All the Creatures Were Stirring (2018) Review

I decided to catch an afternoon screening ‘All the Creatures Were Stirring’ in Cannes, knowing that Jinga Films always supply some of the best films at FrightFest. What better chance to narrow down any potential clashes at the August bank holiday festival?

We begin the film with an awkward date on Christmas Eve – which leads a couple into a strange theatre where they’re treated to a bizarre collection of Christmas stories.

From here on we are treated to a series of Xmas themed short films with a wraparound narrative set at the theatre.

The short films are an eclectic bunch, from office parties and last-minute shopping, to vengeful stalkers and immortal demons, there’s wide variety. I definitely had my favourite segments, but I remained thoroughly entertained throughout the movie.

Married duo, David Ian McKendry and Rebekah McKendry write and directed the feature. It’s evident they both share my love for horror and Christmas. Black Christmas, Twilight Zone, Scrooged, Gremlins and Saw were just a few of the influences that jumped off the screen.

My absolute highlight of ‘All the Creatures Were Stirring’ was about about a guy who has to recruit the help of two strange hedonistic women in a hippy van after leaving his keys in the car, along with his phone and Christmas shopping. What he doesn’t realise is that they have a dark secret to pass on to him.

There is a lot of humour in the film and the practical effects are very effective, along with all other technical aspects of the production.

Although it doesn’t live up the standards of a ‘Christmas Horror Story’, If you come across ‘All the Creatures Were Stirring’ at a festival, I highly recommend popping along to see it. A solid and enjoyable festive outing!

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