By Jon Donnis
Prepare for a chilling Christmas countdown with Advent, a festive horror that turns the joy of opening an advent calendar into a series of nightmarish challenges. Directed by Airell Anthony Hayles, known for Werewolf Santa and Midnight Peepshow, this seasonal shocker features a talented cast including Mark Arnold (Blade Runner 2049), Nicholas Vince (Hellraiser, How to Kill Monsters), Cory Peterson (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), Rasina Pavlova, and Cian Lorcan (Werewolf Santa).
Following its world premiere at FrightFest Halloween on 1 November, Advent is set to land on digital platforms on 25 November 2024, courtesy of Miracle Media. The film draws chilling inspiration from the real-life Blue Whale Challenge, a sinister social media phenomenon that drove participants towards increasingly perilous dares. In Advent, this horrifying reality is given a supernatural twist.
At the centre of the story is a social media influencer, enthralled by urban legends, who stumbles upon a mysterious advent calendar. Unable to resist the allure, she begins opening the calendar doors live on YouTube, unaware that each door brings a challenge more disturbing than the last. As the dares grow darker and more twisted, her reality begins to unravel, leaving audiences wondering if she'll make it to Boxing Day, or if the festive fun has turned into a nightmare she can't escape.
Get ready for a holiday season filled with frights, as Advent promises to blend the Christmas spirit with relentless terror, turning a beloved holiday tradition into something far more sinister. Advent premieres on 1 November at FrightFest Halloween, with a wider digital release on 25 November.
