This Christmas horror movie released in 2018 was originally dubbed Stirring and later the title was changed to Mrs. Claus. I love holiday horror movies and finding great Christmas horror movies to watch is no mean feat. I picked this one because it’s nice to see Mrs. Claus getting some action with the stabby-stabby parts of Christmas.
“Mrs. Claus 2018” Movie Review
The opening scene of “Stirring” features a hazing ritual of epic proportions. Luckily the beginning sequence is a flashback. It’s also shown in a period circa pre-mobile phones so I’ll never know if hazing rituals like this one are or were something of a ‘thing.’
The first thing I noticed is that acting is a touch unnatural. At the same time, it’s also oddly appealing which fills me with hope. Mrs. Claus was made with a budget of $10 000 and many of the cast hadn’t appeared in feature films before this one. I feel like I’m watching something that should feel frustratingly amateur but it has a retro Carrie (1976) feel to it. The film also begins by not over-explaining everything and lets you connect a few dots in between scenes.
Stirring (Original Title) Mrs. Claus
The narrative brings a ‘world too small’ kind of moment— when a murdered sister begins living in the same sorority house years later. Because it’s a slasher film, I figure the generic storytelling can be given a bit of leeway.
If you are the type that loves a unique kill (even if it’s been used before) then Mrs. Claus has a treat for you. It’s the kind of weapon usually reserved for comedy spoofs about horror. I’m kind of delighted it is being used here in a serious nature. That retro ’70s horror feeling comes creeping back at times like this. D
The gore is not impressive, especially as it’s shown in a super close-up view. It is, however impressive when any filmmaker works in practical effects and here the job gets done. The kill scenes also flow nicely and work their way into the storyline well.
Towards the middle of the Mrs. Claus movie, everything becomes so quiet it’s possible to forget you sat down to watch a horror movie. I watch movies late at night to ensure my kids don’t accidentally hear any of my cinematic missives. Often there is screaming and yelling and with features of the festive seasons, there is festive music. I often need to turn the sound way down at times and turn the subtitles on. Here, this was not required.
Bullying is Not OK, Mrs Claus!
Mrs. Claus movie takes some time to acknowledge sororities’ bullying and societal norms and stops for a rather long chat about it. The tension gets lost throughout this period and the whodunnit’ trying to establish itself is undermined by the lag.
I find myself distracted and losing interest. The lack of background music in the Mrs. Claus movie and any of the usual devices used to add some flair like carolers, festive jingles or ominous creepy sounds are oddly absent. Some parts feel like you’re somewhere remote and can even hear the crickets. Many movies are quiet and it works, here it is odd and the absence of all these things combined stretches the lag out even more.
Though I stick with the film thinking the story will pick up, the pacing stays at a steady snail’s pace. I have to admit I fast-forwarded through a little of it when I hit the final third. There is so little happening to keep me engaged. By the time the killer is revealed in the Mrs. Claus movie I no longer care. With such a small cast, the illusion of what’s happening and the conversations between characters leave very little to the imagination.
Christmas Horror Movies – Mrs. Claus
For an independent feature on a tight budget, Mrs. Claus does an excellent job with what it has to work with. With more work on the story writing and dialogue could have made this a gem amongst the weeds. Instead, it’s slightly forgettable. It’s not a bad film, it’s just all too familiar with no urgency.
Mrs. Claus is rated
2.5 people get stabbed in the mouth hole A LOT out of 5
- Creepshow Christmas Special 2020
- For more Christmas horror movies, try my list of Christmas horror classics.
- Hulu’s Into the Dark Series has a Christmas episode. Get into Pooka!
- Christmas Horror musicals? Anna and the Apocalypse
Where to Watch Mrs. Claus
Mrs. Claus is streaming on:
Stirring aka Mrs. Claus Storyline
- A group of college students attending a Christmas party at a sorority house that has a sinister past is stalked by a bloodthirsty killer disguised as Mrs. Claus.
- Production Company: Fright Meter Films. Distributed by: Wild Eye Releasing
- Written and directed by Troy Escamilla.
- Starring: Helene Udy (The Dead Zone), Brinke Stevens (Personal Demons 2018), Kaylee Williams (The Lashman 2014), and Ryan Poole (Black Pumpkin.)
Budget: $10 000 (USD.)
