This is a bit of an obscure one.
It is the first of only two feature films that were written and directed by Chicago-born author, and playwright, David Fulk.
And (based on the information available on his website) actually seems to be his first foray into the realm of writing and directing.
He only ever made one other film- called The Road To Flin Flon- neither of which seem to have ever received any sort of wide release...even on VHS.
This film is a weird, slow burning, Christmas thriller, with a bit of a comedic edge.
About a rag-tag group of what, at first, seems to be a group of thieves...who randomly select a well-to-do family to torment on Christmas Eve.
The family they've chosen are a bit square to say the least.
Not inherently submissive...but not exactly confrontational either.
So the group is easily able to socially engineer their way into their evening...after which things start to get...well, uncomfortable.
Things don't, however, play out as you might expect.
Because the group seem to be in it for more than just their stuff.
Mainly as a result of their leader having a sort of messianic complex.
Which renders them to be a bit of a cult.
Albeit, one whose intentions aren't exactly clear.
Other than the fact that he seems to be using them all in his own personal search for "ascension".
Which is when things get even more weird and awkward than they already were.
As it becomes evident that they aren't planning to inflict harm to the target family...rather, encourage them to corrupt themselves in a variety of ways.
Endowing the whole thing with subtle hints of religious undertones.
It's quite the hidden gem.
What makes it so great is how well the characters are constructed and developed.
It doesn't rely on blood, guts, and gore...or even explicit violence...like other, similar, films do.
Rather...pure, psychological torment.
Think, something like a bizarro version of the classic film The Incident...though, not quite as extreme.
On top of this, he adds a bit of nuance to the storyline by having Grandma know something about the group.
Giving it an air of mysteriousness that keeps you wondering.
Inevitably leading to the final twist.
I really enjoyed this.
Not exactly sure how I came upon this...but I'm glad I did!
6 out of 10.
