Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Christmas movies often evoke warm, nostalgic feelings, but Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) brings a dark, thrilling twist to the holiday season. This Finnish fantasy horror film stands out as one of the most unique Christmas-themed movies of all time. Directed by Jalmari Helander, it offers an unconventional take on the Santa Claus myth, blending folklore, horror, and adventure in a way that captivates audiences seeking something different from the usual holiday fare. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes this film so unique, and provide an extensive guide on where to watch it online, including streaming and rental services available in the U.S.
Overview of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
Released in 2010, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is a Finnish movie based on two short films from the same director, Jalmari Helander, which went viral for their quirky, dark humor. The film tells the story of a young boy, Pietari (Onni Tommila), who discovers that the legendary figure of Santa Claus isn’t the jolly, gift-giving figure we know but rather a monstrous entity deeply rooted in darker European folklore. Set in a remote region of Finland, the story begins when a group of local reindeer herders inadvertently uncover something dangerous buried deep in a mountain—a discovery that turns out to be the imprisoned, malevolent Santa Claus.
The film offers a chilling mix of suspense, dark humor, and adventure, making it a thrilling holiday experience. It is widely praised for its originality, eerie atmosphere, and striking visuals.
Plot Summary
The movie begins with an archeological excavation led by a mysterious organization, who dig deep into a mountain near the Finnish-Russian border. Unbeknownst to them, the mountain isn’t just a normal structure, but a large burial mound trapping an ancient entity: the original Santa Claus, a malevolent figure who punishes naughty children.
Pietari, a young boy living nearby, becomes suspicious of the excavation and starts researching the sinister version of Santa Claus from old Finnish folklore. His fears are confirmed when strange events begin to unfold in his village: reindeer are slaughtered, and children start disappearing. When Pietari’s father (Jorma Tommila) and other villagers capture an elderly, emaciated figure they believe to be Santa, they soon realize that they are dealing with something far more terrifying.
The movie escalates into a high-stakes battle to stop the malevolent Santa and his army of “helpers” before Christmas Eve comes to a horrifying climax.
What Makes Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale Unique
1. A Dark Twist on Santa Claus
Most Christmas movies present Santa as a benevolent, cheerful figure who spreads joy and gifts. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale flips this on its head by introducing a version of Santa rooted in the darker side of European folklore. In Finnish mythology, Santa was more of a punishing figure for naughty children, and this film explores that terrifying possibility. The film’s portrayal of Santa as a malevolent force instead of a jovial one makes it a fresh and thrilling take on holiday movies.
2. Atmospheric Cinematography
The movie is set in the icy, remote wilderness of Finland, and the bleak, snow-covered landscapes create an eerie and tense atmosphere throughout the film. The cinematography enhances the cold, desolate environment, making the isolation of the characters and the encroaching danger even more palpable. The visuals contribute significantly to the film’s overall suspenseful mood.
3. Genre-Bending Storytelling
Rare Exports is a blend of fantasy, horror, and adventure. While it’s technically a Christmas movie, it’s not for the faint of heart. There are elements of suspense and fear, mixed with dark humor and adventure. The balance of these genres makes it a truly unique movie-watching experience. Fans of horror, thrillers, and fantasy are bound to appreciate this blend, while those looking for a traditional holiday story may find themselves pleasantly surprised by this fresh take.
4. Subtle Social Commentary
Beneath its fantastical and terrifying exterior, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale carries subtle messages about commercialism and the distortion of tradition. The excavation of Santa Claus for the purpose of commodifying him hints at how the Christmas season has, in many ways, become commercialized. The movie encourages viewers to reflect on the original meanings of the holiday and the stories we pass down through generations.
Where to Watch Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale Online
Finding Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale to watch online can be a little tricky, but luckily there are several streaming, rental, and purchase options available for viewers in the U.S.
1. Streaming Services
- Shudder: As a platform that specializes in horror and thriller films, Shudder offers Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale as part of its collection. If you’re a fan of the horror genre, this is a great platform to stream the movie.
- Amazon Prime Video: The movie is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video with a Shudder subscription. If you already have an Amazon Prime membership, adding Shudder to your subscription allows you to enjoy this film alongside a vast library of horror movies.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
If you’re looking to rent or purchase the film for a one-time viewing or to add to your digital collection, several platforms offer the movie in high-definition quality:
- Amazon Prime Video: You can rent or purchase Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale through Amazon Prime Video. The rental option allows you to stream the movie for a limited time, while purchasing gives you permanent access.
- Apple TV: Apple TV offers both rental and purchase options for the film. You can watch it in HD on any Apple device or through the Apple TV app.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Rent or buy the movie through Google Play and stream it on your preferred device. This platform provides options for viewing in HD quality.
- YouTube Movies: You can rent or purchase the film on YouTube Movies, providing a convenient option for those who frequently use the platform.
3. DVD and Blu-ray
For those who enjoy owning physical copies, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is also available on DVD and Blu-ray. Many editions come with bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and the original short films that inspired the movie.
Final Thoughts: Why Rare Exports Is a Must-Watch
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is not your typical holiday movie. It’s a dark, thrilling, and completely unique take on Christmas that will captivate horror fans and anyone looking for an unconventional seasonal film. With its eerie atmosphere, dark humor, and fresh spin on the Santa Claus legend, this movie stands out as one of the most original Christmas films of the past few decades.
If you’re in the mood for something that blends suspense, folklore, and adventure, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is the perfect holiday movie to watch. Whether you choose to stream it on Shudder or rent it from Amazon Prime Video, this film promises to deliver a chilling and unforgettable holiday experience.
