Session 9 (2001)

Session 9 is a mediocre horror movie released to a collective shrug at the turn of the last century. It is, however, notable to Ryan, Sylvan, and Cheryl since it was filmed in their hometown and set at Danvers State Hospital, a reputably haunted mental institution that inspired H.P. Lovecraft's Arkham Asylum and therefore sits in the core of local legend. In particular, this film gives Sylvan, who holds a degree in public history, a reason to delve into the complex and interesting backstory of Danvers State; the discussion ties the rise and fall of the hospital to how the United States has approached mental health over the course of the past 150 years. Other talking points include the evolution of ghost stories, the effects of deregulation, and how religious tradition affects every other topic that comes up in the conversation.