DON'T WATCH AT NIGHT - Episode Blog

BOOK CLUB: Suburban Dicks by Fabian Nicieza

Published October 26, 2025

Happy 60th episode to us! It's book club discussion time and today, we're talking all about Suburban Dicks by Fabian Nicieza + enjoying our special cocktail pairing: The Comeback Kid! (or the mocktail if you prefer: The Cellulitist).

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://podcast.feedspot.com/latino_horror_podcasts/

https://ew.com/books/eddie-muller-noir-bar-excerpt/

https://mysteryreadersinc.blogspot.com/2019/05/detectives-and-their-drinks.html

https://www.totalwine.com/search/all?text=knob%20creek

https://www.communitynews.org/news/legendary-comic-book-writer-s-first-novel-set-in-west-windsor/article_f0a2c78e-d9bd-11eb-867b-87a55e923026.html https://irresponsiblereader.com/2021/10/11/suburban-dicks-by-fabian-nicieza-murder-where-the-suburbs-meet-utopia/

https://www.criminalelement.com/book-review-suburban-dicks-by-fabian-nicieza/

https://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-suburban-dicks/free-quiz.html#gsc.tab=0

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Tales From West Windsor

Published October 24, 2025

Book club episode is just around the corner where we'll be discussing Suburban Dicks by Fabian Nicieza!

This is for all the super sleuths out there!

In tribute to Kenneth Lee, down on his luck brilliant investigative journalist, who is desperately seeking to solve this case with the brilliant Andrea Stern (and write his redemption story!), we're offering up something we've dubbed The Comeback Kid!

It's very much inspired by the recipe we're beautifully gifted in Eddie Muller’s book, Noir Bar: Cocktails Inspired by the World of Film Noir.

(Put it on your to be bought list along with the wallpaper book we talk about in Creepy Cocktail Hour #9!)

In his book, Muller pairs 2021's Nightmare Alley with a cocktail called The Zeena.

This is the drink we're building ours off of!

The Comeback Kid:

2 ounces of Knob Creek Bourbon (Kenny's go-to of choice, when he can afford it)

¾ ounce sweet vermouth (Cocchi di Torino)

¾ ounce Bénédictine

Dash or two (or more, your tastes) of Angostura Bitters

Absinthe rinse (he’s adamant that you don’t skip this step!)

Pour a bit of Absinthe in your coupe or martini glass and swirl it around to coat it before tossing. Then add in all your ingredients into a shaker over ice and shake it up! Strain into your glass and garnish with an orange twist.

In our mocktail (The Cellulitist - another tribute to our story), we're utilizing a lot of the really great zero proof alternatives out there to build a complex, beautiful beverage!

The Cellulitist:

2 oz zero proof or non alcoholic bourbon like Spiritless Kentucky 74

3/4 oz Lyre’s Rosso or The Spirit of Vermouth Rosso (sweet vermouth substitute options)

3/4 oz Ghia - Original (this is a Bénédictine substitute)

A dash or two of All The Bitter's non alcoholic Angostura bitters

*Lyre’s also has an absinthe alternative for you glass rinse!

For your mocktail, remember to go easy on your shaker.

Add ice and your ingredients but do a gentle stir to cool down your drink whilst watching for too much dilution.

This is a tasty one and we hope you enjoy it!

Don't forget to subscribe to Don't Watch at Night and tune in on Monday!

A Deadly Invitation (Invitación a un Asesinato)

Published October 13, 2025

This is whodunnit month and today, Val and Ron are discussing 2023's A Deadly Invitation (Invitación a un Asesinato), directed by José Manuel Cravioto!

Also: This is last call for book club! Later this month, we're coming back to you for book club discussion time as we dive into Suburban Dicks by Fabian Nicieza. Finish your reading and let us know what you thought!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://movieweb.com/best-whodunnits-on-netflix/

https://butwhytho.net/2023/10/a-deadly-invitation-review/

https://www.highonfilms.com/a-deadly-invitation-2023-netflix-movie-ending-explained/

https://abstractaf.in/a-deadly-invitation-review-breezy-seaside-mystery/

https://www.martincid.com/movies/a-deadly-invitation-2023/

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Patreon Special: The Silence of the Lambs (film commentary)

Published October 6, 2025

Happy #spookyseason all!

To celebrate, we're watching 1991's The Silence of the Lambs, directed by Jonathan Demme.

This is a full length film commentary audio episode so it's designed to be listened to *as* you watch the movie along with us.

Find it on Patreon HERE!

The Day of The Lord (Menendez Parte 1: El Día del Señor)

Published September 29, 2025

This week, Val and Ron discuss 2020's The Day of The Lord (Menendez Parte 1: El Día del Señor), directed by Santiago Alvarado Ilarri.

We also briefly talked about some of Robert Redford's must watch performances and we end with a reminder that book club episode is coming up at the end of October so join us in reading Suburban Dicks by Fabian Nicieza .

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://moviesandmania.com/2020/11/01/the-day-of-the-lord-reviews-movie-film-horror-netflix-2020-overview/

https://rogersmovienation.com/2020/11/02/netflixable-a-two-fisted-mexican-priest-faces-a-possessed-teen-menendez-the-day-of-the-lord/

https://www.heavenofhorror.com/reviews/the-day-of-the-lord-netflix-ending-spoilers/

youtube: https://youtu.be/p_rG554Hy2g?si=MX1vSbOdcCJsHwG1

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/jimmy-kimmel-show-donald-trump-late-night-politics?srsltid=AfmBOor7Y8B0n_P6EcOM9ydU0fCdwYjPKR35vNmhQD6x8IqoUuiXYkBr

https://www.rogerebert.com/features/the-golden-boy-11-of-our-favorite-robert-redford-performances

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Strayed (Perdidos)

Published September 15, 2025

Today, Veronica and Val take a look at 2014's Strayed (Original title: Perdidos), directed by Diego Cohen! After that, Val talks exciting things about Halloween (including her newfound inspiration from senorscary.com) and Ron puts KPop Demon Hunters on our watch lists.

Don't forget to check out our book club page for latest info on book pics and tune in with us in October with our book club discussion episode!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://collider.com/scariest-found-footage-horror-movies-21st-century-ranked/

https://bloodredreviews.com/2020/01/03/perdidos-aka-strayed-2014/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4474302/reviews/?ref_=ttrt_ov_ql_2

Señor Scary - https://www.senorscary.com/

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

The Skin I Live In (La Piel Que Habito)

Published September 1, 2025

Today Valerie and Veronica discuss 2011's The Skin I Live In, directed by Pedro Almodóvar and starring Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya.

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://slowburnhorror.com/2023/02/17/what-is-body-horror/

https://www.pointnthink.fr/en/body-horror/
https://collider.com/pedro-almodovar-the-skin-i-live-in/

https://www.deepfocusreview.com/definitives/the-skin-i-live-in/

https://www.gamereactor.eu/the-best-of-pedro-almodovar-five-films-every-movie-fan-should-watch-1450543/

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/aug/25/the-skin-i-live-in-review

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-skin-i-live-in-2011#google_vignette

https://www.theransomnote.com/art-culture/reviews-art-culture/the-skin-i-live-in/

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Valley of the Dead (Malnazidos)

Published August 18, 2025

Welcome back to zombie time. In this episode, Val and Ron discuss 2020's Valley of the Dead, directed by Javier Ruiz Caldera and Alberto de Toro! We also announce the DWAN book club pick for Fall!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://keithandthemovies.com/2022/10/10/review-valley-of-the-dead-2022/

https://www.highonfilms.com/valley-of-the-dead-2020-movie-ending-explained/

https://moviesandmania.com/2022/07/12/valley-of-the-zombies-review-movie-film-action-horror-zombies-2020-reviews-malnazidos-trailer/

https://readysteadycut.com/2022/07/12/valley-of-the-dead-review-a-generic-zombie-flick-that-lacks-suspense/

https://collider.com/best-zombie-movies-netflix/

https://hiplatina.com/latinx-representation-matters/

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/09/opinion/hollywood-entertainment-woke-progressive.html

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Summer Camp (2015)

Published August 4, 2025

Today, Val and Ron are finally watching 2015's Summer Camp, directed by Alberto Marini and starring Diego Boneta, Jocelin Donahue and Maiara Walsh. Happy 10 year anniversary Summer Camp!

After that, the sisters geek out together over Netflix's Untamed in their monthly recommendations.

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://moviesandmania.com/2017/01/21/summer-camp-2015-horror-film-alberto-marini-overview-cast-plot-reviews-trailer-dvd/

https://horrorfuel.com/2016/08/22/movie-review-summer-camp-2015/#google_vignette

https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3285335/bloody-visits-the-summer-camp-set-exclusive/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2638662/reviews/?ref_=ttrt_sa_3

https://www.imdb.com/list/ls546875433/ - IMDB user list for best Hispanic and Latin American Horror Movies of the 21st century

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

After The Show BONUS: Horror Stories Amidst the Actual Horrors

Published July 22, 2025

We've got a bonus short for you today where Ron and Val talk about brain fatigue and the genuine need for escapism every once in a while through your reading.

Have you listened to the latest DWAN Book Club episode yet?

Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠

⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

BOOK CLUB: Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda

Published July 21, 2025

Today, Val and Ron jump into a discussion of Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda and pair it with a lovely Dark 'n Stormy cocktail!

*This episode will contain book spoilers.

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠

⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://www.liquor.com/recipes/dark-n-stormy/

https://www.ronslate.com/on-jawbone-a-novel-by-monica-ojeda-translated-from-the-spanish-by-sarah-booker/

https://soundsandcolours.com/subjects/arts-books/monica-ojeda-jawbone-65896/

https://locusmag.com/2022/05/ian-mond-reviews-jawbone-by-monica-ojeda/

https://southwestreview.com/the-weird-bloody-magic/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44074748-jawbone#CommunityReviews

https://www.thespruceeats.com/dark-n-stormy-mocktail-5210226

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Adolescence IS Dark 'n Stormy

Published July 18, 2025

A new book club episode drops on podcast platforms Monday, July 21st (video episode coming to our Patreon fam Sunday!) where we're going to be talking about Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda. And with it, our cocktail pairings!

We bring you: the Dark 'n Stormy

Because adolescence is dark and stormy. ;)

For your Dark 'n Stormy, you're going to want to pick up a bottle of Goslings Black Seal rum. In fact, it can only be called a Dark 'n Stormy if you're using that rum apparently and Val discusses this on the episode. (but hey, you do whatever you want!)

The Cocktail Recipe:

2 oz Goslings Black Seal rum

1/2 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed

Ginger beer, to top (about 5 oz)

Garnish: lime wheel

Sourced at Liquor.com

Val sourced a delicious mocktail version from the good folks over at The Spruce Eats and for the purposes of our little club, we're calling it a Crocodile Crown.

The Mocktail Recipe:

1/2 oz simple syrup

3/4 oz fresh lime juice

2 oz Fevertree ginger beer (or more to your taste)

2 oz Lyre's Dark Cane Spirit (non-alcoholic)

Garnish: lime wheel

We hope you enjoy these pairings as we dive into the unsettling Jawbone!

Don't forget to subscribe to Don't Watch at Night and tune in on Monday!

Shrew's Nest (Musarañas)

Published July 7, 2025

We're BACK! So excited to join you today to discuss 2014's Shrew's Nest (Musarañas), directed by Juanfer Andrés and Esteban Roel. PLUS, Ron and Val bring it with recommendations in the second segment. AND, a final plug for DWAN Book Club - we're reading Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda and that episode is coming end of July!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://variety.com/2014/film/festivals/toronto-film-review-shrews-nest-1201303730/

https://screenanarchy.com/2014/09/fantastic-fest-2014-review-shrews-nest-unleashes-a-torrent-of-pent-up-emotions.html

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/shrew-s-nest-musaranas-toronto-729747/

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2amAAhqzG26V7116Uhp5bP?si=c3oZ51d_RIaiS0qx2ztBJw

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3iMpFzZYHdgOHbPN0v2hBd?si=b8u7gyNxSA-x61Q-szwWzg

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

DWAN Book Club Recs!

Published June 22, 2025

Today we're taking another stroll down memory lane and this time we're revisiting the fantastic books we've read since last summer in another great year of delicious cocktails and Book Club discussion! On that note: Don't forget the summer read has been chosen and we're currently reading Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda with a book club discussion episode coming at the end of July!
Guests in clips in this episode: West Seattle Chapter of The Morbidly Curious Book Club founder, Perla Caballero (@pxcaballero on social media).

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Patreon Special: Friday The 13th (film commentary)

Published June 9, 2025

In honor of Friday the 13th this month, we're bringing you a surprise bonus episode exclusive to our Patreon fam!

Val, our child of summer, is here to dive into 1980's Friday The 13th because summer camp horror (as you know) is the best.

This is a full length film commentary audio episode so it's designed to be listened to *as* you watch the movie along with us.

Find it on Patreon HERE!

Horror Favorites of DWAN!

Published June 9, 2025

50 episodes, baby! As we get ready to enter year three, today Val & Ron are taking a look back at some of the memorable films we watched this past year of recording, as well as over the course of two years on Don't Watch at Night.

We're excited for more to come!

Reminder - the DWAN summer read has been chosen and we're reading Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda with a book club discussion episode coming at the end of July!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Suspiria (1977)

Published May 26, 2025

Val and Ron wrap up this month's "step outside Spanish language horror" films with a viewing of 1977's Suspiria! Directed by Dario Argento and starring the amazing Jessica Harper.

Reminder - the DWAN summer read has been chosen and we'll be reading Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda with a book club discussion episode coming at the end of July!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://www.rogerebert.com/features/do-you-know-anything-about-witches-suspiria-at-40

https://movieweb.com/dark-fairy-tale-horror-suspiria-streaming-plex/

https://i-d.co/article/dario-argento-horror-giallo-suspiria-guide-2024/

https://www.praguereporter.com/home/2024/8/15/dario-argentos-cult-classic-suspiria-gets-long-awaited-release-in-czech-cinemas-in-restored-4k-edition/

NY Times interview with Jessica Harper (more recently – she was in Nightbitch)

https://www.fangoria.com/suspiria-is-not-a-giallo-seven-great-giallo-films-by-dario-argento/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dario_Argento

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspiria_de_Profundis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Three_Mothers

Rotten Tomatoes reviews: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1020662-suspiria#critics-reviews

IMDB trivia: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076786/trivia/?ref_=tt_ov_ql_3

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Eyes Without a Face (Les Yeux Sans Visage)

Published May 12, 2025

Happy belated Mother's Day to all U.S. listeners!

Today Val & Ron talk about the lovely Christiane in 1960's Eyes Without a Face, directed by Georges Franju. Also Valerie maybe channels Billy Idol. Then the sisters dive into monthly recommendations + they announce next DWAN book club pick!
We're reading Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda with a book club episode coming end of summer.

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

⁠Resources for this episode can be found on the Episode Blog HERE!

Episode Resources:

https://tiff.net/events/eyes-without-a-face

https://www.cbr.com/eyes-without-a-face-masked-killer-horror-trope-origin/

https://collider.com/eyes-without-a-face/

https://www.criterion.com/current/posts/677-appearances-to-the-contrary-eyes-without-a-face

https://screenrant.com/classic-black-and-white-horror-movies-still-hold-up-today-list/

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/18/eyes-without-a-face-dvd-review-georges-franju

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/87111/stories-behind-8-horror-movie-masks

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2025-04-26/sinners-movie-vampires-free-speech-politics
https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/05/sinners-ryan-coogler-jim-crow-economy/682669/

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

BOOK CLUB: Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin

Published April 28, 2025

It's book club episode time!

On today's episode, Valerie and Veronica discuss Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin and Val shares the recipe for a delicious Wake Up Call cocktail to go with!
Next up: Step Outside Spanish Language Month for May and we're starting with 1960's Eyes Without a Face!

*This episode will contain book spoilers.

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠

⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://profpeaton.com/2018/04/08/feeling-dis-ease-samanta-schweblins-fever-dream/#:~:text=What%20causes%20David's%20illness?,For%20example%2C%20on%20p.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/mar/24/fever-dream-by-samanta-schweblin-review

https://www.npr.org/2017/01/12/509350474/brief-but-creepy-fever-dream-has-a-poisonous-glow

https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-sick-thrill-of-fever-dream

https://www.britannica.com/topic/mate-beverage

https://www.prooftv.bar/recipes/wakeupcall

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mate_(drink)

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

A Sweet Dream or a Beautiful Nightmare

Published April 25, 2025

Book club episode is coming just around the corner and we're talking all things Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin. What a story!

We HAD to go mate hunting and wouldn't you know....Prooftv.bar brings the goods.

Mate is mentioned a few times in Fever Dream so here's a little about it! And if you don’t know what it is, you’re not alone cuz full disclosure, Val wasn’t really exposed to it until that Megan Sussex show on Netflix so there you have it.

Mate is popular and much loved in many regions of South America, including Argentina where this author is from and where this story takes place.

The drink is meant to be enjoyed with people you care about the preparation of it is very special (we talk more about it on the episode) but let's dive in now to the actual drink because we're pairing its earthy notes with the logical partner: a smoky mezcal!

The Wake Up Call recipe from ProofTV:

1.5 oz smoky mezcal

1 oz chilled GUAYAKÍ Yerba Mate

0.75 oz mate infused simple syrup (hit up your local grocery store, find the bagged tea and steep it in your simple syrup over the stove)

0.75 oz fresh lime juice

0.5 oz unsweetened pineapple juice

2 - 4 dashes of mole bitters

Toss it all in a shaker with ice and do your thing. Serve it up in an old fashioned glass with a large ice cube and garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel (dehydrated lime wheels are having a moment on this show so just go with it!).

On the show, Val recommends just enjoying GUAYAKÍ all on its own -- it's a tasty pre-brewed canned tea beverage so it's great any time BUT...another thing you can try for some mocktail game is this:

Keep the exact same recipe but use 1.5 oz FLUÈRE Smoked Agave (NA substitute) in place of your mezcal!
We're calling it a Sweet Dream. ;)

And remember when working with NA spirits....a light hand with your ice shaking/stirring ok?. Cuz we're not looking for dilution in a mocktail, babe!

Other notes:

GUAYAKÍ Yerba Mate cans offer other flavors besides the original so play around and try different stuff!

They're lightly sweetened so it won't offset the other ingredients.

Don't forget to subscribe to Don't Watch at Night and tune in on Monday!

The Wasteland (El Páramo)

Published April 14, 2025

Today Val and Ron tackle 2021's El Páramo (The Wasteland), directed by David Casademunt and starring Inma Cuesta, Roberto Álamo and Asier Flores. After that, a general discussion about upcoming book club as well as awesome shows like Dark Winds and St. Denis Medical!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

**Additional content warning: This episode (and film) deals with suicide so listener be advised. If you or someone you know is in need of helpful resources, please visit https://988lifeline.org/ .

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠

⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-wasteland-movie-review-2022

https://screenrant.com/wasteland-movie-netflix-ending-explained/

https://www.highonfilms.com/the-wasteland-2021-netflix-review/

https://www.monstersandcritics.com/movies/the-wasteland-el-paramo-ending-explained-overcoming-childhood-trauma/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wasteland_(2021_film)

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Patreon Special: The Ghost and The Darkness (film commentary)

Published April 7, 2025

Today we're bringing you a surprise bonus episode exclusive to Patreon fam!

To honor the beloved Val Kilmer, OUR Val takes a look at 1996's The Ghost & The Darkness and makes the case that this is indeed a horror movie. :-P

This is a full length film commentary audio episode so it's designed to be listened to *as* you watch the movie along with us.

Find it on Patreon HERE!

The Orphanage (El Orfanato)

Published March 31, 2025

Today Valerie & Veronica are discussing the beautiful 2007 film, El Orfanato (The Orphanage). Directed by J.A. Bayona and starring Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Príncep and Óscar Casa. Then a quick discussion of Netflix's The Residence and a closing reminder for book club at the end of April!
Finish reading Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin and join the discussion with us!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join Don't Watch at Night on Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠

⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://collider.com/the-orphanage-streaming-paramount-plus/

https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/oct/28/the-orphanage-the-film-that-frightened-me-most-kinderhorror

https://www.aspentimes.com/news/the-orphanage-more-than-just-a-horror-film/

https://screencraft.org/blog/how-sergio-g-sanchez-tackled-gothic-horror-in-the-orphanage/

https://www.austinchronicle.com/events/film/2007-12-28/the-orphanage/

https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-orphanage/

https://twincitiesgeek.com/2015/10/throwback-thursday-the-orphanage-brings-all-the-right-scares/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_orphanage

https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/guillermo-del-toro-j-a-bayona-society-of-the-snow-1234935656/

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

It's MexZombies!

Published March 17, 2025

Monday, March 17th, Val and Ron are talking about 2022's MexZombies, directed by Chava Cartas and starring Iñaki Godoy, Marcelo Barceló, Roberta Damián, Luciana Vale, Vincent Webb, Daniel Tovar and Bárbara de Regil. After that it's monthly recommendations and summoning the will to live! :-P Don't forget: Book club episode is coming at the end of April and we're reading Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠Join the Don't Watch at Night Patreon HERE.⁠⁠⁠

⁠Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!⁠

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://screenrant.com/best-inaki-godoy-movies-tv-shows-ranked/

https://dailydead.com/toronto-after-dark-film-festival-2022-review-mexzombies-blends-blood-and-sunshine-for-a-delightful-take-on-the-impending-apocalypse/

https://moviesandmania.com/2022/10/27/mexzombies-review-movie-film-comedy-horror-mexican-2022-reviews-trailer/

https://ihorror.com/tadff-2022-review-mexzombies/

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE ON MONDAY.

The Darkness (Las Tinieblas)

Published March 3, 2025

The ladies are back! This week Val & Ron discuss 2016's Las Tinieblas (The Darkness), a Mexican - French horror thriller directed by Daniel Castro Zimbrón. It stars Brontis Jodorowsky, Fernando Álvarez Rebeil, Aliocha Sotnikoff, Camila Robertson Glennie, Meraqui Pradis and Alejandro Villeli.

As usual: Spoilers ahead in this episode so go watch this movie first or be warned.

After that, a quick reminder of the newest DWAN Book Club pick (Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin) + a little closing chat on what's been on the TV watchlist recently!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

⁠⁠Join the Don't Watch at Night Patreon HERE.⁠⁠

Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/318389/

https://www.latamcinema.com/entrevistas/daniel-castro-zimbron-director-de-las-tinieblas/

https://www.gatopardo.com/articulos/las-tinieblas-sobrevivir-en-la-oscuridad

https://www.cronicajalisco.com/notas/2017/80865.html

https://moreliafilmfest.com/entrevista-a-daniel-castro-zimbron-en-el-festival-de-cannes-2014

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Errementari (The Blacksmith & The Devil)

Published February 17, 2025

The ladies are back with a fun look at 2017's Errementari (also known as The Blacksmith & The Devil), directed by Paul Urkijo Alijo!

Then Ron and Val announce the next Don't Watch at Night book club pick as Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin and close out the show with an impromptu mini-chat over 2019's The Dead Don't Die!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

We've got a fun creepy cocktail hour livestream coming up Friday, February 21st over on Patreon and we want you with us!

⁠⁠Join the Don't Watch at Night Patreon HERE.⁠⁠

Find the DWAN Letterboxd list here!

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/saraspice/put-your-horror-movie-memory-to-the-test-and-match-284lkm5nhw
https://variety.com/2017/film/festivals/cannes-film-festival-2017-filmax-paul-urkijo-errementari-1202428488/

https://mashable.com/article/best-fantasy-movies-netflix

https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3478994/errementari-imagery-capture-souls-unwitting/

https://www.screendaily.com/news/producer-alex-de-la-iglesia-boards-fantasy-tale-errementari/5114753.article

https://decider.com/2019/04/08/the-17-fantasy-movies-on-netflix-with-the-highest-rotten-tomatoes-scores/#12

https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/505130/master-of-horror-guillermo-del-toro-says-this-netflix-hidden-gem-is-full-of-ingenuity/

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35358487

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Los Ojos de Julia (Julia's Eyes)

Published February 3, 2025

This week, Veronica and Valerie take a look at 2010's Los Ojos de Julia (Julia's Eyes) -- directed by Guillem Morales with Guillermo del Toro producing and starring Belén Rueda, Lluís Homar and Pablo Derqui!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://filmint.nu/looking-with-julias-eyes-gender-spectatorship-and-contemporary-spanish-horror-cinema/

https://collider.com/julias-eyes-guillermo-del-toro-horror/

https://screenrant.com/julias-eyes-movie-foreign-horror-better-bird-box/

https://youtu.be/gLFMIcMSojg?si=GrjztHAr5yz4tp0-

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/julia-eyes-review/

https://youtu.be/NbTDahK9Cew?si=hkIE2mEkU7S77BDU

https://youtu.be/QuWfDDqRv6U?si=GYpQojdhph0Nv_Ux

https://bloody-disgusting.com/editorials/3567051/suspiria-midsommar-psychology-color-horror/

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

After The Show BONUS: David Lynch + Monthly Recommendations

Published January 21, 2025

We’re back with a bonus short where DWAN guest, Perla Caballero, talks about the greats of David Lynch’s career and we all give our monthly recommendations!

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

BOOK CLUB: Extended Stay by Juan Martinez

Published January 20, 2025

We're back with a meaty book club episode for ya'!

Today Val and Ron are joined by friend and founder of the West Seattle Chapter of The Morbidly Curious Book Club, Perla Caballero (@pxcaballero), to discuss Extended Stay by Juan Martinez!

We've got games, we've got cocktails plus we've got a lot to say and ruminate on when it comes to this excellent book. Spoilers ahead in this episode so listener beware.

This 40th episode is available on video over on our DWAN Patreon! patreon.com/dontwatchatnight

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://litreactor.com/columns/exposing-power-as-ridiculous-a-conversation-between-juan-martinez-and-eden-robins

https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2023/10/using-horror-to-explore-the-undocumented-latinx-experience/

https://chireviewofbooks.com/2023/01/13/deciphering-horror-from-reality-in-extended-stay/

https://locusmag.com/2023/05/jake-casella-brookins-reviews-extended-stay-by-juan-martinez/

https://www.vol1brooklyn.com/2023/03/02/a-hotel-turns-horrific-juan-martinez-on-writing-extended-stay/

https://www.nightmare-magazine.com/fiction/esther-1855/

https://www.instagram.com/mcbcwestseattle/followers/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/alexalvarez/canker-in-the-heart-of-the-rose

https://www.herbsandrye.com/

https://cheersonline.com/2015/02/06/valentines-day-cocktail-recipes-round-two/

https://www.liquor.com/recipes/waldorf/

https://ultimatemaitai.com/about/orange-curacao/

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/ratings/spirit-ratings/rum-ratings/best-white-rums/

Cocktail Codex by Death & Co

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

She Calling You Back - A Weekend at the Alicia!

Published January 17, 2025

Just a quick reminder that Monday, January 20th, our book discussion kicks off for Extended Stay by Juan Martinez on Spotify or anywhere else you listen to podcasts!

Did you know?

The video episode comes one day early on Sunday, the 19th, to Patreon friends and you can be part of that fam HERE: patreon.com/dontwatchatnight
We want to encourage you to consider joining the Patreon (free to join and $3 tier to unlock all the extra good stuff) to be part of book club discussion with others as they make their way to that space. Please invite any other book lovers you know! Alright on to the good stuff....

Extended Stay Drink Pairing

As a bit of tribute to the great city of Las Vegas and this mesmerizing book, Val has chosen a much beloved cocktail found at the Vegas bar of Herbs & Rye. There, it's known as a Weekend at the Waldorf. (Val's talking a whole bit of history on this Monday so don't forget to tune in!)

For the purposes of our episode however, we're calling it Weekend at the Alicia.

The Weekend at the Alicia cocktail features rum, orange curacao, strawberries, lime juice and it's garnished with a dehydrated lime wheel -- a garnish specifically chosen for its appearance as it almost looks like something that's been turned inside out, giving it a feel that maybe it's something you'd find within the walls of the Alicia!

For those looking to try the mocktail version, we've dubbed it (and this might be our favorite drink name ever): The First Esther.

The world of mixology has never been better when it comes to finding alternatives that allow folks to enjoy delicious beverages without the alcohol so our recipe card offers up some rum and orange liquor alcohol free alternatives that we hope you'll enjoy!

Don't forget to subscribe to Don't Watch at Night and tune in on Monday!

"It's greedy to want forever."

Published January 8, 2025

This week, Val and Ron discuss Guillermo del Toro's gem of a vamp movie: Cronos!

Find it on Spotify or anywhere else you get your podcasts.

Don't forget you can find Don't Watch at Night extras over on Patreon too! patreon.com/dontwatchatnight

Watch the clip below!

youtube.com/shorts/NZLMgQUHw0k?si=Qraz_WraYPs2Bv3U

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Cronos: Forever Young

Published January 6, 2025

Happy new year! The horrors persist, yet so do we. Today Ron and Val take a look at Cronos, a film directed by Guillermo del Toro which first debuted in 1992 and then enjoyed more expanded release by 1993.

Don't forget the next episode coming this month will be book club discussion for Extended Stay by Juan Martinez!

You can be part of the discussion by visiting and joining our Patreon HERE: https://www.patreon.com/c/dontwatchatnight

**This is a scary movie & book focused podcast. Some content may not be suitable for some audiences. Be advised.

Don't Watch at Night is a Ness production hosted by Veronica and Valerie. Editing by Valerie. Music by Omar Chakor. Special thanks to Lorenzo Villarreal and Alex Street for production support for this episode.

Episode Resources:

https://www.fangoria.com/guillermo-del-toro-cronos-4k/

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/cronos-1994

https://collider.com/cronos-guillermo-del-toro-movies-review/

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104029/trivia/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/cronos#critics-reviews

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuKS9CUpqJg

https://www.cracked.com/image-pictofact-12868-40-random-bits-of-horror-trivia-we-thought-were-dead-and-buried-but-then-thrust-a-single-fist-up-out-of-the-dirt-just-before-the-credits-rolled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD4kspP5hRs

https://www.vulture.com/article/best-guillermo-del-toro-movies-ranked.html

https://www.looper.com/1615882/labyrinth-what-happened-to-hoggle-where-is-he-now/

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE NOW.

Catch the 2023 - 2024 Episode Blog HERE!

Follow the whole Don't Watch at Night movie catalog over on Letterboxd!