Director Kevin Lewis brings horror and comedy together in new holiday film

Director Kevin Lewis found joy on the set of his new comedy-horror film 'Christmas at the Kringles,' which opens in theaters on Friday through Briarcliff Entertainment. Lewis says he struggled to keep a straight face during filming because the cast made him laugh constantly. The director is best known for horror features such as 2022's 'The Accursed' and last year's 'Pig Hill.'

Cast and Plot

The movie features a large ensemble of comedic actors, including Ron Livingston, Rachel Bilson, Rob Riggle, Thomas Lennon, Donald Faison, David Wain, and Beverly D'Angelo. The story follows a father named Mark, played by Livingston, who relocates his family next door to a neighbor named Nick, played by Lennon. Nick is a holiday enthusiast with dark, hidden motives. Zack Imbrogno wrote the screenplay for the project. Lewis notes that the script reminded him of an overzealous neighbor from his past whom he nicknamed 'Father of the Year.'

Filming and Tone

Lewis allowed the actors to improvise and change lines during production, treating the script as an evolving template. The director compared the editing process to shaping clay, aiming for a fun tone similar to 'Beetlejuice' rather than a bloody slasher film like 'Terrifier.' Alongside the laughs and scares, Lewis connected with the film's emotional core about fathers being present for their children.

Context

Comedy-horror is a popular film genre that mixes scary situations with jokes and lighthearted moments to keep audiences entertained without being overly terrifying. Directors often use experienced comedy actors in horror films to help balance the frightening scenes with natural humor.