Certified Forgotten

Have you really lived until you've seen a Damon Packard film? That's the question this week's guest asks us, Certified Forgotten, and you, our devoted listeners. Filmmaker Mike Mendez brings Reflections of Evil to the table, a two-plus-hour endurance test described as a full-blown mental breakdown put to screen. It's nothing you've ever seen, which is either a blessing or a curse. But that's why we love discovering these oddball gems at Certified Forgotten. You might just find your new favorite cult classic!

About Reflections of Evil:
Julie (Nicole Vanderhoff), who died of a PCP overdose as a teen in the early '70s, searches from beyond the ethers for her little brother, Bob (Damon Packard), an obese watch-seller, who is dying of sucrose intolerance, in the early '90s.

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About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.

Just recently, Certified Forgotten celebrated its 7th anniversary as a podcast. In thinking of ways to celebrate, I convinced my co-host Matthew Monagle to record an episode where we look back on everything we've accomplished, and talk about our favorite movies that we've covered over 100+ guest episodes. Not to say we're playing favorites or anything—we love our guests equally! But we're two film critics with widely different taste profiles who have very different lists of favorite guest selections from the show. Listen in to see if yours gets mentioned?

You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:

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https://www.instagram.com/certifiedforgotten/

About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.

It's that mid-point time of year, so we decided to take stock of 2026's horror crop (so far). The Matts discuss their favorite first-half flicks and highlight a few titles still to come that have them most hyped. We've got guest episodes on the horizon, but for at least one more consecutive week, you're stuck with us. Don't worry, we'll make it up to y'all soon enough!

You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:

https://bsky.app/profile/certifiedforgot.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/certifiedforgotten/

About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.

Horror has been killing it at the box office these last few weeks, with A24's Backrooms being the second punch after Obsession. Kane Parsons, who rose to fame for his viral "Backrooms" YouTube videos, brings his uncanny creation to life on the big screen. But does this liminal psychological thriller live up to the hype that comes with being the first feature-length Backrooms adaptation? It's a ponderous flick, and maybe too much so. Listen in to our discussion.

About Backrooms
After a therapist's patient (Clark, Chiwetel Ejiofor) disappears into a dimension beyond reality, she (Mary, Renate Reinsve) must venture into the unknown to save him.

You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:

https://bsky.app/profile/certifiedforgot.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/certifiedforgotten/

About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.

Obsession fever is sweeping the nation. Look at what you've done, Curry Barker! On the podcast this week, we had to dive into what's the talk of Horrortown these days—and with good reason. Inde Navarrette is a powerhouse in Obsession, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Hit the episode to hear our thoughts on why Navarrette should be in awards conversations come the end of the year, and more observations.

About Obsession
After breaking the mysterious "One Wish Willow" to win his crush's heart (Nikki, played by Inde Navarrette), a hopeless romantic (Bear, played by Michael Johnston) finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.

You can follow Certified Forgotten on Bluesky and Instagram at:

https://bsky.app/profile/certifiedforgot.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/certifiedforgotten/

About Certified Forgotten
Certified Forgotten is a writer-owned horror publication focused on the little movies that leave a big impression. We publish essays on the underseen and underappreciated horror films of the 21st Century. To learn more, visit www.certifiedforgotten.com.