‘Krampus’: Winter wasteland, creeps kringle

BELEAGUERED youngster Max (Emjay Anthony) meets the monster opposite of Santa Claus.

You better watch out—Michael Dougherty’s “Krampus” is an offbeat holiday-horror flick, featuring an ancient folkloric figure that supposedly predates Santa Claus, the titular bogeyman tasked with punishing his unruly prey!

Young Max (Emjay Anthony), his exhausted parents (Adam Scott and Toni Collette) and his increasingly distant sister (Stefania Owen) suffer through yet another Christmas dinner with relatives they hate, who ridicule his belief in Santa Claus. Unwittingly summoned by the disillusioned boy, the supernatural Krampus causes trouble in his neighborhood, bombarding the area with a blizzard, followed by creepy critters.

Anticipated confrontations, from the chaotic “family bonding” parts to the rather unsuspenseful parade of antagonists, end up somewhat disturbing, even if the effects—there are lots used here—are often flashy.

COLLETTE (left) and Anthony

The Krampus’ holiday henchmen offer twisted versions of familiar decorations and symbols, reminiscent of the traumatizing tinsel menaces from the annual “Doctor Who” Christmas specials.

Tone-wise, Dougherty’s film feels a lot like “The Frighteners” and the better episodes of “Twilight Zone,” chilling with its decidedly skewed take on traditions.

Inspired by Norse and Greek mythology, the movie’s beastly being is an intriguing figure, especially since little about it is revealed in an animated flashback sequence—easily one of the production’s highlights.

The Christmas-stealing monster is appropriately imposing, its predictable onslaught ultimately leading to a rewarding and unsettling ending!