THE LEECH Review: Stream This Festive Fright Film Now
I have to admit that I am not much of a fan of traditional Christmas movies though there are a select few that I will watch from time to time. But mostly, each year, I find myself watching Krampus or A Christmas Horror Story and searching for a unique Christmas film rather than the same old ones or the new ones with the played out themes. And each year my craving goes unfulfilled.
Arrow to the rescue! A couple weeks ago I opened my email and found a notice that The Leech was premiering on Arrow December 5th. What is The Leech? Yup: a Christmas horror film. And man, did this one satisfy my craving.
Even if you are not religious, I am sure you are familiar with the Christian story of Christmas: a very pregnant Mary and her husband Joseph are traveling and are looking for a place to stay the night. They are turned away at every place except one kind person who lets them stay in the manger. It is there that Mary gives birth. So, most people say that Jesus is the reason for the season. Another lesson to be learned here is to be kind to your neighbor.
The Leech opens with Father David, a Catholic priest, talking to a dwindling congregation about what it means to be a Good Samaritan. Christmas is coming and he is telling the few present what it means to take care of each other. As he leaves for the night, he comes across Terry who has had a fight with his girlfriend. Long story short, in the end, Father David welcomes both Terry and his girlfriend Lexi into his home. It is in the spirit of the season, of course.
What follows is weeks of temptation, the stress of having household guests, Father David trying to save this guests, and probably a good reason to not open your home to strangers. But I don’t want to spoil anything for you. As lost and toxic as Terry and Lexi are, they are just so entertaining to watch. Seeing how they are, I want Father David to be able to help them and hope that he does not lose his way in the meantime.
This is a whole different genre of horror that I am not even sure how to label. I laughed, I was uncomfortable, I was entertained by the twisted intensity that occurs in the home, all because Father David was trying to be a Good Samaritan.
If you are looking for a different kind of holiday film this season, this one is for you.
If you’re curious, here’s the trailer:
The Leech is streaming now on Arrow and will be available December 6 on all major VOD platforms.
Writer, bookworm, geek in too many fandoms to name, Indianapolis Colts and Chicago White Sox fan.