When one thinks of Christmas movies, titles like Home Alone, The Grinch, or It's A Wonderful Life inevitably come to mind. Yet, there’s one film, which, though it doesn't fit the typical love story adorned with snow and carols, possesses more holiday spirit than meets the eye: El Día de la Bestia. Released in 1995 and directed by Álex de la Iglesia, this Spanish cinematic masterpiece intertwines black humor, horror, and social critique against the backdrop of apocalyptic Christmas-time Madrid.
The story follows Father Ángel Berriartúa, a Basque priest portrayed by Álex Angulo, who uncovers the frightening news: the Antichrist is set to be born on December 25th right in Madrid. Determined to prevent the end of the world, the priest embarks on a surreal quest to contact the devil, aided by José María, a heavy metal record store owner played by Santiago Segura (in one of his most iconic roles), and Cavan, a television psychic portrayed by Armando de Razza. What ensues is an outrageous series of events filled with stylized violence, absurdity, and morbid humor, making the movie a genuinely unique experience.
ONE OF THE MOVIE'S GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS LIES IN ITS ABILITY TO TRANSFORM A FESTIVE CITY INTO A CHAOTIC AND DARK BACKDROP. Madrid is adorned with Christmas lights and festive storefronts, yet it morphs instead, under the film's lens, to embody a urban jungle where criminals and satanic sects jostle for position alongside the desperate priest trying to become 'bad' to save the world. This sardonic look at Christmas challenges the idealization of the holidays and highlights issues such as rampant consumerism and societal despair—a themes still relevant today. According to director Álex de la Iglesia, the film operates as “a brutal satire” taking aim at everything cultural and consumer-based.
WHAT MAKES EL DÍA DE LA BESTIA AN ENDURING MASTERPIECE NEARLY THREE DECADES LATER IS ITS BALANCE BETWEEN BLACK HUMOR AND HORROR—A COMBINATION RARELY EXPLORED IN 1990s SPANISH CINEMA. Not only did the film captivate audiences but it also earned significant acclaim, winning six Goya Awards in 1996, including for Best Direction and Best New Actor for Segura. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of El Día de la Bestia is how it has established itself as an alternative Christmas classic. For those seeking something beyond the predictable sweet narratives, this film delivers a raucous, unpredictable, and brutally funny take on the holiday.
The film is described as combining elements of comedy, action, and fantasy, illustrating the gradual rise to fame of both director Álex de la Iglesia and his go-to actor, Santiago Segura, who embraced later successful projects like La Comunidad and the Torrente series. With nearly 1.5 million viewers, El Día de la Bestia was both a box office success and garnered recognition from critics.
AS A CULT CLASSIC, IT HAS GAINED A REPUTATION BEYOND SPANISH BORDERS AND IS CELEBRATED FOR ITS INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO BLENDING GENRES. The character José María, played by Segura, marked the beginnings of his illustrious career, establishing his popularity through the Torrente film series.
Curiously enough, significant scenes from the movie, such as the iconic moment when Santiago Segura screams atop the Schweppes sign at Callao and the chaotic shootout on Calle Preciados, have cemented El Día de la Bestia as part of Spain's cinematic legacy. The level of violence depicted is precisely measured; it makes sense within the film's premise since Father Ángel must commit sins and do evil to infiltrate Satan’s worshippers.
Even now, the visual effects may seem dated compared to modern standards, but the charm and humor remain intact, having left admirers crying with laughter. Beyond the trail of disaster left by this frantic plot, El Día de la Bestia continues to offer respite from typical sentimental Christmas fare.
UNVEILING NOT JUST AN ARCHETYPE OF A HOLIDAY FILM BUT A SOCIAL COMMENTARY WRAPPED IN A DOGMA OF LAUGHTER AMIDST CHAOS, this classic holds its ground as one of the most captivating Christmas films still cherished today. For cinephiles, it ranks alongside classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Die Hard; it offers those seeking something within the genre something to relish. It's definitely worth the watch, especially as the holiday approaches. El Día de la Bestia is not just another movie on the list but is instead a thrilling rollercoaster ride through dark comedy and horror—an experience all should embrace.
