Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

Frequently cited as one of the best modern alternative Christmas classics, this Finnish production follows two young friends Pietari and Juuso as they attempt to discover the truth behind a drilling project near their home in the mountains. They think it might be an undertaking to dig out the tomb of the original Santa Claus. When Pietari’s Father captures a feral old man in one of his wolf traps, it’s the beginning of their journey to seek the truth as to why the drilling project seems to be the reason behind the slaughter of local reindeer, and the disappearances of local children. Rare Exports falls somewhere between an adventure thriller and a horror, but the horror elements are left just out of reach throughout, adding mystery to proceedings and ensuring it doesn’t go down the slasher route of something like Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984). It’s a really interesting film, and a terrific alternative if you’re sick of your dragging festive favourites this year. The performances (especially from the young Onni Tommila as Pietari) are terrific, and the dank and dreary setting of the film certainly offers you some tension to go with the Christmas inducing feeling of snow filled mountains. It’s not a film that will particularly put you in the mood for the festive season, but it’s definitely worth your time. 7.4/10