Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures have released the first trailer for the Christmas horror comedy Krampus. Co-written and directed by Trick 'r Treat filmmaker Michael Dougherty, the story revolves around a young boy (Emjay Anthony) who turns his back on Christmas after becoming dismayed by his dysfunctional family. Subsequently, a blizzard rolls into his sleepy town, bringing with it the evil Krampus intent on punishing non-believers with hordes of terrifying creatures.

I have a feeling that this trailer will excite the people who actively seek out holiday horror, but might not even register on the radar of the general public. That's a shame because Krampus feels like part creature feature and part Christmas commentary, more reminiscent of Joe Dante's Gremlins or Jalmari Helander's Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale than schlocky horror flicks. Sure, there are some jump scares present here that are telegraphed and overused in the genre in general, but the tone, setting, and cast of Krampus makes this one worth the watch. File this one under Holiday Horror, Toys of Terror, and Black Christmas.