Before we begin:
This movie lacked any reviews, and so I had absolutely no idea what to expect going in. I won't lie, I'd never heard of this movie before until I started watching/reviewing some other, more obscure horror anthologies. I can honestly say that this anthology is worth a watch, but is maybe best suited for a fun night with friends. We get 13 of these tales! Collectively, I'd say this is some high-end amateur black horror comedy.
Begin:
This movie is definitely more on the low-budget side of things. But a very important thing it has going on for itself is that each vignette exists as it's own self-contained story that receives a proper ending. Each story has a clear direction that fleshes itself out enough to justify the ending. This is largely possible due to the fact that the stories are all quite short, lasting roughly 5 to 10 minutes a piece.
Overall, the acting isn't incredible, but is definitely acceptable and even pretty convincing from time to time. It ebbs and flows, as if the actors couldn't get into a steady flow with their performances. The scripting is actually pretty good when it takes itself seriously enough, and can often times be appropriately humorous.
While there are some very creative ideas for the effects and special effects, they aren't necessarily something to write home about. Still, you can tell that considerable effort was put into them.
The audio mixing could use some work: a running theme is how the music often competes with the dialogue. Not to a degree that you can't hear the dialogue, but the music acts like a constant, whispering nagging sound in your ear as you try to listen to the dialogue. On top of that, sounds can be a bit booming or sharp from time to time.
In terms of lighting and cinematography, there is considerable skill with both here. High-end amateur I would say.
Below are brief Plot Summaries:
Wraparound: We've got ~7 people holed up in a bar on Christmas Eve. Reviving the old tradition of sharing horror stories on Christmas Eve, they decide to share the following tales with one another:
First Story: Two sisters decide to decorate their deceased mother's house one last time, but something seems off. 5/10
Second Story: On the eve of his daughter's 18th birthday, a father receives a disturbing phone call from a familiar phone number. 6/10
Third Story: In the aftermath of a falling out with their group, two brothers celebrate Christmas together, recounting old memories while making new ones. 3/10
Fourth Story: Down in the dumps after receiving an email from his ex, a depressed man comes in contact with his guardian angel. 5/10
Fifth Story: Two men break into a house seeking absolution from their guilt-ridden past. 8/10
Sixth Story: A father shares a horrific Christmas story with his son in order to get him to obey him and go to bed, but it doesn't quite have the desired effect. 5/10
Seventh Story: As she's writing her Christmas wish list, a little girl's rotten brother comes in to spoil her fun. 4/10
Eight Story: When a woman sets a puppet missing its wooden cross upon the chimney mantle, it stirs up old feelings and memories for her partner. 5/10
Ninth Story: Stumbling upon a gruesome scene while on patrol one night, a local sheriff pieces together what occurred while seeking justice. 7/10
Tenth Story: A flustered radio host rumored to be losing his edge is harassed by a sinister presence. 7/10
Eleventh Story: Some uninvited guests find their way into a little Christmas get together. 4/10
Twelfth Story: While a man spends Christmas alone in his cabin, two men come knocking on the door seeking shelter from "it." 6/10
Thirteenth Story: A stranger pops into the bar a couple stories back. She seems to know a deep truth that ties all the other people in the bar together. 5/10.
