Podcast Summary

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present:

Deep Cuts Horror Hit List #26 – “Look Away”

Release Date: October 6, 2025
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes

Episode Overview

In this episode, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes unveil #26 on their “Deep Cuts Horror Hit List” — the 2018 supernatural teen horror film Look Away. The hosts dive into what makes this under-the-radar thriller a must-watch for horror fans, discuss its mixed critical reception, and offer their candid reactions, including who the movie is (and isn’t) for, along with fun viewing suggestions.

Main Discussion Points

1. Introduction to “Look Away”

[02:27-03:20]

• T.J. introduces the episode, referencing Jason Isaacs’ recent profile (notably from White Lotus) to grab attention.
• The film: Look Away (2018), rated R, 1hr 43min.
• Amy provides a quick synopsis: An alienated high schooler, Maria, swaps lives with her sinister mirror image.

2. The Cast and Hidden Gems

[03:54-04:15]

• Amy highlights the star-studded cast: Jason Isaacs, Mira Sorvino (Academy Award winner), India Eisley.
• “But yes, just got a 15% rotten tomatoes score. But this is of note … if you look at the audience score … it’s at 51%.” — Amy Robach [03:54]

3. Critical Reception & Their Reactions

[04:44-07:58]

• T.J. and Amy debate the critics’ low reviews, referencing Rotten Tomatoes (15% critics, 51% audience).
• Amy defends the film’s premise and acting, brushing off accusations of cheap thrills and lack of depth.
• “We are not going to be speaking about any movie here that we don’t absolutely love and would REM recommend to somebody.” — T.J. Holmes [04:44]
• Both find the critics’ judgments a mismatch for the film’s actual entertainment value.

4. Themes & Tone: Supernatural, Teen Angst, and Revenge

[08:08-10:51]

• Amy loves the “evil twin” alter ego concept and its execution.
• T.J. warns not to overthink the plot—embrace the supernatural and enjoy the ride.
• “It’s a supernatural, just a silly, almost teeny … horror film. This is not a big slasher.” — T.J. Holmes [08:35]
• The uncomfortable, tense family dynamics add a unique creepy factor.
• Both compare Look Away to classic revenge horror like Carrie, noting the film’s lighter, more entertaining take.

5. Performance Highlights

[11:23-12:48]

• Both hosts praise Jason Isaacs for his portrayal of a mean, emotionally distant father (“He is the same character almost, but he’s meaner.” – T.J. Holmes [11:23]), and Mira Sorvino as the emotionally battered yet compelling mother.
• “She is the scene stealer … worthy of an Oscar winner.” — T.J. Holmes [12:26]

6. Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Watch

[16:35-19:32]

• Not recommended if you need your horror to be realistic — it’s proudly supernatural.
• Contains a self-pleasuring scene and teen sex, making it uncomfortable for family viewing.
• “This might not be a good family horror movie. I wouldn’t want to watch it with my kids and I wouldn’t want to watch it with my parents.” — Amy Robach [16:35]
• Despite this, both agree it’s a good “starter horror” for those new to the genre — not graphic, not slasher-heavy.

7. Best Way to Watch & Viewing Suggestions

[19:32-21:55]

• Amy gets creative: suggests pairing with wintery snacks (Irish coffee, mulled wine) to match the film's snowy atmosphere and “revenge is a dish best served cold” vibe.
• T.J. prefers traditional popcorn and a beer.
• Discusses notable “on-ice” scenes, which are as fun as they are tense and silly.
• Look Away is available to stream for free on Amazon Prime or for purchase elsewhere.
• They debate whether this is best watched solo or with friends — both agree it works either way.

8. Preview of the Next Episode

[22:32-22:35]

• A tease for movie #25: “Unexpected, retro, and it’s a found footage film. And it is not for the Maine department.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Rotten Tomatoes score:
  “But yes, just got 15% rotten tomatoes score. But this is of note … if you look at the audience score … it’s at 51%.”
  — Amy Robach [03:54]

• On recommending movies:
  “We are not going to be speaking about any movie here that we don’t absolutely love and would REM recommend to somebody.”
  — T.J. Holmes [04:44]

• On critical depth:
  “I never looked at this movie and thought anything about depth.”
  — T.J. Holmes [06:18]

• On the film’s tone:
  “It’s a supernatural, just a silly, almost teeny … horror film. This is not a big slasher.”
  — T.J. Holmes [08:35]

• On family viewing:
  “This might not be a good family horror movie. I wouldn’t want to watch it with my kids and I wouldn’t want to watch it with my parents.”
  — Amy Robach [16:35]

• On the film's setting and snacks:
  “This is absolutely revenge horror. So we all know that revenge is a dish best served cold. And the movie is completely set in winter with snow and ice.”
  — Amy Robach [19:32]

• On Mira Sorvino:
  “She is the scene stealer … she makes you feel something. You relate to something. You recognize something in her just by the look on her face or in her eyes.”
  — T.J. Holmes [12:26]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro to Look Away – [02:27–03:20]
• Discussing Cast and Critic Scores – [03:54–04:44]
• Hosts React to Critics and Defense of the Film – [04:44–07:58]
• Themes, Family Dynamics, Carrie Comparison – [08:08–10:51]
• Actor Spotlights – [11:23–12:48]
• Who Should Watch; Content Warnings – [16:35–19:32]
• Viewing Pairings & Where to Watch – [19:32–21:55]
• Next Episode Tease – [22:32–22:35]

Conclusion

Amy and T.J. champion Look Away as an underrated gem for fans of supernatural, teen-centered, or revenge-driven horror — especially if you appreciate strong performances and want a less gory, more psychological (but still fun) thriller. It’s not for those expecting realism or looking for a family movie night, but it lands as a quirky, entertaining deep cut perfect for a chilly night with a cozy drink.

Next up: A retro found footage horror with a twist — don’t miss episode #25!