C. Robert Cargill

Biography

C. Robert Cargill, born on September 8, 1975, in San Antonio, Texas, is an American screenwriter, novelist, podcast host, and former film critic. He has successfully transitioned from analyzing films to creating them, building a strong reputation for his work in the horror and fantasy genres.

Early Career as a Film Critic:

Cargill's journey in the entertainment industry began in the early 2000s as a film critic. He gained prominence under the pseudonym "Massawyrm" on the popular website Ain't It Cool News, where he wrote for over a decade. He also contributed to Film.com and Hollywood.com and co-founded the animated movie review site Spill.com, where he was known as "Carlyle." His critical work allowed him to develop a deep understanding of storytelling and what resonated with audiences, which he describes as a "master class" in narrative.

Transition to Screenwriting:

A pivotal moment in Cargill's career came through his friendship with director Scott Derrickson. Derrickson, a fan of Cargill's writing, reached out to him, leading to a collaboration that would define a significant part of his screenwriting career. This partnership bore fruit with the 2012 horror film Sinister, which Cargill co-wrote with Derrickson. The film's success established Cargill as a talented screenwriter in the horror genre. He went on to co-write Sinister 2 (2015).

Cargill's collaboration with Derrickson extended to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he co-wrote Doctor Strange (2016). This brought his distinctive voice to a broader, mainstream audience. More recently, he co-wrote and produced the critically acclaimed horror film The Black Phone (2021) with Derrickson, further solidifying their successful creative partnership. He is also involved in upcoming projects with Derrickson, including Black Phone 2 (2025) and The Gorge (2025).

Novel Writing and Other Ventures:

Beyond screenwriting, Cargill is an accomplished novelist. His debut novel, Dreams and Shadows, an urban fantasy, was released in 2013, followed by Queen of the Dark Things. He has also penned the science fiction novels Sea of Rust and Day Zero, as well as a short story collection, We Are Where the Nightmares Go.

Cargill also co-hosts the weekly podcast "Junk Food Cinema" with fellow film critic Brian Salisbury, where they celebrate often-overlooked films. He has also had minor acting roles in various films throughout his career.

C. Robert Cargill's career is a testament to his passion for storytelling in various forms, making him a versatile and respected voice in both film and literature.