“Jolly” is an independent horror short film by Midnight Video (Zak White and Todd Spence) that is truly frightening. We often see the juxtaposition of Halloween and Christmas with horror films. This one, while only four minutes long, will send chills down your arms.
The setting is simple.
A man sleeping on a couch is awoken by a disembodied Santa Claus head chanting the lyrics to a Christmas song. The room is in shadow, partially lit by the flickering lights on the tree. The simplicity of the setting and props involved demonstrates the great creativity. One actor. One Santa Claus head. One camera. And it works.
The Santa Head is creepy – like many vintage Christmas decorations can be. That its eyes seem to move freely is a thing of horror perfection. The voice seems to fit and once it announces a countdown to the couch-surfers death, the buildup of tension is in place.
We are a mere 200 days away from Halloween. And 255 days away from Christmas. Watch “Jolly” to put you in a mood for either holiday!
“Jolly” is currently available to watch on YouTube
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