is being force-fed to you by a handful of billionaires who will lose a bunch of money if they fail to convince you that you need it. You do not need it 🫶
November 6, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Good morning! AI is being force-fed to you by a handful of billionaires who will lose a bunch of money if they fail to convince you that you need it. You do not need it 🫶
Reposted by Michael Varrati
Can't get enough? Peaches and Michael just released a Patreon-exclusive Mini-Mass digging into the curious subgenre of "killer objects!" Movies about sentient cars, living lawnmowers, murderous tires, beds that eat, and more are discussed! Subscribe and listen! www.patreon.com/posts/mini-m...
November 8, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Can't get enough? Peaches and Michael just released a Patreon-exclusive Mini-Mass digging into the curious subgenre of "killer objects!" Movies about sentient cars, living lawnmowers, murderous tires, beds that eat, and more are discussed! Subscribe and listen! www.patreon.com/posts/mini-m...
Are Ruffles just the corduroy of chips?
November 8, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Are Ruffles just the corduroy of chips?
This prompt reminds me of my longstanding belief that the general plot of EYES WIDE SHUT and DIE HARD is the same: “A man tries to rekindle his failing marriage when things take a messy turn at a Christmas party.”
Explain a film plot badly:
Masculinity, mayhem, and a surprise HR violation.
Masculinity, mayhem, and a surprise HR violation.
Explain a film plot badly:
Rock collector swims through human waste.
Rock collector swims through human waste.
November 6, 2025 at 5:25 PM
This prompt reminds me of my longstanding belief that the general plot of EYES WIDE SHUT and DIE HARD is the same: “A man tries to rekindle his failing marriage when things take a messy turn at a Christmas party.”
Reposted by Michael Varrati
If there’s a missing link in slasher movie history it’s HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, written by Joseph Stefano (PSYCHO), starring Sally Field, Jessica Walter, Julie Harris.
All the genre’s pieces are here, in one place, two years before BLACK CHRISTMAS.
Distributors, I beg you: Pick it up, clean it up!
All the genre’s pieces are here, in one place, two years before BLACK CHRISTMAS.
Distributors, I beg you: Pick it up, clean it up!
Happy Birthday Sally Field, here in Home for the Holidays...
#Filmsky
#Moviesky
weegiemidget.wordpress.com/2020/10/08/h...
#Filmsky
#Moviesky
weegiemidget.wordpress.com/2020/10/08/h...
TV… Home for the Holidays (1972) (TV MOVIE)
Killing time with the Morgan family at Christmas… The Morgan sisters return to the family home for Christmas, as their estranged father is worried his new wife is trying to kill him.
weegiemidget.wordpress.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:06 PM
If there’s a missing link in slasher movie history it’s HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, written by Joseph Stefano (PSYCHO), starring Sally Field, Jessica Walter, Julie Harris.
All the genre’s pieces are here, in one place, two years before BLACK CHRISTMAS.
Distributors, I beg you: Pick it up, clean it up!
All the genre’s pieces are here, in one place, two years before BLACK CHRISTMAS.
Distributors, I beg you: Pick it up, clean it up!
As it's Tilda Swinton's birthday, I'd encourage folks to seek out/revisit her work with the late Derek Jarman. Not only were they Swinton's introduction to audiences, but they were crucial, soaring entries in the queer cinema canon during an era where we go so very few. Stunning and formative.
November 5, 2025 at 7:05 PM
As it's Tilda Swinton's birthday, I'd encourage folks to seek out/revisit her work with the late Derek Jarman. Not only were they Swinton's introduction to audiences, but they were crucial, soaring entries in the queer cinema canon during an era where we go so very few. Stunning and formative.
Oh, to be the person who sings the “La La” scene transitions on GILMORE GIRLS.
November 5, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Oh, to be the person who sings the “La La” scene transitions on GILMORE GIRLS.
Reposted by Michael Varrati
✨New Ep✨
@ianxcarlos.bsky.social @eversonpoe.bsky.social @michaelvarrati.bsky.social + Philip Ellis talk Angel s4's 'Apocalypse Nowish'
YouTube: youtu.be/vaomFugFaiI
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/63D9...
Apple Pod: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
@ianxcarlos.bsky.social @eversonpoe.bsky.social @michaelvarrati.bsky.social + Philip Ellis talk Angel s4's 'Apocalypse Nowish'
YouTube: youtu.be/vaomFugFaiI
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/63D9...
Apple Pod: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
November 4, 2025 at 6:07 PM
✨New Ep✨
@ianxcarlos.bsky.social @eversonpoe.bsky.social @michaelvarrati.bsky.social + Philip Ellis talk Angel s4's 'Apocalypse Nowish'
YouTube: youtu.be/vaomFugFaiI
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/63D9...
Apple Pod: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
@ianxcarlos.bsky.social @eversonpoe.bsky.social @michaelvarrati.bsky.social + Philip Ellis talk Angel s4's 'Apocalypse Nowish'
YouTube: youtu.be/vaomFugFaiI
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/63D9...
Apple Pod: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
It's the birthday of the late, great French auteur Jean Rollin, whose dreamlike construction fundamentally contributed to the overall language of vampire storytelling. Additionally, the (oft messy) sapphic themes in his work present an interesting, if complicated, chapter in queer horror history.
November 3, 2025 at 5:57 PM
It's the birthday of the late, great French auteur Jean Rollin, whose dreamlike construction fundamentally contributed to the overall language of vampire storytelling. Additionally, the (oft messy) sapphic themes in his work present an interesting, if complicated, chapter in queer horror history.
Halloween Ends. Halloween Begins. Halloween Always.
November 1, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Halloween Ends. Halloween Begins. Halloween Always.
Reposted by Michael Varrati
Just finished recording for Angel s4’s Apocalypse Nowish with @michaelvarrati.bsky.social @eversonpoe.bsky.social + Philip and it was such a good time ☄️😈
October 31, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Just finished recording for Angel s4’s Apocalypse Nowish with @michaelvarrati.bsky.social @eversonpoe.bsky.social + Philip and it was such a good time ☄️😈
Just learning that John Candy was born on October 31st, which technically would make him Halloween Candy...and that brings me joy.
October 31, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Just learning that John Candy was born on October 31st, which technically would make him Halloween Candy...and that brings me joy.
The day before Halloween is Ruth Gordon's birthday? How apt, considering we're right next door to witchiness!
October 30, 2025 at 7:52 PM
The day before Halloween is Ruth Gordon's birthday? How apt, considering we're right next door to witchiness!
Just in time for Halloween, I had the distinct pleasure of selecting eight of my favorite frights on @shudder.com, and if you know anything about my personal taste in films, things get fun, frightening, and downright weird. Check it out!
We know it's not easy to choose 8 films for Favorite Frights on @shudder.com. @michaelvarrati.bsky.social, fresh off from this year's @fangoria.bsky.social Chainsaw Awards, as well as the writer and director of THERE'S A ZOMBIE OUTSIDE, pulled through!
From THE GUEST to PONTYPOOL, check them out 🔽
From THE GUEST to PONTYPOOL, check them out 🔽
Favorite Frights on Shudder with Michael Varrati, writer and director of There’s a Zombie Outside and the 2025 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards
A story on Letterboxd.
boxd.it
October 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Just in time for Halloween, I had the distinct pleasure of selecting eight of my favorite frights on @shudder.com, and if you know anything about my personal taste in films, things get fun, frightening, and downright weird. Check it out!
Reposted by Michael Varrati
June Gloom is extremely proud to be one of the production companies behind @brendohales.bsky.social's feature film directorial debut, SCORCH MARKS! Get ready, a dark, queer storm ia a-comin'!
Chainsaw Awards alumni Brendan Haley and Michael Varrati are teaming up for an all-new LGBTQ horror film, hitting theaters next year.
Two Chainsaw Awards Alumni Team Up For LGBTQ Horror Film SCORCH MARKS
Chainsaw Awards alumni Brendan Haley and Michael Varrati are teaming up for an all-new LGBTQ horror film, hitting theaters next year.
dlvr.it
October 29, 2025 at 7:25 PM
June Gloom is extremely proud to be one of the production companies behind @brendohales.bsky.social's feature film directorial debut, SCORCH MARKS! Get ready, a dark, queer storm ia a-comin'!
I put a spell on you! On this week's @midnightmasspod.bsky.social, Peaches and I are celebrating 1993's HOCUS POCUS! We're joined by drag superstars Tina Turner and Nicole Halliwell to talk Sanderson sisters, Salem, parody shows, and more! Happy Halloween! midnightmass.buzzsprout.com/1796691/epis...
October 29, 2025 at 3:28 PM
I put a spell on you! On this week's @midnightmasspod.bsky.social, Peaches and I are celebrating 1993's HOCUS POCUS! We're joined by drag superstars Tina Turner and Nicole Halliwell to talk Sanderson sisters, Salem, parody shows, and more! Happy Halloween! midnightmass.buzzsprout.com/1796691/epis...
There was a time when MONKEY TRUCK would already be in active development for a rushed cable airing and within a month we’d have a trailer featuring a television star of yesteryear looking directly at the camera and saying “…things just got bananas.”
BREAKING | Truck hauling monkeys carrying hepatitis C, herpes and Covid overturns in Mississippi
Truck hauling monkeys carrying hepatitis C, herpes and Covid overturns in Mississippi
www.independent.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 3:28 AM
There was a time when MONKEY TRUCK would already be in active development for a rushed cable airing and within a month we’d have a trailer featuring a television star of yesteryear looking directly at the camera and saying “…things just got bananas.”
Reposted by Michael Varrati
First in Fright: The FANGORIA Compendium is a limited-edition hardcover book and digital archive project preserving Fango’s history, featuring restored imagery, retrospectives and contributions from Carpenter, Barker, Mancini, Savini and more - here's how YOU can get involved.
Join FANGORIA In Preserving Horror History With The FIRST IN FRIGHT Compendium
First in Fright: The FANGORIA Compendium is a limited-edition hardcover book and digital archive project preserving Fango’s history, featuring restored imagery, retrospectives and contributions from Carpenter, Barker, Mancini, Savini and more - here's how YOU can get involved.
dlvr.it
October 28, 2025 at 1:09 PM
First in Fright: The FANGORIA Compendium is a limited-edition hardcover book and digital archive project preserving Fango’s history, featuring restored imagery, retrospectives and contributions from Carpenter, Barker, Mancini, Savini and more - here's how YOU can get involved.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time the MONSTER MASH was brought to screen as a movie! In 1995, a film with a story line not dissimilar to ROCKY HORROR was released, featuring Bobby "Boris" Pickett himself, as well as the likes of Mink Stole, John Kassir, Adam Shankman, & Jimmie 'JJ' Walker!
October 28, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Interestingly, this isn't the first time the MONSTER MASH was brought to screen as a movie! In 1995, a film with a story line not dissimilar to ROCKY HORROR was released, featuring Bobby "Boris" Pickett himself, as well as the likes of Mink Stole, John Kassir, Adam Shankman, & Jimmie 'JJ' Walker!