If you’re anything like me, your December watchlist is probably crammed with familiar festive favorites and films you’ve been meaning to catch up on all year. But if you find yourself at a loss for what to watch one night, consider unwrapping one of the many global horror films getting a North American release this month.
The weather outside is frightful, but these international horrors are truly delightful. Here are ten to check out from beneath your snuggliest blanket.
1. Godzilla Minus One (Japan)
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a kaiju film from writer-director Takashi Yamazaki. That film is Godzilla Minus One (Gojira -1.0), which sees the legendary monster laying waste to an already devastated post-war Japan.
The first domestic Godzilla film to come out of Japan since 2016’s Shin Godzilla, Godzilla Minus One smashed into theatres on December 1, leaving a trail of destruction (and glowing reviews) in its wake. Give it a watch, then read our exclusive interview with Yamazaki here.
2. Adam Chaplin (Italy)
Is it even the holidays if someone doesn’t get their head punched clean off? If you answered “obviously not,” to that question, then you won’t want to miss the extended cut of Italian gorefest Adam Chaplin, which made its world streaming debut on SCREAMBOX on December 1.
Originally released in 2011, Adam Chaplin follows the titular Adam (Emanuele De Santi, who also co-wrote and co-directed the film alongside Giulio De Santi), a man investigating the suspicious death of his wife. After discovering that mafia boss Denny (Chiara Marfella) is involved, Adam takes the obvious next step: summoning a demon to help him get his brutal vengeance. Cue head-punching, cleaving, and much, much more.
3. Raging Grace (UK)
Currently playing in theatres and dropping on demand December 8, Gothic horror drama Raging Grace sees undocumented Filipino immigrant Joy (Max Eigenmann) accepting a job caring for the wealthy yet terminally ill Mr. Garrett (David Haymann) in his gorgeous old home. The work pays well and ensures Joy can keep a roof over her young daughter’s head. But of course, this is a horror film, so something sinister is happening in the house.
The feature debut of British-Filipino filmmaker Paris Zarcilla, Raging Grace is the first in a planned “Rage trilogy.” Read our recent interview with Zarcilla to get the scoop on the trilogy and learn more about what fueled his powerful debut.
4. Loop Track (New Zealand)
December 1 also saw the VOD and digital release of Loop Track, a psychological thriller from writer-director Thomas Sainsbury, who also stars.
The film centers around Ian (Sainsbury), a man on the verge of a nervous breakdown who retreats into the supposed solitude of the New Zealand wilderness. Unfortunately, he’s unable to avoid other hikers, but they soon become the least of his problems. Something is stalking Ian—or is it? As his paranoia grows, the other hikers grow wary of Ian, who is soon questioning his own sanity. Hayden J. Weal and Tawanda Manyimo also star.
5. Devils (South Korea)
After making its international premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival earlier this year, violent South Korean body-swap thriller Devils is coming to SCREAMBOX on December 5.
Kim Jae-hoon wrote and directed Devils, which sees a determined homicide detective facing off against the serial killer who murdered his brother-in-law. Things get complicated when the detective and the killer switch bodies. Freaky!
6. Everyone Will Burn (Spain)
The appearance of a mysterious little girl may be connected to an impending apocalypse in supernatural Spanish shocker Everyone Will Burn (Y Todos Arderán).
Macarena Gómez stars as María José, a mother struggling to move on after her bullied son died by suicide. Everything changes with the arrival of Lucía (Sofía García), who María feels compelled to protect, even as a series of strange events and horrrific deaths begin plaguing the town. David Hebrero directed Everyone Will Burn and co-wrote the script with Javier Kiran, and you can catch it on demand now following its theatrical release on December 1.
7. Nightmare on 34th Street (Norway/UK)
“Do you wanna hear a Christmas story like one you’ve never heard before?” asks the trailer for Nightmare on 34th Street, a new holiday horror film from writer-director James Crow. If so, you’re in luck, because the film sees a psychopathic Santa visiting a small town to tell twisted holiday tales. Expect Krampus, killer carol singers, and more!
Nightmare on 34th Street will prove that miracles are for suckers when it arrives on VOD platforms on December 5.
8. There’s Something in the Barn (Finland/Norway)
Tapping into Norwegian folklore and tradition, director Magnus Martens’ There’s Something in the Barn brings a Nordic nightmare to digital platforms on December 5.
The film’s bonkers premise sees an American family returning to their roots after inheriting a remote cabin in the mountains of Norway. Little do they expect a bad-tempered elf to be living in the barn—or the bloody havoc it wreaks when they get on its bad side. Pour yourself a stiff glass of eggnog and check out the latest trailer here.
9. Lord of Misrule (Ireland/UK/US)
The Boy and Orphan: First Kill director William Brent Bell returns with Lord of Misrule, available in theatres and on-demand from December 8.
Channeling '70s folk horror, Lord of Misrule stars Tuppence Middleton as Rebecca, the new minister of a small British town whose daughter goes missing at the local harvest festival. But the closer Rebecca gets to the truth behind the disappearance, the more dark secrets from the town’s past emerge. Tom de Ville (Hannibal) penned the script for Lord of Misrule, which also stars The Witch’s Ralph Ineson.
10. The Cello (Saudi Arabia/US)
Saw II, III, and IV director Darren Lynn Bousman reunites with franchise star Tobin Bell for The Cello, a Saudi Arabian horror film written by Turki Al Alshikh and based on his novel of the same name.
Bell plays a mysterious shop owner who offers a gorgeous red cello to musician Nasser (Samer Ismail). Naturally, there’s more to the instrument than meets the eye, forcing Nasser to consider the price he’s willing to pay to achieve his dreams. Shot on location in Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic and created by a truly international crew, The Cello brings music to die for to theatres on December 8. Oh, and did we mention that Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons plays an ancient conductor? Yeah, this one has our attention.
That’s all the international horror we have for you this year. We’ll be back in January with a new round-the-world round-up to help you start 2024 on a killer note.
