[Editorial] Interview with Carter Smith director of The Passenger (2023)
Coming to Digital and On Demand on August 4th - the next big thriller from production powerhouse Blumhouse is Carter Smith’s The Passenger (2023).
Unlike the horror we’ve come to expect from Blumhouse – big budget CGI monsters, and houses haunted by jump scares in every corner - The Passenger is heavily grounded in the reality of trauma bonds and reckoning with lifelong guilt.
Fans of horrortok (that’s horror on tiktok for us over-30s) will recognise newcomer Johnny Berchtold as the meek Randy - a young man content with coming and going quietly, never drawing any attention to himself.
Horror royalty Kyle Gallner stars as his coworker Benson who, seemingly out of nowhere, goes on a violent killing spree and decides to drag Randy along with him.
Over the next hour or so, Randy is forced to confront his own troubled past as he and Benson form an unlikely bond.
I sat down with Director Carter Smith (The Ruins, Swallowed) to discuss how the film came to be, and his experience of working on a script more emotionally driven than his previous body-horrors.
LISTEN TO OUR HORROR PODCAST!
In this episode, host Ariel Powers-Shcaub is joined by Ghouls Magazine contributors Sarah Miles and Liz Bishop to chat about some of their recent horror TV and movies watches. From Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, to TV show Blood Drive to John Swab's Candy Land and more watch recommendations.
In August we have been looking at mind-bending films and books, which is why we decided to cover Agustina Bazterrica's disturbing horror book TENDER IS THE FLESH.
In July we have been looking at all things body horror! Which is why for our final episode of the month we visited the films of director Brandon Cronenberg with a look at Antiviral (2012), Possessor (2020) and Infinity Pool (2023).
In this episode, host Zoë Rose Smith is joined by Ghouls Magazine contributors Iona Smith, Melissa Cox and Ariel Baska to get gooey, ewwy and a little bit horny talking about their recent body horror watches, reads and plays! From Cronenberg's Crimes of the Future, to cannibalism book Tender is the Flesh to classic sci-fi horror The Thing and more...
This June we’ve been looking at originals and their remakes—and whilst we don’t always agree with horror film remakes, some of them often bring a fresh perspective to the source material. For this episode, we are looking at the remake of one of the most controversial exploitation films, The Last House on the Left (2009).
In this episode, host is joined by Ghouls Magazine Senior Contributor & Social Media Manager, , alongside Ghouls contributor . As always these three have been busy watching and reading lots of horror media and discuss films like Bones and All (2022), Suitable Flesh (2023), The Human Centipede (2009) and more.
In this episode join Assistant Editor at Ghouls Magazine and host, Rebecca McCallum as strips back the layers of flesh on these films alongside Senior Contributor & Social Media Manager, Kim Morrison. And no, these two don't just think that remakes are all trash - there's love in here for originals and remakes including House of Wax (2005) and more.
In this episode, host Zoë Rose Smith is joined by Ghouls Magazine Assistant Editor, Rebecca McCallum, and contributors Kat Hughes and Meg Kenny. They have been busy watching horror movies like The Devil’s Candy (2015), Rope (1948), Huesera: The Bone Woman (2023), binging TV shows such as Dead Ringers (2023) also also reading with the likes of My Heart is a Chainsaw and Dennis Coopers’ The Sluts.
This May we’ve been looking at natured themed horror films, anything from creature features to eco horror to biological horror and more. For this episode, the focus is on the parasitic horror and how infections can take control in terrifying ways with horror film The Bay (2012).
In this episode join host Zoë Rose Smith as she is joined by Playstation presenter, gaming streamer and The NoSleep Podcast voiceover artist - Ash Millman! Together they pull vines from their minds, and examine environmental horror film The Ruins (2008).
In April we are looking at ‘Coming-Of-Age’ horror films, from the lens of films that defined our own youth to films that directly dissect coming-of-age as a theme. This episode looks at romantic horror film Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)!
In this episode join host Ariel Powers-Schaub alongside Sarah Miles, Kat Hughes, Alix Turner & special guest Fern. From Quentin Tarantino's Deathproof (2007) to the slasher fav Child's Play (1988) to British horror TV Ghostwatch (1992) and more.
In this episode host Zoë Rose Smith is joined by Ghouls Magazine contributors Kat Hughes, Iona Smith, Ariel Baska and Meg Kenny to talk discovering sexuality, battling bullying, navigating teen struggles and being that 'spooky bitch'. From Hellraiser to IT to Excision and more...
In March we exploring the topic of women in horror, not only because we focus on looking at horror through the female, female-identifying & non-binary lense, but also because it’s officially Women in Horror Month! So for that reason, our theme is ‘Good For Her’ horror, and anything that might feature complex, complicated and resonating women characters.
In this episode host Ariel Powers-Schaub is joined by Ghouls Magazine contributors, Liz Bishop and Amber T, to embrace the on-screen women who make getting revenge, necrophilia and being drawn to bloodlust look damn cool. From Excision to Nekromantik 2 to Captivity to Prevenge and more...
In the new Ghouls Watch episodes of the podcast, we chat about what horror films and TV shows we’ve been watching lately! This time Ariel Powers-Schaub chats to Caitlyn Downs, Ariel Baska and Liz Bishop about sci-fi horror show Severance, horror film Run Sweetheart Run, sci-fi horror film Splice and more….
Extreme horror films often look at the relationship between sex and death, examining the ways in which they intertwine and talk to one another in disturbed ways. Which is why for the month of love, we are looking at a complicated and tragic love story with Jorg Buttgereit’s 1988 horror film Nekromantik.
Have you ever turned someone down for a date? Well, if you have, then you got away lucky because if you did that to the iconic Lola Stone you would be enduring some torture... This Valentine's Day we're not indulging in anything romantic, instead we're taking part in some Anti-Valentine's by discussing Sean Byrne's Australian horror film THE LOVED ONES (2009).
Come on down to the Clown Cafe if you’re hungry for a little slicing, dicing and a hilarious amount of guts and gore! There’s only one way to start off a new year and new season of podcasts with a bloody double bill of Damien Leone’s Terrifier (2016) and Terrifier 2 (2022).
Join Ariel Powers-Schaub and Iona Smith for the final episode as they discuss Final Destination 5 (2011) and look at what the future might hold for more evolutions of this horror franchise.
Join Ariel Powers-Schaub and Iona Smith as they dive further into the Final Destination franchise to look at Final Destination 3 (2006) and Final Destination 4 (2009)!
The bells are ringing and snow is falling, it's the most wonderful time of the year! So this December for Christmas, join us as we look at Michael Dougherty's festive horror film Krampus from 2015.
Did you listen to our episode talking about what we were excited to see at Soho Horror Film Festival? Well we’re back from crawling our worm bodies out of the earth to discuss what films we managed to catch at the festival and talk about which ones were our fav!
Join Ariel Powers-Schaub and Iona Smith as they strap in for the rollercoaster ride that is the Final Destination franchise!
When you go down to the Church tonight, you're going to be in for a surprise... At Ghouls Magazine we love independent cinema and to champion indie horror, Assistant Editor Rebecca McCallum caught up with Jen Handorf!
There's going to be worms, ghosting, hangovers, cults and more at this year's Soho Horror Film Festival and we are more than excited! Join host Zoë Rose Smith as she chats to Ghouls Magazine contributors and freelance journalists, Hannah Ogilvie and Caitlyn Downs.
Halloween is nearly here and it's time to get your PJs on ready for a nightmarish movie marathon! Host Rebecca McCallum is joined by the slumber party experts, Joshua Tonks & Liz Bishop, to find out what 5 horror movies they recommend to watch this spooky season! Plus, the terrifying trio test their horror knowledge...
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Hag horror originated in the early 1960’s and enjoyed its heyday during this time. Golden Era Hollywood actresses such as Joan Crawford and Bette Davis suddenly found themselves struggling to win roles over the younger, rising starlets of the time. So, in an ironic moment of art imitating life imitating art, these women turned to psychological horror films centered on unstable and dangerous older women. And a new character archetype was born.
While thematically and tonally different from his first feature, All Jacked Up and Full of Worms (2022), director Alex Phillips continues to create some of the more surreal indie horror films around. While Anything that Moves plays off of giallo and grindhouse genre films of the 70s, there is a unique warmth that Phillips brings along with all the blood and sex.
Here at Ghouls, we’re not averse to getting a little soppy with it, so we’ve rounded up seven of the most romantic horror films to spice up your Valentine’s Day, and where to stream them.
We devoured films of blood, obsession, and brutality, letting the screams of terror soundtrack our time in the shadows. Below, are our favourite films that haunted, thrilled, and consumed us while the magazine was on hiatus:
Ahead of the Academy Awards ceremony, Ghouls has rounded up where you can stream all of the 2025 horror releases in the UK and the US from the comfort of your own home.
Films that blend horror with romance always fascinate me; add a niche contemporary setting that I’ve never heard of before and I’m hooked. Cannibal Mukbang was made by Aimee Kuge, a young woman from New York, and I was privileged to spend a little time talking with her over Zoom…
You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of a thicker, heavier cotton, but it's still soft and comfy. And the double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favourite!
• 100% ring-spun cotton
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You've now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It's made of a thicker, heavier cotton, but it's still soft and comfy. And the double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favourite!
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Dark Heather is 65% polyester, 35% cotton
• 4.5 oz/y² (153 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the centre
PLEASE NOTE: AT THIS STAGE, ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE MADE TO ORDER BY OUR SUPPLIERS AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS. THEREFORE, WE CANNOT ACCEPT RETURNS UNLESS FAULTY OR INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE OUR FULL POLICY HERE
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100% cotton
Sport grey is made from 90% cotton & 10% polyester
Dark Heather is made from 65% polyester & 35% cotton
Pre-shrunk
PLEASE NOTE: ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE MADE TO ORDER. WE CANNOT ACCEPT RETURNS UNLESS FAULTY OR INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE OUR FULL POLICY HERE
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• 52% combed ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
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This racerback tank is soft, lightweight, and form-fitting with a flattering cut and raw edge seams for an edgy touch.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Fabric is laundered to reduce shrinkage
• Raw edge seams
PLEASE NOTE: AT THIS STAGE, ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE MADE TO ORDER BY OUR SUPPLIERS AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS. THEREFORE, WE CANNOT ACCEPT RETURNS UNLESS FAULTY OR INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE OUR FULL POLICY HERE
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This racerback tank is soft, lightweight, and form-fitting with a flattering cut and raw edge seams for an edgy touch.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Fabric is laundered to reduce shrinkage
• Raw edge seams
PLEASE NOTE: AT THIS STAGE, ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE MADE TO ORDER BY OUR SUPPLIERS AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS. THEREFORE, WE CANNOT ACCEPT RETURNS UNLESS FAULTY OR INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE OUR FULL POLICY HERE
DELIVERY
UK & EUROPE: 5 - 10 DAYS
USA: 10 - 20 DAYS
This racerback tank is soft, lightweight, and form-fitting with a flattering cut and raw edge seams for an edgy touch.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Fabric is laundered to reduce shrinkage
• Raw edge seams
PLEASE NOTE: AT THIS STAGE, ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE MADE TO ORDER BY OUR SUPPLIERS AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS. THEREFORE, WE CANNOT ACCEPT RETURNS UNLESS FAULTY OR INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE OUR FULL POLICY HERE
DELIVERY
UK & EUROPE: 5 - 10 DAYS
USA: 10 - 20 DAYS
This racerback tank is soft, lightweight, and form-fitting with a flattering cut and raw edge seams for an edgy touch.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)
• 32 singles
• Fabric is laundered to reduce shrinkage
• Raw edge seams
PLEASE NOTE: AT THIS STAGE, ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE MADE TO ORDER BY OUR SUPPLIERS AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS. THEREFORE, WE CANNOT ACCEPT RETURNS UNLESS FAULTY OR INCORRECT. PLEASE SEE OUR FULL POLICY HERE
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Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling
Double-lined hood with drawstring
Ribbed cuffs and waistband
Front pouch pocket
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Made from 100% turbo acrylic
12” in length
Hypoallergenic material
Suitable as a unisex hat
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Bag size: 15” x 15” (38cm x 38cm)
Double handles made from 100% natural cotton
Handle length: 11.8” (30cm)
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Made from ceramic
Choose from 11oz or 15oz mug
Dishwasher and microwave safe
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Made from 26% cotton and 74% polyester
3” (7.6cm) size
You can attach by ironing, sewing or using a safety pin

Throughout September we were looking at slasher films, and therefore we decided to cover a slasher film that could be considered as an underrated gem in the horror genre. And the perfect film for this was Franck Khalfoun’s 2012 remake of MANIAC.