Episode 233 — Henry Zebrowski on Horror, Aliens, and UFO: Unbelievably Friendly Organisms

Mostly Horror | Morbid Network | Wondery

Overview

This episode features Henry Zebrowski (co-host of Last Podcast on the Left; actor/writer) in a wide-ranging conversation about horror as a genre, ufology, and his indie film project UFO: Unbelievably Friendly Organisms. The hosts also touch on a few genre-news items (a new Resident Evil film casting and the return of Creep Tapes). Much of the interview explores why UFO culture can be destructive, differing theories about the UFO phenomenon, and how those themes inform Henry’s movie — currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter.

Kickstarter/film link: UFO.movie (campaign active through Oct 18 — support encouraged).

Key points & main takeaways

• UFO: Unbelievably Friendly Organisms

  • Henry is creating an indie feature about ufology and how institutional/monetary forces warp sincere believers and phenomena.
  • The film is grassroots-funded via Kickstarter (UFO.movie) but Henry plans to make it regardless of full backing.
  • The movie aims to critique the commercialization and performative culture around UFO stories rather than being a sex comedy (despite some early assumptions about tone).

• Ufology perspective

  • Henry describes his personal shift from believing in purely physical extraterrestrials toward Jacques Vallée–style ideas that include psychic components and the possibility that the phenomenon is woven into or changes our perception of reality.
  • He emphasizes that involvement in ufology often ruins lives — whether because the phenomenon is destabilizing or because the social/institutional consequences of involvement are destructive.

• Horror as a genre

  • Henry’s working definition: “horror is drama on fire” — drama amplified to its highest stakes with an exterior/otherworldly force.
  • He leans on common structural concepts (e.g., the “monster in the house” vs. the “monster outside the house”) and stresses the importance for filmmakers to “know your genre” to keep a story focused and coherent.
  • Distinguishes horror, dread, and thriller largely by stakes, pacing, and what emotional response they prioritize.

• Background & influences

  • Early exposure to horror came from family and neighborhood (mentions the movie House, voodoo shops in Queens, and growing up Roman Catholic — which he connects to an early fascination with horror imagery).
  • He’s a longtime listener of Last Podcast on the Left, and the show’s approach informs much of his thinking.

• Indie genre filmmaking

  • Henry argues this is a fertile time for independent genre cinema and values grassroots support for projects outside studio constraints.

• Light news items discussed:

  • Zack Snyder’s (or rather Zack (Kreger?)—hosts discuss) new Resident Evil film expanding its cast (Paul Walter Hauser, Zack Cherry, Dylan G., Callie Rice/Reese) and aiming to return to horror roots with an original game-feeling story.
  • Creep Tapes Season 2 returns Nov 14; Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice plan Creep 3 as a concluding chapter.

Notable quotes & insights

• “Horror is drama on fire.” — succinct definition used to frame genre discussion.
• On ufology’s human cost: “If you've experienced an abduction, you're inherently... you're fucked up.” — blunt commentary on how involvement in the phenomenon affects individuals and families.
• On genre discipline: “Know your genre.” — practical advice to filmmakers on maintaining narrative coherence and creative focus.
• Structural image: “The monster in the house and the monster outside the house.” — a useful lens for assessing many horror narratives (Stephen King–style distinction).

Topics discussed

• Henry Zebrowski’s career and style (Last Podcast on the Left; acting roles)
• UFO: Unbelievably Friendly Organisms (film premise, Kickstarter)
• Ufology theories: extraterrestrial vs. Vallée-style psychic/phenomenological models
• The social/institutional consequences of UFO fandom and profiteering
• Horror origins and personal formative experiences (House, Queens neighborhood, Roman Catholic imagery)
• Genre theory: what defines horror vs. thriller vs. dread; the value of “feel-bad” movies
• Indie genre filmmaking and crowdfunding
• Podcast/entertainment news: Resident Evil film casting; Creep Tapes S2 and Creep 3

Action items / recommendations

• Visit UFO.movie to view the Kickstarter and (if interested) pledge before the campaign deadline (noted in conversation as Oct 18).
• For listeners curious about Henry’s worldview and influences, check out Last Podcast on the Left episodes (the hosts recommend listening from early episodes to appreciate the arc).
• Fans of indie genre cinema: consider supporting grassroots horror/ufology projects and following updates on Henry’s film.
• If you want to follow related genre news: watch for Creep Tapes Season 2 (Nov 14) and future development on the Resident Evil film casting.

If you want, I can:

• Pull out timestamped highlights or transcribe key segments for quick reference.
• Create a short “what to listen for” guide (e.g., timestamps for the film pitch, UF/Vallee discussion, horror definition, and promotional asks).