I think in November of 2019 (A Christmas Horror Story ) I covered A Christmas Horror Story (2015) rather in depth enough where I don't have to elaborate with any more specifics and can now shoot more loosely. I still think William Shatner, despite his limited appearances in the film, is such a fun presence, that the anthology horror film ("Trick 'r Treat" (2008) clearly an inspiration for its framing of the stories, not told in traditional format of the tales separated) benefits so much from him being in "A Christmas Horror Story". He really received a cushy role in the film located comfortably in a radio station, sort of the DJ not only in job but for the stories (and characters in them). I think it was important to keep that Christmas aesthetic (something you will read a lot any time I write during this part of the year) really ever present, and Shatner's studio is very much treated as such. I mean, with Shatner's storied career, a film he made in 2015--where his scenes are in a single location and doesn't have to stray too far from his "Shatner-isms"--is probably not lingering in his memory nor others besides those of us horror fans who might gravitate towards Christmas horror (and anthologies). This was a money gig he gave perhaps a few days to and once his time was completed (and the check cleared), his attention immediately went towards something else. Anyone who has seen "Visiting Hours" or "The Devil's Rain" (or "White Comanche", for that matter) understands that Shatner was in the occasional cult film only a niche crowd would conjure from his immense resume. I think this film, for future reference, will actually be of interest for the rising Amy Forsyth ("Hell Fest" and "We Summon the Darkness"), who has a supporting part as the daughter of a broke and desperate father and girlfriend to a high schooler stuck in a possessed wing of the school. How the film uses "Santa" with "zombie elves" and "Krampus" and this doppelganger kid right out of "Bad Seed" startling parents who picked the wrong location to cut a Christmas tree I think could very well eventually lead to a cult reputation. I noticed the film seems to have built an audience for it while reading reviews on Letterboxd. Will it reach the same heights of classic horror around Christmas? I'm not sure.
I have a few horror films upcoming in the middle of November because I just can't afford the real estate in the 25 days of December available to me. I think "A Christmas Horror Story" is the perfect starter horror film if you love to build towards December and realize that time is just elusive. I do think "A Christmas Horror Story" cleverly provides clues with the Shatner framework, sly little hints to look out for. And Shatner's boozing but merry personality just appeals to me. I smile when he appears.
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