Treevenge

“Brilliant” is a word that can be a double-edged sword when it comes to reviewing a horror film; very few titles manage to earn such a distinction by bringing together all the right elements.

But this 2008 short film directed by Jason Eisener is an over-the-top splatterfest that shocks and entertains in equal measure—making “brilliant” more than fitting.

It’s a twisted take on a Christmas tradition, zooming in on the sadistic violence behind the holiday commerce—specifically, the logging of evergreen trees, in this case, firs, who rise up against the poachers destroying their world and the absurd decorations we humans force them to “wear.”

It might sound laughable—and it absolutely is. But if you think about it, this tradition has more negative consequences for the environment and our forests than we like to admit.

That said, beyond the environmental critique, the short is packed with pure fun and a parade of deaths so outrageous and creatively executed that they dive headfirst into the conscious absurdity of the concept itself.

We’ve seen our fair share of inanimate objects turned into bloodthirsty killers, but this short, with its unapologetic B-movie flair, earns its place as a cult classic—for horror fans and for anyone hiding a Grinch deep inside.

Here’s the link to watch it:

Treevenge