Krampus
Short description
Max, a boy already unhappy about spending Christmas with his quarrelling relatives, turns his back on the holiday after another family argument. His loss of festive spirit draws the attention of Krampus, a demonic figure from European folklore who punishes those who reject the season. A power cut plunges the house into darkness, and the family comes under siege from monstrous versions of Christmas symbols, forcing them to set aside their differences and work together to survive.
Michael Dougherty directed and co-wrote the film with Todd Casey and Zach Shields, following his 2007 debut Trick 'r Treat and preceding Godzilla: King of the Monsters. The cast includes Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell and Emjay Anthony as Max. Made for a modest budget, the film earned several times that amount worldwide.
On IMDb it holds a rating of 6.2 from around 94,000 votes, and on TMDB a rating of 6.2 from roughly 2,459 votes. A critics' rating of 6.1 from 131 reviews places it close to the audience scores, suggesting a similar reception on both sides.
What's left behind the scenes
- According to director Michael Dougherty, this is a Christmas film that is both scary and sentimental. Dougherty said: "A Christmas Story" (2009) and "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) are films about people undergoing spiritual cleansing. And they come to this cleansing through experienced horror."
- The image of Krampus created in the film is compiled from his depictions on postcards and illustrations in books.
- A pre-premiere screening of the film for critics was not held.
- Omi Angel (grandmother) is the only one in the film who calls Krampus by name.
- In real life, Lolo Owen is the younger sister of Stephanie Owen.
- The house Krampus stands on in one poster is not the same one seen inside the snow globe in Krampus's hand on another poster.
- In Austrian folklore, Krampus is a goat-like companion of Saint Nicholas (known as Sinterklaas by the Dutch, from which the name Santa Claus originates) who punishes naughty children. "Krampus parades" are held in Austrian cities and southern Germany, featuring teenagers and young men aged 14-18 dressed as this character.
- Director Michael Dougherty calls Krampus in this film "the shadow of Santa Claus." According to him, "he's not some unstoppable monster who breaks down your door to grab you. There's something sinisterly playful about him. He enjoys what he does. For him, it’s like a game of cat and mouse."
- The film was originally scheduled to premiere on November 25th. It was moved to December 4th, closer to "Krampus Night," which is traditionally celebrated in Austria on December 5th.
- Composer Douglas Pipes describes the music written for the film as "a collection of distorted Christmas carols with a touch of paganism." The soundtrack features the clinking of chains, bell ringing, the creaking of bones, and drumming on animal skin. Choral singing can be heard in different languages – sometimes monotonous, sometimes descending into a whisper.
- In Max’s room, you can notice a couple of figures from "Pacific Rim" (2013), another film by "Legendary Pictures," as well as posters from the animated series "Rick and Morty" (2013) and "Robot Chicken" (2005).
- Max’s mother mentions "the noodle incident," which caused a quarrel with the neighbors. "The noodle incident" was repeatedly mentioned in the daily comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes" (1985-1995) by artist Bill Watterson. Its meaning is not explained in either the comics or the film "Krampus."
- Michael Dougherty described the film he directed as a dark take on a family Christmas movie. As the director put it: “The Christmas movie exists as if inside its own snow globe. Family members, no matter how much they dislike each other, ultimately reconcile and live happily ever after. Now imagine their arguments only escalate, and then Krampus somehow penetrates their reality.”
- When signing a letter to Santa Claus, Max writes “Max Engel.” “Engel” is the German word for “angel.” This indicates that the family whose story the film tells has German roots.
- In the film, Krampus acts as the antithesis of Santa Claus. Omi Engel refers to him as the “shadow” of Saint Nicholas. The character of Krampus genuinely resembles Santa Claus – he has helpers and a sleigh. The bell Max receives is engraved with the inscription “Gruss Vom Krampus,” which means “Greetings from Krampus.”
Auditions in India
Casting calls in USA
Castingi w Polsce
Кастинги в Україні
