S2E18 - Evil Dead Burn, Frequent Fear Passes, Fortnitemares & More HHN 35 Updates!

The hosts of the ITSZ podcast open their 18th episode by reviewing two recent horror films with direct ties to Universal and Halloween Horror Nights, then dive into a dense batch of announcements and rumors for HHN 35. The conversation covers a new IP house, the controversial removal of Express from Frequent Fear passes, the return of several fan-favorite scare zones and shows, and the intense backlash against the Fortnitemares zone. Through it all, the hosts argue that the event is evolving to serve a broader audience, and that the changes—while frustrating for some—are part of a natural, necessary growth.

Two Films, Two Approaches to Horror

The hosts start with Obsession, a Blumhouse film now streaming on Peacock. Both agree it is watchable and well-acted—especially by lead Indya Navarrete—but not particularly scary. The film centers on a young woman who finds a mysterious "one wish willow" and becomes possessed by an unseen force. The hosts note that the movie leans more into thriller territory than horror, and that the lack of character development for anyone besides the protagonist undercuts the emotional stakes. They also point out that the film never explains the nature of the evil, which for them is a missed opportunity: "What makes something truly scary is if you explain the evil, and it still stays with you." They give it a B-minus.