Chicago’s own Nick Digilio has spent more than four decades charting the twists and turns of horror cinema. An award-winning critic, broadcaster, and the face of the beloved Flashback Weekend, Digilio recently sat down for a candid conversation about the “tribe” that gathers around scares, the technological tide that has reshaped the genre, and the launch of his latest volume, 40 Years, 40 Horror Films. The interview, recorded at headquarters, offers a window into why horror fans are often described as the most welcoming bunch in pop culture.
The tribe that grows in the dark
When asked why horror creates tighter communities than, say, superhero movies, Digilio likened the fandom to a “welcome mat” that invites anyone who dares to step inside. He noted that, unlike the “weirdos” stereotype that outsiders sometimes assign, horror enthusiasts habitually greet newcomers with warmth, sharing posters, monster memorabilia, and a willingness to debate favorite directors without hostility. Horror’s under-dog status—its history of being sneaked into late-night video stores or screened at midnight screenings—has forged a collective identity forged in shared secrecy.
From black-and-white TV to streaming festivals
Digilio traced his own obsession to a childhood spent glued to a grainy black-and-white set, absorbing Universal’s classic creature features and the early Svengoolie program. Those formative nights sparked a lifelong fascination with monsters that felt personal, especially as an only child. Over the ensuing four decades, the genre leapt from analog TV to the digital age, with platforms like Shudder, streaming-centric festivals such as Flashback, Fantastic Fest, and Fantasia, and the rise of “elevated horror” from A24 reshaping audience expectations. He recalled the split reaction to titles like The Witch and Hereditary, where some tribe members dismissed the new wave while others celebrated its artistic legitimacy.
Underrated gems and future classics
In the course of compiling his book, Digilio highlighted films that slipped under the radar at release but later earned cult status. He cited Near Dark (1987) as a prime example: a vampire-western that bombed opposite The Lost Boys yet eventually secured a place in the horror canon thanks to a solitary positive review from critic Dave Kerr. Looking ahead, Digilio believes today’s overlooked titles—such as The Lodge and The Night House—may someday be revered as the “Near Dark” of the 2020s, given their atmospheric storytelling and standout performances.
Why the critical tide is finally turning
Beyond individual movies, Digilio argued that the genre’s recent critical resurgence stems from increased accessibility. The proliferation of low-budget platforms, viral marketing stunts like The Blair Witch Project, and the democratizing power of YouTube have allowed horror to reach audiences without the gatekeeping of traditional studios. As he put it, “When a film costs a buck and lands on a streaming service, it instantly becomes part of the conversation.” This shift not only nurtures indie voices but also forces mainstream critics to acknowledge horror’s artistic potential.
The book launch: a Halloween celebration at Kaiser Tiger
To honor the culmination of his research, Digilio is hosting a Halloween-themed launch party on October 30th at Chicago’s sprawling Kaiser Tiger gastropub (1415 W. Randolph St.). The venue, famed for its 14,000-square-foot space, house-made sausages, and a 200-seat beer garden dubbed one of America’s top nine by CNN, provides the perfect backdrop for a gathering of the tribe. Attendees can expect costumes, a “Bacon Bomb” (meatloaf wrapped in bacon), craft beers, and a chance to snag signed copies of 40 Years, 40 Horror Films. Digilio stresses that the event embodies the same inclusivity he described earlier: “Come for the horror, stay for the community.”
As the night draws near, Digilio recommends a Halloween-appropriate viewing choice: Exorcist III. Though often overlooked, the film delivers what he calls “the greatest jump-scare in film history,” a perfect reminder that the tribe thrives on both nostalgia and new thrills.
