The Dark Side of Christmas: KLAUS (2025) Short Film Review

If you’re looking for the animated Netflix feature from Sergio Pablos, you’ve likely hit a bit of a “glitch in the matrix” with the naming. While there is a very famous animated Klaus, the specific project you’re asking about—directed by Luca Zanlorenzi—is a completely different beast.Klaus (2025) – Short FilmThis is a horror short film released/promoted around late 2024 and into 2025. It moves far away from the heartwarming “origin of Santa” trope and leans into a much darker, “dark web” urban legend aesthetic.Key Details:* Director: Luca Zanlorenzi* Genre: Indie Horror / Christmas Horror* Cast: Starring Pierluigi Ferrero and Giulia Nicoletti* Visual Effects: Nicolò FumeroThe Plot:The story centers on a young woman who spends her night on a Dark Web forum. She encounters a user named “Mr. Elf,” who posts ominous warnings that Santa Claus is not the jolly figure depicted in folklore. Instead, he claims that for those on the “naughty” list, Santa brings death rather than coal. What starts as the protagonist mocking these claims quickly shifts into a survival scenario when she hears heavy footsteps on her roof.Don’t Confuse it With:* Klaus (2019): The Academy Award-nominated animated film by Sergio Pablos (starring J.K. Simmons and Jason Schwartzman). This is the “warm and fuzzy” version about a postman and a reclusive toymaker.* Klaus: Christmas 2025: You may see “2025” pop up in searches because fans and reviewers often re-visit the 2019 animated film during the holidays, leading to “2025 reviews” of the older movie.* Klaus | Christmas Horror Short Film This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goreandgrimepodcast.substack.com