Advent

Urban legends and the myth of the Krampus are well represented in horror cinema. The former a rich blend of street tales given a mystical twist while the latter is drawn from German folklore and a counter to the jollity of Santa.

The format for Advent is a documentary with Nicolas Vince as Professor Richard Hill relaying the story of Hayley (Rasina Pavlova) a folklore and urban myth student who picks up on the appearance of a black advent calendar which she purchases for £500 much to the chagrin of her friend Charlie (Cian Lorcan). Hayley wants to debunk the lore around the calendar while Charlie is a believer and far more cautious.

Through her YouTube channel Hayley opens a door every day from 1 December, having been warned by the seller that she must keep to the rules.

Some of these are fairly mundane and repetitive others darker carrying a heavier weight. Swirling around Hayley is the death of her mother and an alcoholic father Joe (Cory Peterson) whom despite their rows, do love each other.

It is obvious at first sight of the calendar – black, with skulls on the doors and a pentagram star – that it’s going to be no good. And writer/director Airell Anthony Hayles further darkens the atmosphere with drawings by Hayley that document her mental downfall.

Advent works very well on a psychological level with a very touching performance from Pavlova as she becomes powerless to address the power she has released, and those around her suffer the consequences.

It’s also a very creepy film that within the limits of budget, and tight indoor sequences has a continuous feeling of oncoming dread and plenty of tension. Subdued lighting deepens the shadows, the grainy YouTube footage adds to the found footage’s air of despair.

Advent had its world premiere at Halloween FrightFest 2024.