‘Christmas Evil’ is The Strangest Christmas Movie Ever: John Waters-Approved Horror Film

Holiday horror is a distinct subgenre, with movies ranging from ‘Terrifier 3′ terrifying antics of Art the Clown to the notorious ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Deadly Night’. John Waters describes ‘Christmas Evil’ as a particular favourite and one of the best films in this genre. This picture, which blends Christmas fantasy with slasher themes, is a must-watch for cult cinema aficionados since it presents a novel interpretation of the traditional wicked Santa Claus cliché.

‘Christmas Evil’ features a passionately devoted antihero, in contrast to other holiday horror movies that depict a homicidal Santa. The narrative centres on Harry, portrayed by Brandon Maggart, a worker in a toy factory who succumbs to the spirit of Christmas. He becomes so fixated with Santa Claus that he creates a list of good and bad kids by dressing up as the jolly old elf. 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Harry goes on a violent rampage, rewarding good deeds and penalizing bad deeds, as his costume beard inexplicably becomes real. The film’s unexpected conclusion, in which Harry flees to the North Pole just before he is apprehended by a crowd, heightens the suspense.

‘Christmas Evil’ has developed a cult following despite receiving conflicting reviews when it first came out, with some criticizing its brutal take on Christmas and others considering it too mild for horror lovers. The film has earned a place in the pantheon of holiday horror because of its unique genre combination, powerful performances, and surprising depth. 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

In his commentary, Waters highlights Harry’s psychological journey by comparing the movie’s protagonist to someone going through a gender transformation. Despite its strange appearance, ‘Christmas Evil’ stands out for daring viewers seeking a unique holiday film experience because of its distinctive fusion of horror, fantasy, and emotional complexity.

–Farheen Ali