I liked Krampus a lot. In general I think that holiday Horror has been largely ignored. I personally think horror and comedy belong together more than any other genre. I was not aware of this, but the ending of this movie has been cause for debate. Some people think the movie is a happy ending, as in they learned their lesson from Krampus. Some people consider the ending to be sad. They’re in Krampus’ underworld, doomed to repeat Christmas for eternity. Or, my belief, they learned their lesson, BUT Krampus is watching them for the rest of their lives.
Ending 1: “it was all a dream”
Generally regarded as the worst endings for anything ever, the ending of Krampus could be interpreted as Max had a nightmare. I don’t really want to entertain that one because the ending clearly shows his terrible family having the same memory. But, if you want to Wizard of Oz it, that’s fine.
Ending 2: The family learned the meaning of Christmas
I think this is a heartwarming version! After getting the smack down from Krampus as a warning, they realized they were terrible people and needed to change. Krampus is able to see into thier lives from his home via the Christmas bauble. And just like Santa, Krampus will know if you’ve been bad or good so..... You know the rest I’m sure. As nice as this ending is, I think it’s a bit unfair to Omi’s family! It’s hard to love any holiday where you’re poor and starving. Being jaded because your country is post war is a perfect reason to be upset and not merry. Max’s family as a whole were spoiled brats. Her accent sounded German or Austrian to me. So maybe, if Hitler got clapped by Krampus, we wouldn’t have these problems.
Ending 3: Historically accurate Max is thrown into the Underworld, just like actual Krampus throwing kids into his sack. But, he’s being thrown into the snow globe, join the rest of his family. He is now in Hell and pretty much dead. RIP Max, he just wanted a nice Christmas.
Ending 4: Cinnamon roll is saved from his Sinnamon roll family. Max being thrown into the underworld was actually Max being thrown OUT of the snow globe. Similar to Grandma Omi’s story, he is now in the real world to spread the meaning of Christmas like she was. Krampus is keeping an eye on him, and if he fails, like Omi has (which idk her son’s in-laws being assholes really isn’t her fault) he will be dragged to Hell to join his “real” family. Maybe, Max will realize these people are not his “real”family, setting up for a sequel where he tries to rescue his real family from Krampus.
Ending 5:Everyday is Christmas!
A lot of Christmas stories are like “oh gee, I wish it was Christmas everyday”. Then, as the protagonist is opening the same presents, eating the same food, and being around the same people, they realized they’ve messed up. I think the family in this movie being doomed to repeat Christmas everyday until every single person gets it right would be a satisfying ending. Even repeating the night before over and over again until they all realize the importance of sacrifice and Christmas spirit is what they honestly deserve. Max, who has already learned his lesson, is excluded from this Groundhog Day-esque fate, which is why he was tossed into the “underworld”.
The moment Krampus got wind (lol, get it?) of Max’s letter to Santa being ripped up and thrown out, they were put in the snowglobe. When Max’s sister went out to look for her boyfriend, it really didn’t seem like she was going anywhere. The boyfriend’s house is destroyed because it doesn’t exist in the snowglobe universe. There’s no escape and no way out.
Stay Spooky, and Stay Merry!
Nik
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