With the newest Black Christmas remake coming out this month, it’s only appropriate to take a look back on some holiday-themed horror. Christmas and scares aren’t usually grouped together but you can’t argue that nutcrackers aren’t a little creepy. Plus, the juxtaposition can make for great storytelling. Let’s take a look back on some past examples, demonstrating what can go right and what can go wrong.
4. ‘Black Christmas’ (1974)
Where else to start but with the one that began it all? Black Christmas is actually pretty subtle with its use of the holiday. It’s mostly kept in the background. This movie mostly follows the slasher formula but it’s got some unique elements. For one thing, we never get a good look at the killer; his scenes are either shown from his POV or in the shadows. The scariest part is really the disturbing phone calls made to the sorority house. Famous actors John Saxon and Margot Kidder, along with director Bob Clark (A Christmas Story), make this a worthwhile watch.
3. ‘Christmas Evil’ (1980)
If you thought Joker was the first film to take inspiration from Taxi Driver, you’d be mistaken. In this film, we have a man traumatized as a child who believes he is the real Santa Claus. Admittedly, it’s slow and monotonous and his traumatizing incident doesn’t make much sense. We see some moments of madness leaking out but it takes a long while before he does anything violent. This one is slow but the ending brings it to “so bad it’s good” territory.
