10 Great Christmas Horror Movies You Probably Haven't Seen

5. Le Calendriar

Christmas Horrors Missed
Shudder

The French/Belgian horror begins with a paraplegic called Eve being gifted with an antique advent calendar. However, Eve quickly learns this is no ordinary present. If she opens all 25 doors, eats the corresponding sweets, and completes every task the calendar offers, Eve will regain the ability to walk. However, the tasks she must perform come at a terrible cost.

The premise screams camp but this Faustian tale gets top marks across the board. The calendar itself is so hauntingly structured, it's nail-biting every time Eve unlocks a new door or reads a new task.

Since Eve has mental health problems, it's unclear whether the calendar is legit or if the protagonist is losing her mind. This approach keeps the suspense elevated, since it's impossible to trust what Eve sees and experiences until the climax.

Speaking of which, the filmmakers saved the best ideas for the third act. Just when it feels like the biggest scare drops, the film finds a way to repeatedly top itself.

Considering how unintimidating a wicked advent calendar sounds, le calendrier is more frightening than it has any right to be.

 
Posted On: 
Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows