I love Holiday Horror movies. So, when I saw the trailer for Not a Creature was Stirring I was more than excited. The film introduces us to Faith, a nurse and mother, whose daughter seems to be possessed by a mysterious creature. However, when 2 strangers break into their home during a blizzard no one is safe.

Throughout the film, we see Faith and her daughter Charm come to blows over her treatment. You’re left wondering if this is a Munchausen by proxy issue or something more. Fortunately, you quickly come to find out that it’s definitely more.

A CREATURE WAS STIRRING

When it comes to most Holiday Horror movies they lean towards the campy side. A Creature was Stirring does a good job of walking the line. I mean, you cannot when you reveal the creature. However, there is a darker side to the story that the writers/director lean into that feels refreshing.

In the film, Chrissy Metz (This is Us) portrays Faith who grapples with a troubled past intertwined with drug addiction. Faith confesses to having a history of destructive behavior, deriving pleasure from causing harm to others. The movie appears to explore the theme of addiction, with the porcupine-like creature symbolizing the presence of needles. However, it is also possible that I am interpreting the symbolism too deeply.

The practical effects used for the creature in A Creature Was Stirring are highly commendable. Personally, I find it refreshing to witness practical effects rather than relying solely on CGI, and I tend to favor the former. The film successfully combines visceral scares with remarkable practical effects, evoking a range of emotions from fear to disgust.

However, I found myself getting a little lost throughout the film. There are a lot of layers, and characters, including random religious travelers who break into their home. Nothing was fully explained and I was left with more questions than answers by the end. 

You can watch A Creature Was Stirring now in theaters, as well as VOD on December 12, 2023!