Cast
View AllMaria Olsen
as Sister Rafus
Anna Harr
as Adelia
Katie Peabody
as Josephine
Amelia Haberman
as Henrietta
Shannyn Hall
as Lena
Luke Waxman
as Bram
Linda Cushma
as Sister Martha
Noah Clark
as Jack
Michael Harrelson
as Father Timothy
Ethan Drew
as Virgil
Chandler Mantione
as Nicholas
Grace Lopez
as Ida
Cleon Gionet
as Krampus
Owen Conway
as Patrick
Helynn Castro
as Violet
Crew
Director
- Joseph Mbah
Writer
- Robert Conway
Producer
- Amber Thompson
- Robert Conway
Reviews
Gimly
Knew we were in trouble from the opening crawl. _Krampus Origins_ not only does not in anyway show us the origins of Krampus, it also tried to ruin Christmas.
_Final rating:★ - Of no value. Avoid at all costs._
Jan 20, 2019
Gimly
Knew we were in trouble from the opening crawl. _Krampus Origins_ not only does not in anyway show us the origins of Krampus, it also tried to ruin Christmas.
_Final rating:★ - Of no value. Avoid at all costs._
Jan 20, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Krampus Origins presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Joseph Mbah brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Krampus Origins took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Krampus Origins shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Spiral, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Krampus Origins offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Silent Night, Deadly Night and The Conjuring 2 explore similar territory, Krampus Origins stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 6, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 26m
Where to Watch

