Christmas at the Kringles turns suburban holiday cheer into a hostage situation, following a seemingly wholesome family that celebrates Christmas year-round while plotting to hypnotize and indoctrinate its neighbors. Rachel Bilson, Arden Myrin, Rob Riggle, and director Kevin Lewis discussed the film’s unusual premise, improvisational approach, and behind-the-scenes chaos with Kyle Meredith.
The movie also stars Ron Livingston, Thomas Lennon, Beverly D’Angelo, and Donald Faison. Its festive setting is paired with horror-comedy excess, including a drunken Santa Claus, elaborate decorations, and a family whose devotion to Christmas takes a disturbing turn.
Bilson said the production was particularly challenging because she had to maintain a straight face while working opposite performers whose scenes frequently went off script. Myrin noted that much of the dialogue between her character and Lennon was improvised. She described her role as someone consumed by Christmas, joy, and her own distorted worldview, and jokingly said she would be prepared to start a cult if she had the right uniform.
Riggle plays a violent, foul-mouthed alcoholic Santa. He said the mention of a “drunk Santa” in the script immediately caught his attention, while also describing the character as someone with a bad attitude but a good heart.
Lewis, who previously directed Willy’s Wonderland, called Christmas at the Kringles a spiritual successor to that film. He described the project as a Hallmark-style movie taken into darker territory, citing John Hughes, Sam Raimi, and Evil Dead 2 among its influences.
Working with cinematographer Brandon Cox, Lewis based the film’s visual style on the camera movements and unusual angles associated with 1980s cinema. The goal was to make the movie resemble a Norman Rockwell painting that had gone badly wrong. The production was supported by a 75-page shot list, although substantial material remained unused.
Lewis said approximately 20 to 25 minutes of additional footage could eventually form an alternate “Kringle Cut,” featuring more of the cast’s improvised material. He indicated that the extended version could be released if the film performs well.
The cast’s conversation about Christmas at the Kringles is available through the Kyle Meredith podcast and its associated platforms.
Sources: Consequence.