Black Christmas, Gremlins, Jack Frost, Rare Exports and Santa’s Slay (average film but a great title) have all attempted to blend festive cheer with grisly chills.
But the clever Better Watch Out finds a fresh way to add some unwholesome fun to the holiday season.
An early scene sets the tone perfectly.
After some very salty bickering, the Lerners (Virginia Madsen and Patrick Warburton) head off to a Christmas party leaving their creepy 12-year-old son Lukas (Levi Miller) in the care of teenager Ashley (Olivia Dejonge).
It’s snowing outside, a fire is roaring and carols are playing on the stereo.
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But Mrs Lerner’s final advice to her babysitter – leave a pencil balanced on Lukas’s bedroom door handle to see if he sneaks out – strikes a slightly unnerving note.
As this gruesome film is built on a series of surprises I won’t say any more other than this far from silent night involves firearms, anonymous phone calls, duct tape and a shocking tribute to Home Alone.
Better Watch Out (15, 89 mins)
Director: Chris Peckover
Stars: Dacre Montgomery, Olivia DeJonge, Virginia Madsen