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Amy Robach
This is an I Heart Podcast.
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Amy Robach
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Amy Robach
Cut the camera, they see us.
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Ryan Seacrest
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TJ Holmes
It is Sunday, October 5th and do we have a movie for you. And after you see this one, I assure you the next Airbnb you rent. You will scan the place for cameras before you go to bed at night. And with that. Welcome to this episode of Amy and TJ's Countdown to the best Halloween horror movies you might not know about. It's our Halloween hit list. We love and recommend every single one of these movies. Number 27 on our list. Robes is one that every chance you get, I hear you recommending to somebody.
Amy Robach
It's so good. So this came out in 2020, so you might have missed it because. Yeah, we were in the middle of a pandemic. It's called the rental. It's an hour and 28 minutes right in that sweet spot. We love it so much. It's rated R and it's listed as a horror mystery thriller because it does have all of those components to it. It goes beyond. It's a layered horror movie and it.
TJ Holmes
Is a great, great one. This is what this is. Too bad this was a victim of the pandemic, I think. So was it not? This movie could have been so much because it is done so well. This is a horror movie, you know, I know you ask, who is this for? If you love great acting, this, you could put these actors up against anybody, anywhere in any type of movie.
Amy Robach
I completely agree. We're talking about beloved actors whose name you names you know, whose faces you know. This movie stars Dan Stevens. You know him, he's Matthew from Downton Abbey. You ladies out there, you know him well. It's so fun to watch him. He's been in a couple other movies where he plays someone who is deviant or he's in a horror movie. It's such a departure from Downton Abbey that it's so fun to watch him do what he does so well, which is act. But he's also not, not hard on the eyes. Dan Stevens is in it. Alison Brie, what a phenomenal actress. Sheila Van, Jeremy Allen White, Toby Huss. And it's directed by a very well known name as well, Dave Franco, James Franco's brother. But this was his.
TJ Holmes
Alison Brie's husband.
Amy Robach
Yeah, her husband, yes.
TJ Holmes
What's the movie? They have the new one that I do not want to see.
Amy Robach
I haven't seen it. It has body hor. And it's about two people who like become connected in one. We haven't watched that one together. Together, I think might be what it's called. But this was Dave Franco's directorial debut and it was very well reviewed even though it didn't do well at the box office. Because who was Going to the movie theaters in July of 2020.
TJ Holmes
We should be Jeremy Allen White. I don't watch the show, but that's you all's guy, the Bear. He is the one who stars in the Bear as the chef on that show. Right. And this. He looks a little different, a little younger in this, but. But again, excellent.
Amy Robach
These are acclaimed actors. So here's the synopsis for you. Again, the movie is called the Rental. The Rental is a horror thriller about two couples who rent a remote coastal house for a getaway. But their trip turns into a nightmare as they realize they're being watched by a sinister presence. The film explores themes of infidelity and escalating distrust within the group, leading to a violent confrontation with a masked killer who has a history of booby trapping other Airbnb rentals. How good is that premise?
TJ Holmes
This is all. This movie is almost perfect for a horror movie fan. It's almost perfect. You want good acting, but you want cabin in the woods of some kind of a thing, A getaway couples dynamic in the. In the group that makes. That causes a little tension as well. And then you don't know where the threats come from and you're trapped. This is a perfect movie for us.
Amy Robach
It's so true. It got 73% on rotten tomatoes. I actually think it should have been higher.
TJ Holmes
That's. Oh yeah. I'm a little surprised by that.
Amy Robach
The budget was 3.5 million. And sadly, because it had to be released when it was. I wonder why they couldn't hold it. But.
TJ Holmes
July 2020.
Amy Robach
Wow. Tough. Wow. It only made 1.6 million at the box office. Because again, July 24, 2020 was its release date and it went almost straight to Video on Demand at that point. It had a limited release. I don't even know who was going to the theaters at that point. They kind of knew they had a good movie, but it just wasn't allowed to make the money it should have.
TJ Holmes
That sucks for him. This was his debut. I know that had to feel bad, but he's gotten very good credit and kudos for his directing.
Amy Robach
Absolutely. And it was so well done. So the critics consensus is this some tricky genre juggling makes the Rental a bit of a fixer upper. But effective chills and a solid cast make this a fine destination for horror fans. I thought that was kind of tepid, like kind of bland. I don't. I think it deserved a better review. So I went to go look at the top critic at Rotten Tomatoes and I thought this was a much better way to describe it well, they have their top critics, the critics who are well reviewed and have had plenty of publications. So their top critic on this one said this and I preferred this. With a sharp story that delightfully remixes all too familiar slasher elements anchored by four compelling performances, the Rental is a strong debut from Dave Franco that makes for stage satisfying summer viewing.
TJ Holmes
That's a good way to put it.
Amy Robach
I think so too.
TJ Holmes
Movie.
Amy Robach
But then when you go in to read what the fans thought, they are just like we are. Loved the movie. One of the recent audience reviews said this thank you horror movie for avoiding all the tedious tropes. The endless sneaking, creaking supposed suspense of drawn out cliches. No hiding culprits lurking with time bomb music as potential victims go blithely about their business. No hide and slash in weird industrial and other abandoned settings. No chase scenes. The killer bluntly dispatches the characters without toying with the audience. The only toying is that you're trying to make sense of the plot. Renting you could be next. Very refreshing.
TJ Holmes
That's a good review. Whoever wrote that they should hire that person?
Amy Robach
I loved. I loved that. And one of the other ones said this is a fresh horror movie about renting houses from strangers that will make you think twice about your next weekend getaway.
TJ Holmes
I've I can see the place we were, but I can't remember where we were. I can see the bedroom of an Airbnb we rented and I was looking above the bed. I was looking at. Okay, is that. Is that really a smoke detector? I checked places. I've done that before. Especially in bathrooms. I absolutely have done that. I'm not saying this movie is totally responsible, but it puts you in that mindset.
Amy Robach
Yes, I think some of the many horror movies that I know and love have absolutely changed my behaviors in life, including me not liking to swim in the ocean after seeing Jaws. But yes, I think really good horror movies instill enough fear in you. And when you know some of these movies, likely scenarios could possibly happen, this is one you actually change your behavior. So why this made our list? For me, this went beyond a horror movie. This was also a movie that gets into relationships. As the synopsis said. Infidelity, distrust. I think it felt like a relationship drama set in the middle of a horror film. So you were almost getting two stories in one and you didn't know which one to care more about or to pay more attention to. It was. There was never a dull moment and it kept me guessing the entire time.
TJ Holmes
It was kind of beautifully shot. There were a lot of scenes, and the scenery there is actually nice. But to your. To your point there, that. What was the thing, why you like this one so much? We see so many horror movies that they try to establish in some way a storyline, but it's kind of a throwaway. It's kind of weak. Not that big of a deal. I don't care if that person lives or dies. You get. So if there was no horror around this movie and you were just watching four people go at it on a vacation, it would be a compelling drama.
Amy Robach
Yeah. And I was. I cared just as much if the relationship was going to succeed as whether or not they were going to survive. Like, I. I was invested in the drama of the interpersonal relationships as much as I was the killer who was on the loose.
TJ Holmes
But please don't get it twisted. This is a horror movie.
Amy Robach
Oh, it's absolutely a horror movie. It's just. I just thought it was so brilliantly told. The story, the acting, the script. I loved it. So who is the rental for if you're looking for an intellectual horror movie? If you. I think if you want an elevated experience beyond typical jump scares. Because you wouldn't describe this movie as far as fun, necessarily, but it's intense and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. And it feels deeply personal. Because how many of us rent Airbnbs or VRBOs? You and I, babe, we. We get Airbnbs all the time. That's kind of what we do now versus even hotels. But it absolutely makes you wonder every time since I've seen this movie, who could possibly be watching?
TJ Holmes
Where was the place we were? And they had the note in the drawer.
Amy Robach
Oh, my goodness. Yes.
TJ Holmes
Yeah, that's not funny.
Amy Robach
That was at Christmas. That was last Christmas. We rented a Christmas home to be there with the girls.
TJ Holmes
And it said. We opened the drawer in our bedroom, the dresser drawer, top drawer. Nothing in there but one little piece of paper with a note written on it that simply said, we're watching you.
Amy Robach
Yes.
TJ Holmes
And it had a smiley face on it or something. And I showed you, and I showed the girl there. What is happening?
Ryan Seacrest
Out.
TJ Holmes
That's not. That was a mean joke.
Amy Robach
That's very mean.
TJ Holmes
I hope it was a joke.
Amy Robach
And if it wasn't, I guess we'll never know. We were fine. We survived. But that isn't really a fun thing to see. As soon as you get into a hotel room or an Airbnb, you like to unpack your bag. So we found that note. You found that Note almost immediately, get the hell out of here on like Christmas Eve. So there was nowhere to go. So we just had to hope that it was the smiley face made it a little less sinister. But sometimes smiley faces are just as scary.
TJ Holmes
Yeah.
Amy Robach
Would you agree that that's who this is for? Who would want to watch this? Who should check it out?
TJ Holmes
I think there are times we get in moods where I say, babe, I just need to see some kids running through the woods from a guy in a mask with an axe.
Amy Robach
You've actually said that exact thing to me.
TJ Holmes
Yes, there are those times and those moods. It's not that if you're seeking that type of movie, this isn't a slow movie at all. But this thing is, is a spine tingling experience. And again, I can't say it enough. The, the performances are so good. You know what, to be honest, sometimes it's hard to find great acting in a horror movie. They're not known for that. This is great acting.
Amy Robach
I agree. And you know what? I think this movie is for people who might not be into horror movies. I think if you aren't necessarily a big time horror fan, you might still like this because there's still so much to offer from the script and from the plot that, you know, hopefully you'll be okay with some of the scares that do ensue and the horror that does actually descend upon you when you see what's happening. But I think you could all. You could be someone who doesn't love horror movies and still love it.
TJ Holmes
Yes. You should offer it to somebody. And I'm always big on like who should you. This is the only. The first one on the list so far. I think that I would say, okay, you can watch this one on your own if you want to. I am very much. Horror movie should be an experience. You should have someone. But this is one that. Want to check this one out on your own? Go ahead.
Ryan Seacrest
Yeah.
Amy Robach
All right. Okay. Coming back after the break. We're going to tell you who this movie is not for. And we get very specific about this, what you should pair with it where you can watch it. And a tease ahead to tomorrow's movie.
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Amy Robach
Monday Warrior Mean Stride Today's Tom Sawyer.
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Amy Robach
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Amy Robach
Welcome back to our Deep Cuts. See, I'll say it if you won't babe. Amy and TJ's countdown to the Best Halloween Horror Movies. You might not know it's our Halloween hit list and we are at number 27 and it's called the Rental and it is so good. So we told you what it's about. We told you who this movie is probably for. But I think it's just as important on this movie to tell you who it's not for. I don't think that you should watch this movie with your significant other if you are having relationship issues or trust issues. I really think it could get a little uncomfortable and hit a little too close to home and create a conversation you might not want to have. That's the truth. I also think that if you're in a party mood, this is a deeper, more chilling movie that gets you thinking about how vulnerable we are when we stay in someone else's home, a stranger's home. And I also don't think it's for someone who is currently staying in a rented home. So if you're in an Airbnb or a VRBO and think it might be funny to watch this movie, as long as you have a good sense of humor and don't freak out too much, I guess you could do it. But I wouldn't recommend because I think you'd end up feeling a little paranoid.
TJ Holmes
You know what? This. You say that, but if we were in an Airbnb, this is exactly a movie you'd want to watch.
Amy Robach
I'm a glutton for punishment. Yes, I would absolutely seek this out when.
TJ Holmes
I'm pretty sure you have suggested this.
Amy Robach
When I know that I'm about to go snorkeling the next day, I'll go watch a shark movie. Yes, I like to do that to myself, but I'm weird like that. I would say most people probably wouldn't prefer that. I'm just different.
TJ Holmes
I. And again, mine was, this is not for folks who want to see a traditional horror movie, if you will, a traditional slasher, a traditional, even predictable type movie. This is not for. I know. I'm trying to remember just how gruesome it got.
Amy Robach
I mean, it's not gory, but it's. It's definitely, like you said, a horror movie. I mean, there are deaths, there are murders, and they are good. When I say good, I mean well done.
TJ Holmes
We get it.
Amy Robach
Or not rooting for death, but kind of in a horror movie, it's the one time you can.
TJ Holmes
You're talking to fellow horror movie fans. We get it. You don't have to apologize.
Amy Robach
I felt like I needed to, I don't know, explain that or at least.
TJ Holmes
Qualify that after you said that the death was good. Yes. I could see out of context that would bother some people. I don't. I don't know if this. You know, I wouldn't want to watch this with a group, because you have to listen, you have to study, and if you have too many people around and too many people want to chime in, and they would. They would. I think that'd be a problem for me.
Amy Robach
Okay, I get that. So what would you pair it with? What's the ambiance? What's the food? What's the drink? What do you think goes with this setting?
TJ Holmes
Of the movies we've had so far, this is the first one. I would say, knock yourself out, have a full meal. Go ahead, make a fine, fine dinner. Have a fine wine, finish in the first 45 minutes to an hour of the movie. But it gives you. I think you're focused, and it's intense, and you're listening and you're learning, and it doesn't get violent just yet that early on. This is one. I don't even think it's a popcorn movie.
Amy Robach
See, I was gonna say, I think it's a classic popcorn movie, because it's like that. You settle in, you got your popcorn. I also. So I got specific. I think this movie speaks to a chilled glass of Chardonnay. Like, it's like one of those nights because it's buttery and full and it feels a little elegant. And I know the setting and the scene. It's a very nice Airbnb that they're staying at along the coast. It just. It feels like a. Like a really nice vacation drink at night. Like maybe a chilly night. There's a hot tub scene. I remember I just imagined having a glass of Chardonnay in my hand when I watched this movie.
TJ Holmes
I'm seeing flank steak and a nice Malbec.
Amy Robach
Okay. I don't think we're that far off.
TJ Holmes
I think we're on the same. We're on the same.
Amy Robach
Chardonnay and popcorn. Your Malbec and a flank steak. I think we could actually maybe even switch off. I'll have some of your steak. You can have some of my popcorn. Who are we, by the way? I also said that I thought you could watch this one alone. And again, I think if you're watching with someone else, make sure there's no skeletons in the room where you feel like, oh, this is bringing up some stuff I didn't want to talk about. So I just feel like maybe it's best just to make sure you Know who you're watching the movie with if you have company with you. But it's so. Actually, it's wonderful to watch this one on your own.
TJ Holmes
You know, of the episodes we've done so far, I think you just gave evidence of why we're taking this so seriously. I think that is the best nugget of advice from a critic you're gonna get about a movie to say, hey, just a heads up, not about the gore, not about the violence, but on a personal level, this could shake and rattle your relationships.
Amy Robach
Right. If you're not solid because there's so much distrust among the couples and they're sowing these doubts. And I just feel like, ooh, if I was on shaky ground with someone, this would not be the movie I would want to see with them. I don't want to talk about that. Don't want to broach that subject. Let's move on.
TJ Holmes
So that's very good advice. I'm serious. That is like very useful advice.
Amy Robach
I think so too. All right, well, I'm glad you enjoyed that. So here's where you can watch it. This one is actually widely available if you have Hulu, Disney plus, AMC plus it all comes with your subscription. So this is something we highly suggest you watch tonight, especially if you're on your own this evening. All right, tomorrow we have another fun movie that I am willing to bet most of you have not seen. It was not well reviewed, but we loved it. And I guess we can give you this hint. Tomorrow's movie involves mirrors. Be careful what you see in the reflection. And with that, thank you for listening to our wonderful series. We're having so much fun doing it. We hope you have loved listening to it because you got the rest of October for a new horror movie to watch each and every day. I'm Amy Robach alongside T.J. holmes. Have a great, great evening, everyone.
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TJ Holmes
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Amy Robach
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Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Date: October 5, 2025
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes
Episode Focus: A deep dive into The Rental (2020) as entry #27 on their Halloween “deep cuts” horror movie countdown.
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes highlight The Rental—a 2020 horror-thriller and the directorial debut of Dave Franco—as their 27th pick in a list of underappreciated, atmospheric horror movies for the Halloween season. They offer a thoughtful discussion on the film’s premise, performances, and psychological edge, and explore why it stands out from typical horror fare. Both hosts inject personal anecdotes and practical advice for would-be viewers, aiming to balance entertainment with a bit of fun.
Pandemic-Era Release:
Layered, Elevated Horror:
Star Cast:
Notable Performances:
Synopsis:
Blending of Genres:
Ideal Viewers:
Not for...
Watch if:
Skip if:
Conversational, slightly irreverent, and playful, Amy & T.J. keep it accessible for general audiences while providing seasoned horror fans with sharp analysis and recommendations. Personal stories add humor and a relatable touch.
Amy hints that the next film “involves mirrors” and warns: “Be careful what you see in the reflection.”
Episode in a sentence: An underseen horror-thriller with real-life resonance and strong performances, perfect for viewers who want suspense, character drama, and a vacation rental they’ll never forget.