In 1984 Gremlins Joe Dante was a hit at the box office and with critics. Released on June 8th, it was a rarity in origin. It combined a Christmas story (although it wasn’t released in those days) with elements of a horror movie. Codes from both genders coexisted in the same script, which led to some criticism. Including a moderate scandal over its inclusion in all audiences. Chris Columbus’s script, which introduced the idea of a race of gentle creatures capable of transforming into monsters, found its perfect context on Christmas Eve. It also challenged the expectations of the public and the trade press.
This was not the last time, nor the first time, that great festivals became an unexpected platform for horror stories to be told. As early as 1843, British writer Charles Dickens made the English custom of telling horror stories at Christmas his most famous story.. But little by little, the movie builds its own mythology of disturbing creatures living among songs and holidays. From the creepy Krampus, a traditional creature from alpine mythology, to killers dressed as Santa Claus. There is no limit to cinematic imagination when combining date symbols with the most brutal scenes.
We leave you with five films – and where to watch them – if you want to give such frightening stories a chance. From the possibility that one of the most emblematic figures of modern times is evil, to a classic that has aged with sinister grace. The selection contains the best of an interesting genre that is worth giving a chance.
Rare Export: A Hooligan Christmas Story (Prime)
It’s the first decade of the millennium, and a group of Arctic explorers and scientists are devoting Christmas to an interesting project. Finnish director Hjalmari Helander’s film quickly explores this theme. Thus, this shows that the group’s interest in investigating rumors of a strange creature trapped in the ice poses a risk. Local residents claim that this is a dangerous entity, and the advanced technology is an inexplicable mystery. How could a creature survive in extremely low temperatures?
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The answer is as unexpected as it is frightening. Lying beneath the ice is none other than Santa Claus. Or at least a beast named after him, but with a penchant for murder and violence. Combining drama, comedy and violence, the film moves its message between beheadings and bloodshed.
And especially with a moral, which in the middle of the action is even funny. Let no one take it for granted that Christmas brings nothing but good wishes. This is demonstrated in detail by the series of violent deaths included in the plot.
Beware of strangers (Movistar+)
film by Chris Peckover could be a dark and slasher-like version of Chris Columbus’ classic Home Alone. But this argument is more reasonable and turns its premise from home invasion into something more disturbing. And in one of the best Christmas horror films.
When Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) is attacked by a group of intruders while babysitting, she must also test her ability to survive. This will push her to her physical and mental limits in the middle of a terrifying Christmas night.
But more than that, the character must face the possibility that the attack on the house in which he lives is something more than an attack. Through unexpected plot twists and careful use of tension, the home space becomes a war zone. Meanwhile, there are a series of traps that Ashley must overcome in the midst of an increasingly brutal chase. The film delivers a shocking ending. it’s much more than it seems, and especially weirder than its premise would suggest.
Ana and the Apocalypse (Filmin)
John MacPhail took the zombie story and combined it with a Christmas narrative. He added musical themes to both. The result is a very rare offer that has no restrictions. In this way, the film moves from horror – including several homages to directors of this genre – to comedy with amazing ease.
As if that weren’t enough, it ties its plot to the protagonist’s growth story. Anna (Ella Hunt) must face not only the living dead, but also the small battles of her early teenage years and their consequences.
This may seem excessive for one story, but the director is smart enough to balance his central moments into a cohesive setting. Much more so, ensuring that interest in the film does not wane in the third part, in which the whole idea reaches its climax. It is also the most unique message. Christmas sometimes requires survival. And this time it’s not a metaphor.
Gremlins (HBO Max)
Director Joe Dante turned the traditional German legend into one of the most famous Christmas horror films in film history. Randall (Hoyt Axton) is a failed inventor who almost accidentally creates an unexpected situation. This is by stealing from the Mogwai Gizmo and give it to your son Billy (Zach Galligan). But what appears to be a charming and peaceful creature holds a secret. The one who is capable of destroying everything that is in his path.
One of those horror films where Hollywood debated which plot would suit everyone and which wouldn’t is misleading for several reasons. From his twisted sense of humor to his brutal scenes of violence. Dante took the chaotic spirit of the Gremlins and made it the center of Chris Columbus’s plot.
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Gradually, the film tells a story that goes to the roots of collective fears and uses paranoia due to unexplained events as a backdrop. Meanwhile, hundreds of green-skinned creatures invade the peaceful city and destroy it at will. With a sequel, an animated series and dozens of pop culture references. Gremlins has become a creepy Christmas classic.
Last night (Movistar+)
What would happen if the world ended on Christmas Eve? The plot of Camille Griffin’s film is necessarily heartbreaking and very different from other horror films. It is also terrifying in its simple pessimism. What begins as an obvious family celebration ends with a farewell to civilization as we know it. But as the hours pass—and the end is inevitable—something becomes clear. lSurvivors will have to face their worst selves in the midst of tragedy.
Griffin doesn’t waste time on sentimental messages or existential questions. Before this, he analyzes death and desolation as part of the nature of human history. With the painful end comes the apocalypse, but also an ominous certainty. Man is doomed to destruction by his own hand.
Source: Hiper Textual
