Review "Krampus Origins"

I admit, I adore the concept of Krampus and the legendary figure. I was stoked to hear about the release of "Krampus Origins." I was even more pleased to be asked to attend the cast and crew viewing at Sun Studios of Arizona. 




Krampus Origins released by Uncork'd Entertainment.

The first World War rages on when a group of American soldiers find a mysterious artifact that can summon the ancient evil of the Krampus. After the men are killed in action, the artifact is sent to the commanding officer's widow who is a teacher at a small-town orphanage. The orphans accidentally summon the Krampus and the teacher, and her pupils are forced to battle this ancient evil.

A dear friend and truly gifted actor, Michael Harrelson (hat) and I sat side by at the viewing. I was not sure what to expect. I had not seen the other previous movies, "Krampus: The Reckoning" and "Krampus: Unleashed."

I expected, from the film's art, that it would be a gore fest with some cheap effects. I was pleasantly surprised. It was no gorefest at all. In fact, it managed to give terror without having to spill buckets of blood. 

If you liked the film "The Keep" or "Deathwatch" and you liked "Little House on the Prairie," if you mixed these you might get this film. It sounds infeasible and yet it makes perfect sense as you watch it. And, it maintained its very important 1918 WWI feel. 

First, I give BIG kudos for the casting. The film's ensemble actors were not familiar to me, but they were all exceedingly talented and together the group made a very real and very identifable bunch that we root for. They were not Hollywood gorgeous, but looked like some of our best friends and their kids and their expressions and postures were so genuine and real that it fel like you were watching people you love going through a dramatic experience.

I hope you catch it on streaming or purchase it. It is a horror film that I would especially consider watching during the holiday season and you know we horror-lovers look for excuses to do so! 

I am definitely adding this and the others to my collection and watching the future of this director Joseph Mbah, writer Robert Conway, and some of the cast, such as Anna Harr, Maria Olsen and Katie Peabody! My dear friend, Michael Harrelson nearly stole the show as the drunken priest! What a joy to see him in action.