Saint (Sint)

Dir: Dick Maas

2010

****

Good Christmas horrors are few and far between but the better ones in recent years have their origins in folk-law and historical events. The comically named Dick Mass (writer and director of the cult classic Amsterdamned) has produced one of the best horror films since the 80s that is both ridiculous and clever at the same time, as well as being a lot of fun of course. It's a bit ridiculous that Saint (Sint) didn't make it across of the globe to be honest, probably due to Dutch festive traditions being slightly different to other countries, but it's especially stupid as it's far better than any American Christmas horror made in the last couple of decades. The main villain isn't Krampus or even a Santa gone bad, it is Niklass (Sinterklaas, Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas) but a version we've not seen before. This Sinterklaas is the ghost of the original Bishop Niklass who later became a Saint. This story would have us believe that the legend has been retold and twisted over time (which is half true) and that jolly St Nick was actually a tax collector and looted and pillaged rather than gave. When the people of Holland had finally had enough and had nothing more to give (the 5th December 1492 to be precise), they burned Bishop Niklass and his brutal gang to death under a full moon. So now, every time there is a full moon on the 5th December, the ghost of Bishop Niklass and his band of murderous men, return for a good old fashioned killing spree. The film begins with old St Nick visiting a small town in December 1968 and bludgeoning a small family to death apart from a little boy who manages to get away. It's a hell of an introductory scene which gives just a small sample of what to expect for the next 90 odd minutes. Fast forward to 2010 and that little boy is now a grown police officer who has spent the last 42 years preparing for another night of mayhem.  It's very much a horror but it does have a comical edge about it. I wouldn't say it was a horror comedy in the classical sense but there is something wonderfully dark but witty about it. I think that, apart from the excellent gore and unexpected action sequences, it is the story and characters that really shine through. The idea that the government, Catholic Church and local authorities know all about Bishop Niklass' and his murderous visits and have kept it a closely guarded cover-up gives it a beautifully twisted edge. It's exciting, darkly amusing and culturally informative. What else could you ask for from a Christmas horror film?