Holidays (2016) Movie Review: A Dark and Twisted Take on Festive Celebrations
Introduction
“Holidays,” released in 2016, is a horror anthology film that reimagines traditional holidays with dark and sinister twists. Directed by various filmmakers, each segment offers a unique and unsettling interpretation of holidays ranging from Valentine’s Day to Christmas. This review covers the film’s structure, notable segments, direction, and impact, while also providing information on where to stream, rent, or purchase it in the United States.
Plot Summary
“Holidays” consists of eight segments, each focusing on a different holiday. The film opens with Valentine’s Day and progresses chronologically through the calendar year, ending with New Year’s Eve. Each segment presents a standalone story, showcasing a blend of horror, dark humor, and fantasy.
Some notable segments include:
- Valentine’s Day: Directed by Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer, this segment follows a bullied girl who exacts a bloody revenge on her tormentor in the name of love.
- St. Patrick’s Day: Directed by Gary Shore, this tale involves a schoolteacher who becomes pregnant with a serpent-like creature after a strange encounter.
- Easter: Directed by Nicholas McCarthy, this unsettling story blends Christian and pagan traditions, featuring a young girl who meets a disturbing version of the Easter Bunny.
- Halloween: Directed by Kevin Smith, this darkly comedic segment involves a group of cam girls who turn the tables on their abusive boss.
- Christmas: Directed by Scott Stewart, this story stars Seth Green as a desperate father who goes to extreme lengths to secure a coveted virtual reality headset, leading to horrifying consequences.
- New Year’s Eve: Directed by Adam Egypt Mortimer, this segment follows a murderous online dater who meets his match on New Year’s Eve.
Performances
Given the anthology format, performances vary across segments. Notable performances include Seth Green in “Christmas,” where his portrayal of an increasingly desperate father stands out, and Lorenza Izzo in “New Year’s Eve,” whose chilling performance adds depth to the climactic segment. Each actor brings a unique flavor to their respective stories, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Direction and Cinematography
“Holidays” benefits from the diverse directorial styles of its various filmmakers. Each segment has a distinct visual and narrative approach, contributing to the anthology’s eclectic nature. The direction ranges from subtle and atmospheric to bold and graphic, reflecting the different tones and themes of each holiday. The cinematography effectively captures the mood of each story, whether it’s the eerie lighting of “Easter” or the gritty realism of “Halloween.”
Themes and Symbolism
The primary theme of “Holidays” is the subversion of traditional celebrations. Each segment takes familiar holidays and infuses them with horror elements, exploring themes such as revenge, transformation, and the dark side of human nature. The film uses holiday traditions as a backdrop to examine deeper psychological and societal issues, offering a twisted commentary on the ways we celebrate and the hidden fears associated with these times of year.
Critical Reception
“Holidays” received mixed reviews from critics. Praise was given for its originality, creativity, and the variety of horror styles presented. However, some critics felt that the quality of the segments was uneven, with certain stories overshadowing others. Despite these critiques, the film has garnered a cult following among horror fans for its inventive approach and memorable segments.
Streaming and Rental/Purchase Options in America
For those interested in watching “Holidays,” the film is available on several streaming platforms in the United States:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase. Renting typically costs around $3.99, while purchasing costs about $9.99.
- Apple iTunes: Offers both rental and purchase options at similar price points to Amazon.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Also available for rent or purchase, typically costing $3.99 to rent and $9.99 to buy.
- Vudu: Provides both rental and purchase options, with prices generally in the same range.
Additionally, “Holidays” may occasionally be available on subscription-based streaming services such as Netflix or Shudder, though availability can vary and should be checked directly on these platforms.
Conclusion
“Holidays” (2016) is a daring and inventive horror anthology that offers a fresh and unsettling perspective on traditional celebrations. While the quality of the segments may vary, the film’s originality and the unique visions of its directors make it a worthwhile watch for horror enthusiasts. The exploration of familiar holidays through a dark and twisted lens provides a compelling and often chilling viewing experience.
Final Thoughts
In summary, “Holidays” presents a series of inventive and disturbing tales that reimagine the way we celebrate special occasions. Its diverse range of styles and stories ensures that there is something for every horror fan, making it a unique entry in the anthology genre. Easily accessible through various streaming and rental services in the United States, “Holidays” delivers a dark and twisted take on festive traditions that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
