Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘All the Creatures Were Stirring’. If there is one particular thing that all of us do during the holiday season, it would have to be that we see the world through rose colored glasses, and understandably so. Because the holidays are a time of great beauty, thanks to the snow that covers the earth and the twinkling lights that catch our eye in our living rooms and around town, and that beauty is only further compounded by the fact that we get to spend time with those love and bask in the joy that they bring us. But while it is wonderful to see the world as a shining beacon for a few weeks at the end of the year, there are some inherent risks that come with immersing ourselves in such a rosy view of the season. Because if we let it wash over us completely, we can in fact, lose sight of what the season really means and that’s problematic. Because it makes the season less about giving and celebrating life and supporting those less fortunate than us, and more about what we are getting and what we can do to prolong that escape. Which is why it is a good thing that there are holiday stories out there that help to ground us, such as A Christmas Carol. For they remind us of the real reason for the season and keep us focused upon the fact that the world can still be a harsh place whilst we are sipping on grandma’s Egg Nog. But what’s truly surprising is that horror is a genre of film that also helps to remind us of this fact. Because the scares it sends our way and the safety it provides, really does help one to see the season a little clearer, especially when the scary movie in question… is holiday themed. And it just so happens, that Shudder is host to a unique and disturbing holiday film that does a fine job of keeping its viewer grounded in the midst of this magical season in All the Creatures Were Stirring. Now what truly makes this particular holiday horror film so unique, is the sheer fact that it is an anthology style motion picture. One that is packed to the brim with all kinds of wonderful vignettes that revolve around the season. Several of which, are grounded in the grittier parts of the holiday season. Take the wraparound story for instance. Since it does a phenomenal job of exploring the fact that some people spend the season alone or away from family, and they rely upon whatever’s open during the more restrictive parts of the season to forget about their woes. Which in this case involves an awkward first date wherein our intrepid couple enjoy a play on Christmas Eve. One that of course, features a spooky twist because this is a horror film after all. But while the realistic nature of that story and several others could have carried this movie no problem, it still has plenty more to offer the audience. Because another fascinating aspect of this film is that its stories also prey upon our most primal fears. For the office themed ‘The Stockings Were Hung’ takes the time to remind us of the fact that sometimes the holidays can drive people to do drastic and awful things since the antagonist in that story is eager to use a holiday office party to exact revenge upon their co-workers in a sadistic fashion, one that speaks to how much they hate the holidays, and their co-workers. Plus, there’s ‘Dash Away All’, a story that is eager to explore our fears of the unknown and what can happen to us when we are alone and vulnerable in a supremely dynamic and chilling manner. However, while it is refreshing to dive into a horror story that takes the time to offer up a little commentary on how bad things happen during the holidays, because that’s just how the world unfortunately works, this movie also takes the time to have a little fun with the storytelling as well. For it does features an incredibly unique, revenge-themed reindeer story that offers up something special for gore-hounds, and there’s also a holiday themed story that features some aliens that are quite curious about this time of year and why we celebrate it. Plus, you can never go wrong with a modern horror themed take on Dickens’ penultimate work, and really… all of these vignettes allow for this film to be quite the dynamic experience when all is said and done. Because it really does offer something for everyone. For if you want commentary, and a sobering reminder of the fact that the holidays can be quite the illusionary time of year, you’ll find that here. And if you just want some straight up splatter and some chilling scares, hey, that’s here too. And of course, if you’re a fan of horror comedies, you can get a slice of that as well. But what matters most, is that this movie is just downright fun. Because you never quite know what to expect from these vignettes and it’s always a treat when you can lose yourself within a story and be surprised. So, if you’re looking for a quick escape from the saccharine of the season, or you’re just a horror fan that wants to see a little blood under the mistletoe, then make sure you give this one a look. Because it really is a fascinating and horrific ride. ‘All the Creatures Were Stirring’ is streaming now, exclusively on Shudder.
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