10 Great Christmas Horror Movies You Probably Haven't Seen
6. Sint (Saint)
Sinterklaas isn't well-known globally, but it's a huge celebration in the Netherlands. With the Dutch citizens making marzipan figures and eating chocolate coins, the holiday is filled with merriment and jovial cheer.
However, it's a different story altogether in Dick Maas' horror-comedy, Sint.
According to legend, Saint Niklas will return if a full moon falls on Sinterklaas. But this isn't the jolly old Saint Nick we're familiar with. This Niklas is a maniacal bishop who was murdered in the 15th century for his nefarious schemes. And when a full moon appears on Sinterklaas in the modern day, the insidious saint invades a small Dutch town, desperate to eviscerate the locals.
Sint has a perfect blend of captivating action, pulse-racing scares, smart one-liners, masterful physical comedy, and impressive special effects. It also cleverly incorporates many elements of Sinterklaas, Christmas, and Catholicism into the story (like how Niklas uses his crosier staff as his primary weapon).
On top of that, there's an interesting subplot of the authorities downplaying the bishop's massacre, knowing Niklas' involvement could jeopardise the sanctity of the holiday and Christianity as a whole.
Even though there are plenty of horrors that put a dark spin on Santa Claus, Sint executes it with more creativity than most.