From possessed playthings to sadistic Santas, the horror genre is no stranger to the holiday season. For those who desire a darker, more ironic twist to their annual end-of-the-year celebrations, there are plenty of festive freak-outs to choose from. So what better place to sift through variety than an anthology series, presenting different stories and characters with each installment.
With Black Mirror surpassing its ten-year anniversary and the upcoming arrival of Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities, the horror anthology continues to push boundaries, proving there are still fears to be explored outside the serialized structure. Whether it be a socially-conscious exemplum or a grim parody, the holiday-themed anthology segments feel reminiscent of a ghostly bedtime story, or something a family member may tell near the fireplace.
Shapeshifters Anonymous (Creepshow)
The unapologetically silly Creepshow Christmas special is a jolly good time for B-movie fans looking for something sugary in their stocking. Comedian Adam Pally stars as the worried protagonist who attends a "transformative" support group after a foreboding rectal exam leads him to believe he's a lycanthrope.
The episode begins as a fun sendup of the group therapy trope, but like the bevy of characters present at the eponymous session, it morphs into an entirely different beast. The transition, while shaky, is ultimately rewarding. Greg Nictoero's campy short (based on a novella of the same name) fully commits to the heightened mayhem, all building up to a ridiculous "tokusatsu" inspired battle between werecreatures and an army of mall Santas. Yes, you read that correctly.
Pooka! (Into the Dark)
Hulu's Blumhouse-produced anthology series presents a feature-length descent into madness at the expense of an adorably freaky kid's toy. When a struggling actor, Wilson (Nyasaha Hatendi), is hired to be the mascot for the titular holiday sensation, he becomes increasingly paranoid that otherworldly forces are possessing his costume.
Genre fans expecting another "killer toy" romp will be pleasantly surprised by this psychological thriller from Nacho Vigalondo (Timecrimes, Collasal). The intentionally disorienting structure won't be everyone's cup of nog, but this nightmarish mind-trip features surreal imagery and disjointed editing that puts the viewer squarely at unease with Wilson as he tries to piece everything together. "Pooka!" is a standout episode of Into the Dark, nice (or naughty) enough to be gifted a sequel.
Tornado (Tim and Eric's Bedtime Stories)
Nothing kills the holiday spirit faster than the incessant reminder of a deeply suppressed memory. Things are starting to look up for Matt Peters until his childhood home is destroyed in a storm which consequently exposes a humiliating incident from his childhood. Ashamed and desperate to keep his past buried, Matt makes a deal with the nefarious local priest and hospital administer, Father Krang.
While the holiday elements are mostly in the background, it all culminates at a Christmas party featuring a most unwanted gift. Creators Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim's signature absurdism is suitably on display, taking their bizarre concept to the umpteenth extent, yet this twisted episode's comparatively grounded tone gives the horror elements more weight. A standout performance from Kurtwood Smith (That '70s Show, Robocop) as the episode's antagonist is sure to make audiences very uncomfortable.
Seasons of Belief (Tales From The Darkside)
Tired of their spoiled children pestering them, mom and dad decide to regale them with a spooky story on the night before Christmas in this wickedly campy segment from Beetlejuice co-creator, Michael McDowell. The patriarch of the family begins to captivate the youngsters by warning them of a hideous monster known as "The Grither" who punishes naughty children.
While it all seems like a mean-spirited prank, strange coincidences evidently occur, keeping the viewer in suspense if whether or not the Krampus-inspired creature will make an appearance. Some of the choices are over-the-top (actors pretending to be "windblown" is a highlight) and the ending is rather predictable, but, nonetheless, this fan-favorite Tales from the Darkside chiller is an enjoyable little 80s relic. Its gruesome final frame is composed like a Thomas Kinkade painting from hell.
The Messiah on Mott Street (Night Gallery)
Rod Sterling's uplifting story of keeping the faith may not terrorize viewers but it does offer up some food for thought. In line with Charles Dickens, and his own The Twilight Zone segment, "The Night of the Meek," Serling uses the time of year to craft a morality tale in order to inspire hope. Yet its blunt portrayal of life in poverty and the theological issues raised can be upsetting as one scene depicts an evangelical preacher oppressing a child.
The supernatural elements are subtly executed with minimal lighting techniques and shadowing. A particularly ominous moment occurs when a paranormal entity visits the subject of the story, leaving him to question whether the presence is "The Messiah" or "The Angel of Death." Eerie and spiritual, this timeless episode is a Hanukkah special as much it is a Christmas one. Yet, regardless of faith, it's a parable that can be appreciated by all.
The Devil of Christmas (Inside No. 9)
What begins as a wonderful homage, pastiching 70s television akin to the Hammer House of Horror, insidiously unwraps to reveal its depraved objective. The setup is simple: a waspy family on vacation at their alpine lodge is warned of the Austrian-Bavarian demon, Krampus.
With pitch-perfect production values, cheesy acting, and frequent continuity errors, it's hard not to be charmed by this devilishly clever episode of Inside No. 9, especially the humorous behind-the-scenes commentary from the director of the faux production. However, those familiar with BBC's macabre anthology series know not everything is what it seems. The last-minute reveal is so nerve-shatteringly heinous that viewer discretion is rightfully advised. The jarring juxtaposition, albeit cruel (and slightly questionable), is nevertheless a disturbingly effective conclusion guaranteed to send a shiver.
All Through the House (Love, Death & Robots)
Ignorance is bliss in this darkly comedic CG short from the Netflix sci-fi horror anthology, Love, Death & Robots, focusing on the "love" Santa has for children all around the world. On the night before Christmas, two siblings, determined to prove the existence of the big red guy, get more than they bargained for when they make a close encounter with the mythical being, ahem, beast.
The frightening creature design, inspired by the xenomorph from the Alien series, hilariously complements the innocent childhood antics. Viewers will be struck with nervous laughter as they learn Santa's unorthodox method of delivering presents. Designed to capture the stop motion nostalgia of classic seasonal outings, this instant classic is amongst the best of the Netflix series and is sure to be watched for many holidays to come.
Five Characters in Search of an Exit (The Twilight Zone)
Rod Serling bears the gift that keeps on giving: existential dread! Originally airing on December 22nd, 1961, this classic episode of The Twilight Zone features an army major, a ballerina, a bagpiper, a vagabond, and a clown trapped inside of a cylindric prison without any recollection of who they are or how they ended up there.
They theorize if their entrapment is indicative of a doomed eternal fate. Serling masterfully builds tension within dialogue-driven moments in which the characters debate the meaning of life and the willpower to overcome indifference. As their situation becomes more evident, it becomes shockingly clear why this episode is categorized in the holiday-horror crossover genre.
And All Through the House (Tales from the Crypt)
Originally a comic-book story from a 1954 issue of The Vault of Horror, the progenitor of the controversial "killer-Santa" trope has gained notoriety throughout the years, and eventually adapted to screen, twice. The second adaptation, serving as the premiere episode for the late 80s Tales from the Crypt reboot, director Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future) and writer Fred Dekker (The Monster Squad) deliver the yuletide fear, pitting a murderous wife against a homicidal maniac dressed as Saint Nick in this suspenseful cat-and-mouse thriller.
Mary Ellen Trainor showcases an impressive range as the hunter-turned-hunted while Larry Drake is flat-out unpleasant and terrifying. Staying faithful to its pulpy origins, Zemeckis and Dekker's superior remake never takes itself too seriously, skillfully balancing tones. For every sinister moment, the creators will infuse a darkly comedic scene of cartoonish violence or a Crypt-Keeper pun that's iced to slay.
White Christmas (Black Mirror)
An anthology within an anthology, Charlie Booker neatly intertwines three harrowing stories in this Black Mirror Christmas special. Siphoning off humanity's growing dependence on technology, Booker heightens the idea of getting "blocked," instilling viewers with stomach-turning trepidation that life will one day imitate art.
The theme of trust is cynically explored as characters tragically misplace confidence in themselves, others, the digital age, and the system as a whole. Noteworthy as the episode to feature John Hamm, "White Christmas" contains strong performances across the board, especially from Natalia Tena in a small but skin-crawling role. A light-hearted 50s musical starring Bing Crosby this is not. But like an overplayed Christmas song, this bleak collection of stories will remain in the head of the viewer long after the episode has ended.