How to Survive

Joe Shervell and Chris Morris

'How to Survive' is a film review podcast with a twist. The discussion centres around one key question: 'How would you survive in this movie?'

Each episode centres around one classic movie. Often, they are horror movies, but there are also lots of thrillers, action movies, adventure movies and the occasional romantic drama for good measure.

If you've ever rolled your eyes when the victim goes outside alone; tutted when the killer returns from the dead; or shouted 'DON'T GO IN THERE!', this is the podcast for you.

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20 episodes
Avg 59 min
English

Episodes 20

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September 9 · 1 hr 5 min
How to Survive: Obsession (2026)
How to Survive is on Patreon: Patreon.com/howtosurvivepod It's episode 307: and you wished for this. Obsession (2026) tells the story of Bear, a young man who makes a wish that his crush, Nikki will love him more than anyone in the world. His wish succeeds, but he gets more than he bargained for when Nikki loves him a little too much. We talk about the merits of being careful what you wish for; discuss how to construct a fool-proof wish; and finally two men with a podcast weigh in on the gender politics of it all. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Please, no more weird shit. Next time, we're keeping it 2026 with Backrooms...
July 1 · 47 min
How to Survive: Halloween (1978)
HOW TO SURVIVE IS ON PATREON! www.patreon.com/howtosurvivepod It's episode 306: we're back in Haddonfield, kicking off the latest How to Survive Franchise Review.... and I guess everyone's entitled to one good scare, huh? Halloween (1978) tells the story of Laurie, a high-school student with a Halloween-night babysitting job. Throughout the day (and into the night), Laurie and her friends are terrorised by the psychopathic Michael Myers. Michael has escaped containment in the local mental asylum / prison and returns to town on the 15-year anniversary of the night he murdered his sister. We talk about psychiatric ethics; a topsy-turvy justice system; a better criteria for learner-drivers; and the world's fastest sexual encounter. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: there's nothing left; no reason, no conscience, no understanding in even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, of good or evil, right or wrong.. Next time, we're back in 2026 with Obsession...
June 12 · 54 min
How to Survive: Hokum (2026)
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 305, and I don't know if you've noticed, but there are some oddballs walking around this place. Hokum (2026) finds American novelist Ohm Bauman on a pilgramage to scatter his parents' ashes in rural Ireland. Staying at an isolated hotel, he sinks into a depressive spiral, only to find renewed purpose when a member of staff goes missing. Will Ohm find them? Is the magic mushroom milk-drinking man in the woods responsible? And what's up with that honeymoon suite that's always locked...? Hokum proves divisive in HTS towers and is either great stuff or barely up to snuff, depending on who you believe. But after a touch of praising/berating, there's plenty of time left over to discuss unlikeable protagonists, haunted hotels, the importance of CCTV, Ohms Under The Hammer, curate's eggs and how best to exit a van at speed. Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: there are worse things than strangers out there yet. Next time, we're making a start on perhaps our last great unwatched horror franchise, with a revisit of Halloween (1978).
May 20 · 1 hr 9 min
How to Survive: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
It's episode 304 (part 2), and I'm in a bit of a bind. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) picks up where the last film left off, with Spike in the custody of the menacing Fingers, led by the even more menacing still Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal. Can he escape, or will he be forced to take part in their diabolical dishing out of charity across the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Britain? Meanwhile, Dr. Kelson makes an unexpected connection with Samson, an Alpha infected, that could end up changing the world. We talk about a surprisingly touching and funny horror movie, featuring a star turn from Ralph Fiennes and some high-quality needle drops, whether you should return home in a time of crisis, whether you need to follow through on your promises to psychopaths and where you should pour boiling water in a hostage situation. Plus, a long and in-depth discussion of whether the 28 Years Later films' invoking of one of the worst serial sex-offenders in British history as a pantomime villain is, or could ever be, justifiable. When you write it out it really does seem like a misstep doesn't it? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: I'm NHS; free of charge! Next time, we're off to the cinema to see new haunted hotel film Hokum (2026).
May 7 · 1 hr 15 min
How to Survive: 28 Years Later (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 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).
April 29 · 1 hr 12 min
How to Survive: Weapons (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?
Sep 24, 2025 · 54 min
How to Survive: Bring Her Back (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 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).
Sep 10, 2025 · 1 hr
How to Survive: The Purge (2013)
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)
Aug 6, 2025 · 57 min
How to Survive: Fear Street Part Three: 1666 (2021)
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).
Jul 1, 2025 · 50 min
How to Survive: Fear Street Part Two: 1978 (2021)
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).
Jun 7, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
How to Survive: Fear Street Part One: 1994 (2021)
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)
May 21, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
The 300th Episode Spectacular
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
Apr 2, 2025 · 58 min
How to Survive: Alien Resurrection (1997)
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 299…My mommy always said there were no monsters. No real ones. But there are. Alien Resurrection (1997) is the concluding chapter in the Alien Quadrilogy, and introduces Ripley 8, a supercharged Xeno-human hybrid of Ellen Ripley, cloned in a lab to act as a genetic vessel to recover the Xenomorphs from the annals of history 200 years after both they and Ripley were obliterated in molten lava at the end of Alien 3. It really is as simple as that. We settle some unfinished business with the lesser-loved film in one of our favourite franchises, talk about the pros and cons of 90s cool girl action, query the logic of bringing a ticking time bomb along as a passenger, and indeed the logic of firing a continent-sized bomb at Earth to save lives, and marvel at the biggest and best shoulder hair ever captured on film. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Ellen Ripley died trying to wipe this species out. For all intents and purposes, she succeeded! Next time on the Patreon, we're covering Jacob's Ladder, ahead of our big episode 300 triple bill on the Fear Street trilogy.
Feb 21, 2025 · 1 hr
How to Survive: The Substance (2024)
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 298…and at 50, it all stops. The Substance (2024) follows Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading Hollywood star who is fired from her TV fitness show when she reaches 50. Learning of 'The Substance', a black market pharmaceutical product that promises to create 'a better version of you', she signs up, producing Sue - a younger, idealised version of herself who soon finds the stardom Elisabeth has lost. But, despite being the same person, Elisabeth and Sue become increasingly fractious roommates, and as their contempt for one another grows, disaster ensues. We break down one of the best films of the last year, a tour-de-force of body horror maximalism, featuring a million shots of an arse, disgusting eating sounds and jaw-dropping prosthetic effects. But is it good? Does it, while highlighting the objectification of women, objectify women in turn? And how much arse is too much arse? All this and more to come. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Everything comes from you. Everything is you. This is simply a better version of yourself.
Feb 19, 2025 · 40 min
How to Survive: Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
Anyone can feel strong hiding behind a piece of metal. I prefer to know my own strength. Love Lies Bleeding (2024) tells the story of Lou, a gym owner who falls in love with Jackie, a gym user who plans to enter a bodybuilding contest. As they fall deeper in love, they become tied up in violence, deception and crime - all thanks to Lou's family and their violent, deceitful, criminal ways. We offer investigation tips to the FBI, question whose perspective you can really trust, and question the true romantic intention in giving someone drugs the moment you meet them. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: It's the ones you love the most who always disappoint you in the end.
Jan 25, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
How to Survive: Censor (2021)
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 296…and you'd be surprised what the human brain can edit out when it can't handle the truth. Censor (2021) follows Enid, a censor at the BBFC during the moral panic around 'Video Nasties' - a 1980s proliferation of graphic horror movies flooding the new frontier of VHS home entertainment. Enid acts as a kind of moral guardian, exposing herself to these films so the wider public don't have to, but when one film unearths her past trauma, Enid begins a spiral that will lead her to some very real horror. We discuss a slightly muddled treatise on trauma and media influence, praise the immaculate vibes of 1980s film logos, question the security setup of low-budget film shoots and wonder whether stunt weapons are a necessity, or simply health and safety gone mad. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Horror is already out there, in all of us. It's in you. Next time, we begin 'Better Body Horror' season with Rose Glass' Love Lies Bleeding (2023).
Oct 18, 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
How to Survive: Ghostwatch (1992)
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 295…and what big eyes you have, what big hands you have. Ghostwatch (1992) was broadcast 'as live' on BBC 1, on Halloween night in 1992, and saw TV stalwarts Michael Parkinson and Sarah Greene trying to prove the existence of the paranormal by taking a camera crew to 'the most haunted house in Britain'. While the show documented the Early family's suffering at the hands of Mr Pipes, the poltergeist, the real story began after the show's broadcast, where tens of thousands felt duped by its immaculate recreation of 1990s live broadcasting tropes. We break down an underrated shout for the most influential horror movie of all time, discuss a directorial tour-de-force that left a nation unable to trust some of its most beloved presenters, ponder the various reasons for the furore that followed its broadcast and wonder whether Ghostwatch could ever be made today. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: the studio's...completely dark. Just... just blackness. Next time on the main feed, we're watching Censor (2021), while on the Patreon we're looking at cult classic Possession (1981).
Oct 5, 2024 · 52 min
How to Survive: MaXXXine (2024)
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 294…and you've made it to the belly of the beast, congratulations, very few come this far. MaXXXine (2024) concludes Ti West's X trilogy, following Maxine Minx in her journey to Hollywood stardom. But as she's pursued by a mysterious leather-clad stalker, it's not long before Maxine's friends and colleagues start turning up dead. Is Maxine's bloody past catching up to her, or is something even more sinister at play? We break down an uneven conclusion to a nonetheless excellent horror movie trilogy, the gigawatt star power of Mia Goth, the corrupting influence of various forms of media across fifty years of American history, the dos and don'ts of car surveillance and the potential legality of head-crushing. All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Do you know what happened to the last person who tried to kill me? I crushed her fucking head. Next time we journey back to a golden moment in British TV history with Ghostwatch (1992).
Sep 7, 2024 · 56 min
How to Survive: Longlegs (2024)
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 293…and I'm sorry, it seems I wore my long legs today. Longlegs (2024) follows FBI agent Lee Harker, who is assigned to the case of a serial killer who is apparently responsible for compelling several patriarchs to murder their families across multiple decades, with the only trace being cryptic letters signed 'Longlegs'. Can Agent Harker prevent more murders, and will Longlegs' origins prove to be closer to home than she thinks? We talk about the horror movie dubbed 'the scariest film of the decade', the highs and lows of a film that wants to be both arthouse and popcorn, a creepy character that evokes Old Gregg and Jennifer Coolidge, the importance of getting out of the car and whether investigating your own mum counts as a conflict of interest. Plus, isn't it annoying when Satan inverts a trend? All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: Our prayers protect us from the devil. Next time on the main feed, it's the concluding part of Ti West's X trilogy with MaXXXine (2024), while over on the Patreon we're watching I Saw The TV Glow (2024).
Aug 23, 2024 · 56 min
How to Survive: Infested (2023)
aka Vermines (2023) It's episode 292…and are you interested in animals? Infested/Vermines (2023) tells the story of Kaleb, a young man with a passion for selling sneakers and buying bugs. Living in a multicultural melting pot of a tower block, his friendships have become strained following the death of his mother. Can he reconnect with his Jordy, his childhood best friend, and reconcile with his sister Manon? Anything is possible if you move forward with grace and acceptance. Oh, and he also bought a new spider and it's escaped. Probably fine. We talk about a genuinely horrific set of spiders doing spider-y things, rave about the best bathroom scene since Mandy, pull apart the potential of PPE and wonder whether an armed policeman shouldn't be more 'yes and' in his approach to life. All that, and the question on everybody's lips - who would survive the spider tower best out of Batman, Spider-Man and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? All of which leads to one question: How would you survive? Whatever happens, one thing's for sure: something that kills that fast is impossible. Next time on the main feed we're catching up with the 2024 horror on everybody's pale painted lips: Longlegs (2024).

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