How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more.

It's episode 304 (part 1), and memento amorus. Remember, you must love.

28 Years Later (2025) brings us to what's left of an isolated Britain, left to ruin under permanent quarantine nearly 3 decades after the outbreak of the Rage virus. Cut off from international allies, small communities piece together whatever life they can from the wreckage that remains. We follow Spike, a child belonging to an island community on Lindisfarne, as he comes of age and journeys to the mainland in search of supplies, salvation and, eventually, meaning.

We talk about a film that is almost entirely defined by what you think of the last 2 minutes, while largely avoiding talking about the last 2 minutes, discuss whether Danny Boyle gets in the way of the film he's directing, wonder whether an island needs a boat and whether a GP is better served spending his time teaching a community medicine, rather than constructing a macabre art project.

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: There are many kinds of death. Some are better than others.

Next time, there's only one thing we can cover, really: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2025).

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more.

It's episode 303, and I can make your parents eat each other if I want to. Do I want to, Alex?

Weapons (2025) depicts a sprawling narrative in the town of Maybrook, where 17 children have mysteriously disappeared after running out of their houses in the dead of night. With no-one sure who to blame, suspicion falls upon the children's teacher Justine, but is the town at risk of a witch hunt? What's really going on? And what's with that weird orange-haired old lady that keeps popping up around the gaff?

We discuss Chris' favourite horror film in years, praise how it adeptly walks the tightrope between the trauma-zone and hilarious fun, ask if there's a difference between 'elevated horror' and just 'good horror', and wonder whether Amy Madigan was the recipient of the first pre-humous Oscar. Plus - should Justine get an electric car, should Alex be feeding his parents Huel, and should a school principal follow the stranger danger rule?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Those kids walked out of those homes, no one pulled them out. No one forced them.

Next time, on the Patreon - dunno! What do YOU think we should cover?

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more.

It's episode 302, and Oliver's a f*cking weirdo, isn't he?

Bring Her Back (2025) follows sibling pair Andy and Piper, who are sent to live with foster parent Laura following the death of their father. Despite a fairly benevolent first impression, Laura's new age weirdness soon becomes something more sinister, as she tries to drive a wedge between the pair for her own mysterious aims.

We discuss a film chock full of horrific eating-adjacent nastiness, a surprisngly touching sophomore effort from the Phillipou brothers, venture some suggestions for more sensible foster policies and wonder whether a Talk To Me cinematic universe is on the cards.

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: it's just meat.

Next time, on the Patreon, it's time for a (long overdue) Bonus episode, whereas on the public feed we'll be taking a look at Weapons (2025).

It's episode 301, and thank you for accepting my invitation. Now tell me, why haven't you delivered the filthy swine to me yet?

The Purge (2013) tells the story of The Sandin Family, who shelter in their home-fortress on the evening of 'The Purge'. Following some kind of revolution in the USA, there is now an annual 'purge', where laws are suspended and violence is legal (and even encouraged). All seems fine, until their home-security (and morals) are put to the test.

We talk about the best career for someone in a Purge-type situation (painting and decorating?); the limitations of security that is deterrent-only; and the all-round benefits of an impromptu camping trip.

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Incoming reports show this year's Purge has been the most successful to date, with the most murders committed.

Next time, we attempt to Bring Her Back (2025)

It's episode 300 Part 3…and the truth shall be your curse...

Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021) sees our heroes transported back to 1666 to live out the final days of Sarah Fier, as she is accused of being a witch. But was she really a witch? And when they learn the truth, how will it change things in the present day (which is, as we know, 1994...).

We reflect on the rich tradition of deliberate sequels; ask whether the juice was worth the squeeze; and answer once and for all whether generational punishment has a place in teen-targeted slasher movies.

All of which leads to one question: How would you survive?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: I will shadow you for eternity. I will follow you forever. And everything you take and everyone you harm, you'll feel the grip of my hand.

Next time, over at Patreon.com/howtosurvivepod we're covering The Pyramid (2014).

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more.

It's episode 300 Part 2…and no-one gets out of this town, not even Miss Perfect.

Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021) continues the Shadyside strife with a trip back in time to 1978, as C Berman relays the story of her sister's death at Camp Nightwing. Ziggy is a rebellious Shadyside-r who is growing increasingly distant from her sister Cindy, who longs for a better life away from Shadyside. But when a co-ed camp of Sunnyvale and Shadyside kids erupts into murderous chaos, the sisters have to band together to try to survive.

We talk about maybe the first sequel that is better because it's a sequel, dig into the increasingly fun Shadyside palimpsest, chew over obvious allusions to Stephens King and Fridays 13th, and question the design decision-making behind a perilous portaloo.

All of which leads to one question: How would you survive?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: A week later, my sister was dead.

Next time we're taking a break from our multi-part episode 300 for a long-awaited trip to Egypt in The Pyramid (2014).

How to Survive is now on Patreon! Support us at Patreon.com/HowtoSurvivePod to get every episode one week early, plus monthly bonus episodes and more.

It's episode 300 Part 1…and stop being mad at me for wanting a different future.

Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021) introduces us to the crime-ridden city of Shadyside, the supposed 'murder capital' of the United States. Amidst the latest killing spree, star-crossed lovers Deena and Sam become embroiled in the town's mysterious and macabre history after accidentally disturbing a witch's grave.

We talk about our hopes and fears for a coherent trilogy of 'My First Horror' films, discuss a particularly gruesome bakery-related death, query the power distribution practices of the Shadyside Mall, and run the risk being added to a watchlist while wondering what the least destructive way to kill someone (and bring them back) is.

All of which leads to one question: How would you survive?

Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: it began as a prank... and ended in murder.

Next time it's (unsurprisingly) time for Part 2 of our Fear Street triple bill: Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021)

This episode was originally released as a Patreon bonus. To find out more, head to Patreon.com/howtosurvivepod

It's time for the long-awaited 300th Episode Spectacular!

It's a bumper session, filled with correspondence and reflections - and we couldn't be more grateful to everyone who has been part of the fun.

You can also expect a few announcements about upcoming features - including a return to covering not one but TWO franchises.

Thanks for all your support. It means a huge amount that you've listened to, enjoyed, and kept listening to How to Survive over the years.

Love,
Chris and Joe xx