We survived November, which was officially the slowest month of horror we’ve had in 2015. And while December’s horror slate is just as minimal, each film looks very strong, especially with Michael Dougherty’s long-awaited return to the genre with Krampus—his first film since Trick R’ Treat! But beyond that we have a handful of some great looking indie films that are certainly worth keeping an eye on. Dig it!
December 4
Dementia (VOD)
Director: Mike Testin
Cast: Gene Jones, Kristina Klebe, Hassie Harrison
After being diagnosed with Dementia, an elderly war veteran is forced by his estranged family to hire a live-in nurse, only to find she harbors a sinister secret.
Krampus (Theaters)
Director: Michael Dougherty
Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner
A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a Christmas demon to his family home.
December 8
Indigenous (VOD)
Director: Alastair Orr
Cast: Zachary Soetenga, Lindsey McKeon, Sofia Pernas
A group of five young friends travel from Los Angeles to exotic Panama for a week of partying in lush tropical paradise. Befriending a beautiful local woman in their hotel bar, they learn of a secret jungle hike to a pristine waterfall nearby. The woman cautions them strongly against the hike, warning that other gringos in search of the legendary waterfall had mysteriously disappeared into the jungle, never to be seen or heard from again.
December 11
Body (Theaters & VOD the 29th)
Director: Dan Berk, Robert Olsen
Cast: Helen Rogers, Alexandra Turshen, Lauren Molina
A night out turns deadly when three girls break into a seemingly empty mansion.
December 18
Anguish (Theaters)
Director: Sonny Mallhi
Cast: Ryan Simpkins, Annika Marks, Karina Logue
A girl, Tess, is diagnosed with an identity disorder that may actually be channeling an evil, dead spirit inside of her.
Predictions
What you shouldn’t miss:
This should go without saying but the one movie you shouldn’t miss this month is Michael Dougherty’s Krampus!
- This is an obvious choice, really. Not only is Krampus the rare breed of big budget horror that tackles the holiday season, but it’s Dougherty’s follow-up film to his brilliant Halloween classic Trick R’ Treat—a must see if there ever was one.
What you should take a chance on:
While you should absolutely take a chance on any of these other films, I’m going to go with Body and Anguish.
- I’ve seen Body (review coming soon) and it’s definitely something that should be on your radar, especially if you like thrillers with a holiday twist!
- Anguish has been mostly under-the-radar and chances are you probably haven’t even heard of it, but after some positive buzz and a promising set-up, it might be worth a look.
Which film are you looking forward to the most?
Krampus! This movie is going to be so much fun and looks like a legitimately terrifying holiday horror film.
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Australia has no respect for horror, ‘Krampus’ has been pulled from its theatrical release … So I’m pretty frustrated with this country at the moment -.-
That sucks, man! Really bummed to hear that. Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long!
It’s Australia … Doesn’t surprise me! Honestly, we’ll probably have to wait a year as it’ll most likely be released on Bly-ray next Christmas season
That’s a painfully long wait, man. Hopefully it makes it over there sooner than later!
I contacted the publicist at Universal Australia, so I’ll see if I can attain a copy earlier … I normally do 🙂
Good luck! Shit, I’d take that deal 🙂
Totally keeping my eyes peeled for Krampus!
It looks so good!
Heaps of people I respect are excited for Krampus, so I guess I am too. Dementia is a great concept, though I don’t know any of the people involved.
There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to Krampus, so hopefully it doesn’t disappoint! Hearing not-so-great things about Dementia but it’s a great set up and Gene Jones (The Sacrament) is phenomenal.
I meant to tell you how your blog made me look like a smarty pants.
My sister came with us to watch The Martian several weeks ago, and there was a trailer for Krampus. I leaned over and told her about the movie, based on what I read on your blog. Since I rarely talk about modern films – let alone films that haven’t yet been released – she was floored. I merely told her I have connections. I’m real Hollywood Insider now.
Nice! I wish when I talked to other people about movies (in person) they had the same reaction as your sister. Usually they just look bored lol.
PS: The Martian is fantastic, btw.