Few films capture the intersection of holiday cheer and sheer terror quite like Michael Dougherty’s Krampus (2015). This darkly comedic horror film blends yuletide traditions with chilling folklore, delivering a festive nightmare that has cemented its status as a must-watch for horror enthusiasts during the holiday season.

Krampus draws on the Alpine legend of the titular creature—a sinister counterpart to Santa Claus who punishes those who lose their holiday spirit. When young Max (Emjay Anthony) renounces Christmas after a disastrous family gathering, he unwittingly summons Krampus and his terrifying minions to wreak havoc on his dysfunctional household. What ensues is a tense, darkly funny fight for survival against supernatural forces.

Why Horror Fans Should Watch

1. A Unique Spin on Holiday Horror

Krampus delivers a refreshing take on Christmas movies by replacing syrupy sentimentality with macabre humor and genuine scares. The film skillfully balances a grim tone with absurdity, making it a rare gem in the holiday-horror genre.

2. Stunning Practical Effects

Dougherty’s background in creature design (Trick ‘r Treat) shines through with Krampus’ menacing appearance and his army of nightmarish toys and demonic elves. The practical effects and atmospheric set pieces add a tactile, old-school charm that horror purists will appreciate.

3. Social Commentary with a Darkly Comic Edge

Beneath the terror lies a biting critique of consumerism and familial dysfunction, themes that horror fans often relish for their depth. The film uses its scares and laughs to explore how easily the holiday spirit can be lost in modern times.

4. A Standout Cast

With performances from Toni Collette, Adam Scott, and David Koechner, the ensemble brings comedic timing and emotional resonance to their flawed, relatable characters. Their journey from bickering chaos to desperate unity adds weight to the terror unfolding around them.

5. A Memorable Monster Movie Ending

Without spoiling too much, Krampus ends on a note that is equal parts chilling and thought-provoking, leaving audiences questioning the true meaning of Christmas—and their survival instincts.

Krampus is a delightful addition to any horror fan’s Christmas lineup. Its mix of dark humor, folklore-inspired scares, and holiday critique makes it an instant classic that stands apart from more traditional holiday fare. If you’re tired of saccharine Christmas movies and want something with bite (and maybe a little blood), Krampus is the gift that keeps on giving.

No Spoilers

In the modern world of horror with its ubiquitous jump scares and ultra-violence it’s nice to discover a quiet horror. A horror that is in fact barely a horror at all, this is Laurence Vannicelli’s; Mother May I?

The horrors genre’s nihilistic poster boy, the talented: Kyle Gallner stars as Emmett; the not-really bereft son of recently deceased Tracy (Robin Winn Moore). We find out that, although Tracy and Emmett had been estranged for many years, Tracy left Emmett her rather impressive country house in upstate New York. Emmett and his poet girlfriend (Holland Roden) travel to stay in the house after dumping Tracy’s ashes unceremoniously into a nearby lake. Emmett’s quip about Tracy now being ‘fish food’ should give you some idea about how he feels towards his late mother.

Tracy’s house, though beautiful and roomy, is filled with her possessions and memorabilia from her youth as a ballerina. Emmett wants to sell the house as quickly as possible despite Anya’s suggestion of turning it into some kind of artists’ retreat. 

Emmett and Anya seem to be having relationship issues, despite being in it for the long haul and wanting to start a family. This apparent dysfunction is either mediated or compounded by Anya’s insistence on psychological ‘games’ suggested by her therapist’s mother. In these games, Anya and Emmett sit across the table from one another and each pretends to be the other person by switching seats. This is to try and better understand their partner. These scenes make for some pretty intense moments with the camera pulled right up to the actor’s face. 

After one of these ‘sessions,’ the couple makes yet another excellent decision by indulging in magic mushrooms while emotionally unstable and in unfamiliar surroundings. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that this goes horribly wrong.

While high Anya tries on the cast of Tracy’s face hanging above the fireplace. It is at this moment Anya becomes Tracy. Is this another mind game or a genuine possession? This state lasts longer than the hallucinogens should. Anya even ends up wearing Tracy’s clothes and makeup despite not being a makeup wearer herself. Anya even re-pierces her ears to wear the earrings that were found on Tracy’s corpse. 

The rest of the film explores the Freudian nightmare in which Emmett finds himself.

What’s Good…

The acting is fantastic. Gallner, as always, brings his vulnerable intensity to the role. It’s interesting to the character of Emmett regress as his childhood (literally) comes back to haunt him. 

I didn’t appreciate Emmett psycho analyzing Anya by saying she calls herself a writer but is actually just a “frustrated copywriter” (jeez movie just @ me next time!). The movie is extremely atmospheric and refreshingly quiet (I could literally hear my cat snoring at points). Expertly building tension so that you are constantly scanning the background to spot what might be hiding behind the corner of the seemingly pleasant house.

What Could Be Improved…

I love a slow burn as much as the next person but I couldn’t help but feel the movie could have upped the creep factor more. Tracy as a ballerina could have been utilized more to give her ‘ghost’ inhuman movements.  I can understand why many critics described Mother May I as a horror, light on the horror. 

As many horrors do, the movie lost a lot of its during the third act. Subtlety is one thing but the film does leave many questions unanswered and kind of loses itself in its own metaphor.

Despite this Mother May I is an interesting meander into the realm of real-world horror. A good watch for a cosy evening maybe just not with a snoring cat!

Three stars.

Rating: 3.5/5

Disney’s highly anticipated sequel Moana 2 has returned audiences to the Pacific’s breathtaking animated landscapes. While the film offers stunning visuals that surpass its predecessor, its storyline and music struggle to match the charm and originality of the first installment.

The animation is a standout, with vivid depictions of Polynesian culture and oceanic beauty. Critics have praised its artistry, describing it as “breathtaking” and “awe-inspiring”.

Moana’s dynamic with Maui remains compelling. Their camaraderie, humor, and emotional depth provide many of the movie’s best moments.

The addition of Moana’s sister, Simea, adds a fresh layer to the story, with her character described as a “scene-stealer”.

The music, now composed by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, lacks the enduring appeal of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s iconic tracks from the original. While some songs are fun, they don’t have the same magic.

The plot divides attention across a larger ensemble of characters, leading to a slightly scattered narrative that doesn’t achieve the emotional resonance of the first film.

Moana 2 is a worthy sequel in its own right, offering an enjoyable ride for families and fans of the original. However, it feels more like a beautifully animated follow-up than a groundbreaking continuation. The film’s visuals and central character dynamics carry it, even as its story and soundtrack fall short of the unforgettable heights set by its predecessor.

Moana 2 is a fun return to the ocean, but its heart isn’t quite as vibrant as the original voyage.