Podcast Summary: Deep Cuts Horror Hit List #20 – Would You Rather

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Hosts: Amy Robach & TJ Holmes
Episode: Deep Cuts Horror Hit List #20 “Would You Rather”
Date: October 12, 2025

Episode Overview

In this installment of their Halloween horror "Deep Cuts" movie list, Amy Robach and TJ Holmes break down the 2012 psychological horror-thriller Would You Rather. The hosts discuss what makes this movie a standout addition to their horror hit list, reflecting on the film’s disturbing morality games, its unique take on the "dinner party from hell," and why it’s a must-watch for fans of tension-heavy, thought-provoking horror. They share critical and audience reactions, highlight memorable scenes, debate the film’s impact, and give practical tips for the best viewing experience.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Premise and Atmosphere

• The movie centers around a young woman who, desperate to save her ailing brother, becomes a participant in a sadistic dinner party game hosted by an aristocratic villain.
  • "Desperate to help her ailing brother, a young woman unknowingly agrees to compete in a deadly game of Would you rather hosted by a sadistic aristocrat."
    (Amy Roebuck, 05:47)
• The hosts compare the tension of the film to the classic party game, only twisted into something far more sinister.
  • Amy recalls the childhood/college game: “It would be like, would you rather kiss Jimmy or sit on Billy's lap? ... It was not diabolical like it gets in this movie."
    (Amy, 03:58)

2. Tension, Pace, and Unique Qualities

• Both Amy and TJ stress the relentless, edge-of-your-seat tension:
  • “Once you figure out what's happening, you are on edge. There is no relief in this movie once that dinner starts.”
    (TJ Holmes, 04:31)
  • "There's so much tension in your body when you're watching this."
    (Amy, 04:41)
• Unlike many horror films, the movie contains few jump scares and is set almost entirely in a single room, which amplifies its claustrophobic suspense.

3. Moral Dilemmas and Human Nature

• The crux of the horror lies not in supernatural threats, but in the ethical quandaries:
  • “You put yourself in the position that many of these people are in ... you're having moral questions. ... It's kind of awful at times."
    (TJ, 05:01)
  • Amy adds, “...I still don't think I could do what these folks were forced to do."
    (Amy, 09:12)
• The hosts note the way the antagonist manipulates desperation and self-sacrifice among the guests:
  • "They were there to try to save the lives of somebody else... it adds a very interesting piece of humanity to this story."
    (TJ, 12:30)

4. Cast, Direction, and Critical Reception

• The film boasts a standout cast, including Brittany Snow, Jeffrey Combs, and John Heard.
  • “Britney Snow, you know, and love her. I always think of Pitch Perfect, but she does a lot of horror movies too.”
    (Amy, 06:40)
• Directed by David Guy Levy, the film is noted for its clever premise but criticized by some for veering into "torture porn" territory.
  • “Though restrained by most torture porn standards, Would You Rather's brilliant premise is ultimately harmed by its tendency towards blood and guts.”
    (Amy quoting critics, 09:51)
  • TJ makes an apt comparison: “If I had to liken this movie to any other movie ... it would be Saw.”
    (TJ, 10:01)

5. Audience Reaction and Emotional Impact

• The Rotten Tomatoes scores: 61% critic, 37% audience—indicative of a polarizing reception.
  • Amy: “This is one that you kind of have to say, now hear me out. I love this movie. Don't judge me for loving this movie because it is evil.”
    (Amy, 07:35)
• Some viewers criticize the film for the difficult choices, lack of supernatural elements, and its unrelenting mood, while others find it uniquely compelling and conversation-worthy.
  • “It's smart, slick and delightfully sick with a horrific but compelling game of survival that manages to give audiences a little food for thought along with their horror.”
    (Amy quoting critics, 13:22)

6. Notable Scenes and Moments

• The 30-second decision clock is highlighted as a recurring source of anxiety.
  • “...the 30 second clock is a big deal. You got 30 seconds to make a decision.”
    (TJ, 11:58)
• The infamous "tub" scene and other memorable set pieces are referenced as genuinely hard to forget.
  • “When they brought the tub in...”
    (TJ, 14:04)
  • “Some of the things I wish I could not remember that are still with me.”
    (Amy, 14:09)

7. Viewing Experience: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Watch

• The film is best suited to fans of intense, morally challenging horror.
  • “Not for the faint of heart. It’s not that gory... just difficult to watch because of the moral dilemmas and this sense of like, no, oh God, don't tell me they're going to do that.”
    (Amy, 21:15)
  • “You never get a break. ...there is no relief.”
    (TJ, 22:09; Amy, 22:32)
• Food & drink pairing: the hosts suggest a heavy drink (like brandy or scotch) given the opulent dinner setting and the story’s nerve-wracking events.
  • “This is a scotch movie. ...something stressful happens, you go, man, I need a drink. This is that movie.”
    (TJ, 24:10)

8. Where to Watch and Hosts’ Final Thoughts

• Available to stream on Hulu, Disney+, AMC+, and on-demand.
  • “If you have any of those services, it will be free along with your subscription.”
    (Amy, 24:30)
• Best for group viewing, as it provokes interesting post-movie discussions and “what would you do” debates.
  • “We hope you have a really interesting conversation with the folks you watch it with.”
    (Amy, 24:40)
• Brief tease for the next episode: a pandemic-era horror comedy about making a movie.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This movie is a contender for the feel bad movie of the year.”
  (Amy quoting a critic, 04:41)
• “You're tortured the whole movie because you never get a break.”
  (TJ, 22:09)
• “Oftentimes ... you have a break. I think we've mentioned before, when it's nighttime and you know, the zombies or the vampires are out, you know, when it's daylight, you get a break. This movie, there is no break.”
  (Amy, 22:32)
• "Do you have anything in your life that you would do blank, blank, blank for like we just saw them do in the movie?”
  (TJ, 08:26)
• “If you don't like being uncomfortable, this movie isn't for you.”
  (Amy, 15:30)
• “Scotch. ...you need a scotch, sipping scotch.”
  (TJ, 24:11)
• “Fun to watch in a group setting. ...because it does create conversation.”
  (Amy, 24:40)

Essential Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:53 | Start of main discussion: Episode & movie introduction | | 03:29 | Hosts share experiences with the "Would You Rather" game | | 04:41 | Tension and critic's "feel bad movie of the year" quote | | 05:47 | Main synopsis, cast, release info | | 09:51 | Comparing with Saw and Hostel; unique intensity explained | | 11:35 | The 30-second timer as a tension builder | | 13:22 | Critics' and audience reviews—good and bad | | 14:44 | Gore and intensity level; "not a body horror or a gore type movie" | | 20:07 | Why it made the list; who it's for (and not for) | | 24:10 | Food, drink, atmosphere pairing | | 24:30 | Where to watch | | 24:40 | Value as a group watch—encouraging conversation |

Conclusion

This episode is a deep-dive into Would You Rather as an underrated, high-tension horror film that excels at moral complexity and psychological discomfort over cheap scares or gore. Amy and TJ guide listeners through what makes the movie memorable and divisive among horror lovers, offering personal anecdotes, thoughtful analysis, and a touch of dark humor. Highly recommended for viewers seeking a thought-provoking, conversation-starting watch—as long as you’re ready for an unsettling ride.