Christmas is exactly one week away, and while most people might fill the next few days with charming holiday movies and heartwarming animated adventures, some (like me) prefer an adrenaline-fueled Christmas thriller. This might be a controversial choice given the season’s overwhelming joy and happiness, but that doesn’t mean the horror fan in me will change just for that. In fact, there are plenty of intense festive-themed films out there that still provide the much-needed jolt of excitement.
Deck the halls with blood and danger, because Netflix has added one of the best thrillers that’s perfect for the occasion: “Better Watch Out.” If you started singing “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” in your head, you wouldn’t be wrong, since the movie is somewhat inspired (at least in spirit) by those familiar lyrics. It takes something innocent and festive, then cleverly twists it into something far darker.
The catch is that the movie’s biggest surprises make it difficult to say too much about the plot. Much of its impact comes from its ability to constantly wrong-foot the audience. Now that it’s streaming on Netflix, though, it’s the perfect time to add it to your holiday watchlist, and here’s why.
What is ‘Better Watch Out’ about?
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“Better Watch Out” is a dark thriller set in a seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood during the Christmas holidays. The movie follows Ashley (Olivia DeJonge), a teenage babysitter looking after 12-year-old Luke (Levi Miller) while his parents are away on Christmas Eve. Luke, who has a crush on her, plans to use the night to confess his feelings. But the evening takes a menacing turn when they suspect intruders are trying to break into the house.
Ashley and Luke soon find themselves hiding and confronting the supposed home invasion, encountering eerie signs like a threatening brick left on the stairs, warning them not to leave. As the night goes on, Ashley must fight to protect herself while the true nature of the events is revealed in increasingly violent and unpredictable ways.
‘Better Watch Out’ should be on your holiday watchlist
“Better Watch Out” is the perfect example of a contained thriller that doesn’t try to go beyond its premise (or four walls). Going in for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by a darkly funny and thrilling horror that unfolds over a single shocking night in a wealthy suburban home. At times, it even has hints of “Home Alone” and “Black Christmas,” with some cartoonish horror reminiscent of “Scream.” Yet despite these familiar touches, it manages to subvert your expectations in shocking ways.
It’s hard to go into too much detail without spoiling the surprises, because the story constantly shifts who is in control and what’s really happening. The movie starts off like a fairly typical home-invasion thriller, complete with jump scares and red herrings, as Ashley and Luke go about a quiet evening at Luke’s house, watching a scary movie. But a bold, playful twist arrives early, transforming this 99-minute movie from a simple “home alone gone wrong” scenario into a far more inventive and entertaining thriller.
“Better Watch Out” works so well, in keeping with the surprises woven throughout, because of its two central leads, who hold the story together like a well-wrapped present. DeJonge and Miller portray very different characters, both in maturity and social demeanor, yet their conversations flow naturally in every scene. When the horror ramps up, you know exactly who to root for.
Taking place almost entirely within the house, the movie cleverly stages its action, turning ordinary household objects (from flashlights to kitchen knives to a lawnmower) into unexpected tools of suspense. Director Chris Peckover doesn’t hold back, delivering plenty of blood and inventive moments of violence, especially in the final act, ensuring gore fans get their fix. Of course, I’d love to reveal more, but you’ll just have to take my word for it. It’s a deliciously twisted and surprising ride, perfect for anyone who enjoys their festive cheer with a side of fright.
Stream “Better Watch Out” on Netflix now.
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