Reviews: Deathcember (2019) Movie Review
- Related: [ Movie Details for Deathcember ]
Subgenres: Anthology, Holiday, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller, Christmas, Christmas - Anthology, Madness, Party, Suburbs
This in-depth review of Deathcember (2019) explores its story, characters, and scares in detail, offering insights for every horror fan.
Deathcember is a horror anthology structured around the concept of an Advent calendar, offering 24 short films—one for each day leading up to Christmas. Each segment is directed by a different filmmaker from around the world, bringing a diverse mix of styles, tones, and storytelling techniques.
Deathcember (2019) – An Advent Calendar of Uneven Holiday Horror
Plot, Themes, and Structure
From twisted holiday traditions and demonic elves to sci-fi dystopias and dark satire, the film covers a wide range of subgenres within horror. Some stories lean into dark comedy, others attempt more thought-provoking or emotionally driven tales. A handful tap into deeper themes like consumerism, grief, cultural taboos, and festive isolation, but many are content to simply deliver quick jolts of shock or gore.
While this format allows for variety and surprise, it also means consistency is sacrificed. With 24 shorts packed into just over two hours, each film has limited time to establish mood, character, or payoff, which leaves many entries feeling underdeveloped or experimental rather than satisfying.
Acting and Cinematography
Due to the anthology nature, the acting ranges wildly from amateur to professional. Some segments feature strong performances that elevate the material—especially those with more grounded or character-driven narratives—while others suffer from stilted delivery or low-budget constraints.
Visually, the collection is eclectic. Some segments boast high-quality cinematography, inventive effects, and slick production, while others look like student films or web shorts. This unevenness is part of the charm for die-hard horror anthology fans but may alienate casual viewers looking for a more cohesive or polished experience.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
The film features an impressive roster of international directors including Lucky McKee, Andreas Marschall, and Ruggero Deodato, whose individual visions stand out in an otherwise chaotic lineup. Some segments—like McKee’s “They Once Had Horses” or Deodato’s ultra-dark “Christmas Dinner”—leave a strong impression. Others are forgettable or feel more like sketches than full narratives.
The biggest challenge with Deathcember is its sheer volume. Twenty-four segments is a daunting number for any anthology, and viewer fatigue sets in quickly. While a few standout shorts break through with clever twists or compelling style, many blur together. The lack of connective tissue between segments, beyond the calendar framing device, also makes the experience feel disjointed and scattershot.
Strengths:
Creative concept using an Advent calendar to frame a horror anthology
International talent brings a wide array of tones and cultural influences
A few standout shorts with strong visual storytelling or unsettling twists
Unique appeal to horror anthology collectors and seasonal horror fans
Weaknesses:
Too many segments, leading to fatigue and diluted impact
Inconsistent quality in writing, acting, and production values
Several entries feel rushed, lacking payoff or thematic clarity
Disjointed viewing experience with no strong narrative thread tying it together
Final Verdict & Score: 5/10
Deathcember is a bold and ambitious anthology that delivers a mixed bag of horror delights. While a handful of segments shine with creativity and seasonal dread, the majority fail to make a lasting impression. Its core gimmick is fun in theory but becomes overwhelming in execution. Best enjoyed in pieces—like an actual Advent calendar—rather than in one sitting.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Deathcember Rating Scores
- Our Score: 5/10
- Overall Score: 5.00/10
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