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.
Don't forget to leave cookies out for Jason tonight.
February 12, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Don't forget to leave cookies out for Jason tonight.
Although DAWSON'S CREEK was certainly zeitgeist-defining, it was DON'T TRUST THE B IN APARTMENT 23 that truly made me appreciate James Van Der Beek. Not everyone would be so willing to portray a parody of themselves...and there's something to be learned about not taking ourselves so seriously.
February 12, 2026 at 3:36 AM
Although DAWSON'S CREEK was certainly zeitgeist-defining, it was DON'T TRUST THE B IN APARTMENT 23 that truly made me appreciate James Van Der Beek. Not everyone would be so willing to portray a parody of themselves...and there's something to be learned about not taking ourselves so seriously.
“If you want to sing out…sing out.“
February 12, 2026 at 2:16 AM
“If you want to sing out…sing out.“
Reposted by Michael Varrati
A sad day for the children of the popcorn. Bud Cort, unforgettable in Harold and Maude and seen in But I’m a Cheerleader, has passed. A true cult cinema original whose spirit shaped generations of weirdos. Read more: variety.com/2026/film/ne...
@midnightmasspod.bsky.social
@midnightmasspod.bsky.social
Bud Cort, ‘Harold and Maude’ Star, Dies at 77
Bud Cort, who starred in 'Harold and Maude" and "Brewster McCloud," died Wednesday. He was 77.
variety.com
February 12, 2026 at 12:12 AM
A sad day for the children of the popcorn. Bud Cort, unforgettable in Harold and Maude and seen in But I’m a Cheerleader, has passed. A true cult cinema original whose spirit shaped generations of weirdos. Read more: variety.com/2026/film/ne...
@midnightmasspod.bsky.social
@midnightmasspod.bsky.social
Reposted by Michael Varrati
Can't wait for more? Peaches and Michael just released a Patreon-exclusive Mini-Mass all about 1984's BODY DOUBLE! From the film's high-concept porno world to De Palma's obsession with queerness, it's a conversation not to be missed! Subscribe and listen! www.patreon.com/posts/mini-m...
February 12, 2026 at 2:12 AM
Can't wait for more? Peaches and Michael just released a Patreon-exclusive Mini-Mass all about 1984's BODY DOUBLE! From the film's high-concept porno world to De Palma's obsession with queerness, it's a conversation not to be missed! Subscribe and listen! www.patreon.com/posts/mini-m...
...ah, I see we're doing another round of "I can't believe this generation is buying rotisserie chickens instead of a house." Well, we can't believe the atrocities, Linda...but here we are.
February 11, 2026 at 5:51 PM
...ah, I see we're doing another round of "I can't believe this generation is buying rotisserie chickens instead of a house." Well, we can't believe the atrocities, Linda...but here we are.
The question "are we human or are we dancers" suggests that dancers are something separate from human. A nimble, otherworldly being, perhaps.
February 11, 2026 at 1:55 AM
The question "are we human or are we dancers" suggests that dancers are something separate from human. A nimble, otherworldly being, perhaps.
"Did you see that thing lurking in the fog?"
"No, I mist it."
- Me, pitching a dialogue exchange approximate 30 seconds before getting kicked out of the writer's room for the latest Stephen King adaptation.
"No, I mist it."
- Me, pitching a dialogue exchange approximate 30 seconds before getting kicked out of the writer's room for the latest Stephen King adaptation.
February 10, 2026 at 10:14 PM
"Did you see that thing lurking in the fog?"
"No, I mist it."
- Me, pitching a dialogue exchange approximate 30 seconds before getting kicked out of the writer's room for the latest Stephen King adaptation.
"No, I mist it."
- Me, pitching a dialogue exchange approximate 30 seconds before getting kicked out of the writer's room for the latest Stephen King adaptation.
Tonight at dinner, I asked the group to share what they considered to be the "best worst sequel." In other words, the movie sequel they loved, despite it being an outlier (for whatever reason) in the franchise from whence it came. Things got VERY passionate.
So, what's YOUR pick?
So, what's YOUR pick?
February 10, 2026 at 6:09 AM
Tonight at dinner, I asked the group to share what they considered to be the "best worst sequel." In other words, the movie sequel they loved, despite it being an outlier (for whatever reason) in the franchise from whence it came. Things got VERY passionate.
So, what's YOUR pick?
So, what's YOUR pick?
I'll never understand the incuriosity and ignorance of those unwilling to explore the art of cultures different than their own. Art is expression...an investigation into our joys, sorrows, commonalities, and differences. It's a way to find who we are...and each other. It's a profoundly human magic.
February 9, 2026 at 6:12 PM
I'll never understand the incuriosity and ignorance of those unwilling to explore the art of cultures different than their own. Art is expression...an investigation into our joys, sorrows, commonalities, and differences. It's a way to find who we are...and each other. It's a profoundly human magic.
A general reminder that there's no such thing as a conservative punk. If you know a punk who's conservative, they're not a punk anymore.
February 8, 2026 at 11:47 PM
A general reminder that there's no such thing as a conservative punk. If you know a punk who's conservative, they're not a punk anymore.
Apropos of the day, I remembered that in 2010 there was a zombie football horror novel that hit the shelves...and as part of the marketing, Simon & Schuster hired late, great Troma alum Doug Sakmann to create a tie-in faux-movie trailer. A true curiosity. Check it out!
youtu.be/SZ40L7ANHYU?...
youtu.be/SZ40L7ANHYU?...
PLAY DEAD: Official Book Trailer
YouTube video by Doug Sakmann
youtu.be
February 8, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Apropos of the day, I remembered that in 2010 there was a zombie football horror novel that hit the shelves...and as part of the marketing, Simon & Schuster hired late, great Troma alum Doug Sakmann to create a tie-in faux-movie trailer. A true curiosity. Check it out!
youtu.be/SZ40L7ANHYU?...
youtu.be/SZ40L7ANHYU?...
My Super Bowl.
February 8, 2026 at 5:05 PM
My Super Bowl.
"Last Christmas, I gave you my lasagna...but the very next day, you blocked my number."
Somehow I didn't know about George Michael's lasagna recipe until now. Half a jar of mayonnaise and hard-boiled eggs, you say?
February 8, 2026 at 4:16 AM
"Last Christmas, I gave you my lasagna...but the very next day, you blocked my number."
I'm quite sorry to hear this news. Devotees of the underground and cult cinema may know Danny Boyd as the filmmaker behind rental-era gems CHILLERS and STRANGEST DREAMS: INVASION OF THE SPACE PREACHERS. I had the pleasure of meeting him many years back and he was exceptionally kind.
The West Virginia Film Office announced on Saturday that West Virginian filmmaker, educator and creative Danny Boyd passed away.
https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/west-virginia-filmmaker-creator-danny-boyd-passes-away/
https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/west-virginia-filmmaker-creator-danny-boyd-passes-away/
February 7, 2026 at 11:32 PM
I'm quite sorry to hear this news. Devotees of the underground and cult cinema may know Danny Boyd as the filmmaker behind rental-era gems CHILLERS and STRANGEST DREAMS: INVASION OF THE SPACE PREACHERS. I had the pleasure of meeting him many years back and he was exceptionally kind.
Reposted by Michael Varrati
So grateful to spend an evening celebrating friends who quite literally define the meaning of excellence. Soul Shadows is such a cool event championing black horror and the artists who give it life.
When things feel bleak, the creators are a good reminder of all the best things. 💚
When things feel bleak, the creators are a good reminder of all the best things. 💚
February 7, 2026 at 9:43 PM
So grateful to spend an evening celebrating friends who quite literally define the meaning of excellence. Soul Shadows is such a cool event championing black horror and the artists who give it life.
When things feel bleak, the creators are a good reminder of all the best things. 💚
When things feel bleak, the creators are a good reminder of all the best things. 💚
You know, "Super Bowl" would also be a great name for a Cheech & Chong movie marathon.
February 7, 2026 at 5:25 PM
You know, "Super Bowl" would also be a great name for a Cheech & Chong movie marathon.
Reposted by Michael Varrati
Hell yeah!!! Listening to the Chopping Mall episode of @midnightmasspod.bsky.social!! I love @peacheschrist.com and @michaelvarrati.bsky.social It’s my favorite podcast!! @kellimaroney.bsky.social ❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 6, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Hell yeah!!! Listening to the Chopping Mall episode of @midnightmasspod.bsky.social!! I love @peacheschrist.com and @michaelvarrati.bsky.social It’s my favorite podcast!! @kellimaroney.bsky.social ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Reposted by Michael Varrati
Queer bookstores died in 2010. We had a funeral and everything!
Except... a ton of people decided to roll up their sleeves and start *new* queer bookshops, all over the place. In cities. In tiny towns.
My latest newsletter is about the rebirth of the LGBTQ bookshop:
buttondown.com/charliejane/...
Except... a ton of people decided to roll up their sleeves and start *new* queer bookshops, all over the place. In cities. In tiny towns.
My latest newsletter is about the rebirth of the LGBTQ bookshop:
buttondown.com/charliejane/...
The Death and Rebirth of the Queer Bookstore
Hi! Before we get started… Right now, you can get a Humble Bundle including everything Annalee Newitz and I have published with Tor for just $18 (plus...
buttondown.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Queer bookstores died in 2010. We had a funeral and everything!
Except... a ton of people decided to roll up their sleeves and start *new* queer bookshops, all over the place. In cities. In tiny towns.
My latest newsletter is about the rebirth of the LGBTQ bookshop:
buttondown.com/charliejane/...
Except... a ton of people decided to roll up their sleeves and start *new* queer bookshops, all over the place. In cities. In tiny towns.
My latest newsletter is about the rebirth of the LGBTQ bookshop:
buttondown.com/charliejane/...
Reposted by Michael Varrati
Los Angeles: did you know SOUL SHADOWS is back this weekend (and with it, two of my all time favorites, @sharai.bsky.social and @xghorror.bsky.social )? This year it's two nights of Black horror excellence, get your tickets here!
www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-shado...
www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-shado...
Soul Shadows
A Black History Month art show & event, celebrating Black achievements in Horror!
www.eventbrite.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Los Angeles: did you know SOUL SHADOWS is back this weekend (and with it, two of my all time favorites, @sharai.bsky.social and @xghorror.bsky.social )? This year it's two nights of Black horror excellence, get your tickets here!
www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-shado...
www.eventbrite.com/e/soul-shado...
Well, now I feel like I won’t be satisfied until I too rescue a shuttered single screen movie house here in LA and resurrect it as a temple to the strange cinema that I obsessively watched at 2am on late night cable.
February 5, 2026 at 5:10 AM
Well, now I feel like I won’t be satisfied until I too rescue a shuttered single screen movie house here in LA and resurrect it as a temple to the strange cinema that I obsessively watched at 2am on late night cable.
As my pals kick off this celebration, I'm compelled to say that, yes, Romero defined a subgenre and showcased the power of social commentary in horror. But he also showed independent artists the power of getting friends together, going out, and doing the damn thing. His legacy is a rallying cry.
FANGORIA and Shudder are teaming up to celebrate George A. Romero’s birthday this Wednesday, with a special Instagram live featuring QUEENS OF THE DEAD director Tina Romero and more.
FANGORIA & Shudder Are Celebrating George A. Romero’s Birthday With A Killer Party
FANGORIA and Shudder are teaming up to celebrate George A. Romero’s birthday this Wednesday, with a special Instagram live featuring QUEENS OF THE DEAD director Tina Romero and more.
dlvr.it
February 5, 2026 at 1:16 AM
As my pals kick off this celebration, I'm compelled to say that, yes, Romero defined a subgenre and showcased the power of social commentary in horror. But he also showed independent artists the power of getting friends together, going out, and doing the damn thing. His legacy is a rallying cry.
I know the plan here is probably to do a prestige, big streamer style series...but I would so not be mad if they did a CW-style pivot and just got nuts.
"He's about to Leatherface the biggest challenge of all...high school."
"He's about to Leatherface the biggest challenge of all...high school."
It's official - a TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE series is now in development at A24, as well as a brand new movie. Here's everything we know.
A TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE Series Is Officially In Development At A24
It's official - a TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE series is now in development at A24, as well as a brand new movie. Here's everything we know.
dlvr.it
February 4, 2026 at 8:37 PM
I know the plan here is probably to do a prestige, big streamer style series...but I would so not be mad if they did a CW-style pivot and just got nuts.
"He's about to Leatherface the biggest challenge of all...high school."
"He's about to Leatherface the biggest challenge of all...high school."
Reposted by Michael Varrati
I had SO MUCH FUN talking about this absolute gem with Michael & Peaches! Go check out the new episode of @midnightmasspod.bsky.social to hear me go on a very well-worded anti-capitalist rant!
Buy or die! On this week's @midnightmasspod.bsky.social, Peaches and I are celebrating 1986's CHOPPING MALL! We're joined by BRING ME THE AXE!'s Bryan and Dave White, as well as multifaceted creator Mae Shults for a gore-filled trip to the Galleria! Go! midnightmass.buzzsprout.com/1796691/epis...
February 4, 2026 at 4:04 PM
I had SO MUCH FUN talking about this absolute gem with Michael & Peaches! Go check out the new episode of @midnightmasspod.bsky.social to hear me go on a very well-worded anti-capitalist rant!
VIDEODROME being released on George Romero's birthday makes sense. After all, the broadcast was coming from Pittsburgh.
On this day in Canadian Horror History, VIDEODROME was released in 1983.
February 4, 2026 at 3:36 PM
VIDEODROME being released on George Romero's birthday makes sense. After all, the broadcast was coming from Pittsburgh.