10 Great Christmas Horror Movies You Probably Haven't Seen
4. Calvaire
There are plenty of movies like Misery, Speak No Evil, and Tusk that involve a friendly host taking in a guest, only to be later revealed as a psychopath. Of course, it's difficult for this revelation to be dramatic when it's evident the host is up to no good straight away.
However, Calvaire pulls it off, since it never goes down the traditional path. The psychological horror kicks off with an on-the-road entertainer called Marc preparing for a Christmas show. When his van breaks down, Marc is forced to stay at an inn, owned by the eccentric Mr. Bartel. The innkeeper seems harmless at first, but Marc quickly suspects he has an ulterior motive.
What makes Bartel scary is the fact his kindness isn't an act. The demented innkeeper is truly trying to be good, but is unable to control his inner demons. For this reason, he's legitimately terrifying, no matter how affectionate and tender he behaves.