Krampus

| 2015

Directed by: Michael Dougherty

Main Plot

In Krampus, a family gathering during the holiday season takes a dark turn when a young boy, disillusioned by the commercialization of Christmas, inadvertently summons a malevolent spirit known as Krampus. As the family members bicker and tensions rise, their lack of holiday spirit attracts the wrath of this ancient entity. One by one, they find themselves besieged by sinister forces and terrifying creatures that embody their fears and failures. The once festive atmosphere transforms into a nightmare as the family must confront their own shortcomings and work together to survive the chaos unleashed by Krampus. As the night unfolds, they realize that the true meaning of Christmas is at stake, and they must fight to reclaim their holiday spirit before it is too late. The film blends horror and dark comedy, exploring themes of family dynamics and the consequences of losing sight of the holiday's true essence.

Characters

  • Adam Scott plays Tom Engel, the father striving to keep his dysfunctional family united as they face the terror of the malevolent Krampus.
  • Toni Collette plays Sarah Engel, the mother in a dysfunctional family whose lack of Christmas spirit leads to a terrifying visit from Krampus, a demonic holiday figure.
  • David Koechner plays Howard, a gun-loving, rough-around-the-edges family man who helps his relatives fight off the malevolent Christmas demon and its minions.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Krampus, the main characters face the consequences of their family's disconnection and selfishness during the Christmas season. After a series of terrifying encounters with Krampus and his minions, the remaining family members find themselves trapped in a nightmarish winter wonderland, where they must confront their past grievances and the darkness that has consumed them. The climax occurs when Max, the young boy who initially summoned Krampus in a moment of despair, attempts to redeem his family by confronting the creature. He offers his own Christmas wish, hoping to restore the spirit of the holiday. However, Krampus, embodying the consequences of their actions, instead punishes the family by taking them into his lair, leaving them to face their fates. The film concludes with a chilling twist: the surviving family members awaken in a snow globe, trapped in a perpetual cycle of despair, symbolizing their unresolved issues and the loss of the Christmas spirit. This ending reinforces the narrative's themes of familial bonds, the importance of togetherness, and the dire consequences of neglecting those values, ultimately leaving viewers with a haunting reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season.

Michael Dougherty Comedy Fantasy Horror Adam Scott Toni Collette David Koechner