The Screen Scribe

Before the ‘80s were overrun with slashers in hockey masks and knife-wielding babysitters, Joe Dante’s Gremlins slipped in through the back door to deliver something entirely different: a horror-comedy that’s as mischievous as it is macabre. Released in 1984 and produced by Steven Spielberg, it’s part creature feature, part Christmas movie, and all chaos. And while it may be set in December, trust me, its mischievous spirit makes it a perfect Halloween watch.

The story kicks off when Billy Peltzer receives a most unusual Christmas gift: a small, furry, wide-eyed creature called a Mogwai. Cute, cuddly, and irresistible, the little guy, named Gizmo, comes with three strict rules: don’t expose him to bright light, don’t get him wet, and above all, never feed him after midnight. Naturally, all three rules get broken, unleashing a horde of grotesque, cackling gremlins that descend upon a small town in a frenzy of violence, pranks, and popcorn-fuelled mayhem.

Why should Gremlins make your Halloween list? First and foremost, it nails the tricky balance between comedy and horror. The gremlins themselves are equal parts hilarious and horrifying, one minute they’re terrorising a bar in a scene of anarchic slapstick, the next they’re lurking in shadows with genuine menace. Dante never lets you get too comfortable, swinging between absurd comedy and genuine scares with glee. It’s the tonal tightrope that makes the film so unforgettable.

The practical effects and puppetry still hold up beautifully. Long before CGI cluttered monster movies, Gremlins gave us creatures that felt real. Gizmo is still one of the most endearing creations to ever grace the screen, his expressive animatronics making him instantly lovable. The gremlins, meanwhile, are grotesque masterpieces of creature design, their manic energy selling both the comedy and the horror. Even today, their presence feels tactile in a way digital effects can’t replicate.

Also, the film has teeth, literally and figuratively. Beneath the playful chaos lies a surprisingly dark streak. Gremlins aren’t just pranksters. They kill, destroy, and wreak real havoc. The film’s infamous “Santa in the chimney” monologue, delivered by Phoebe Cates, remains one of the bleakest and most bizarre tonal shifts in mainstream cinema, catching audiences completely off guard. It’s this willingness to mix cosy small-town charm with sudden, shocking darkness that gives the film its edge.

Finally, Gremlins is fun. Pure, anarchic, popcorn-in-hand fun. It’s the rare kind of movie that feels as comfortable in a Halloween marathon as it does in a Christmas one. Whether you’re laughing at a gremlin in leg warmers doing aerobics, cringing as they tear through the town, or quietly rooting for Gizmo to save the day, it’s an endlessly entertaining ride.

So as part of our Halloween Collection, consider Gremlins your dose of mischievous mayhem, a reminder that horror doesn’t have to be grim to be effective. Sometimes, it can be downright chaotic, and all the better for it. Just remember rules are rules. Break them, and you may end up with more than you bargained for.

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