‘Jólakötturinn’ is a music-based horror short that ditches convention to deliver an intoxicating fusion of story and music. With rugged Icelandic landscapes as its haunting backdrop and a mythic tale rooted in 1862, the film is both a feast for the eyes and ears. The short is directed by Dan Hertzog, from a script by Hertzog and Barry Atticks.

It begins with a mother (Steinunn Ósk Larsen) reading her daughters a chilling tale of the Yule Cat, an Icelandic legend that’s equal parts sinister and spellbinding. The costumes, set design, and attention to late 19th-century details lend a level of authenticity that immediately pulls you into its gothic world. The dialogue, spoken in Icelandic, grounds the film firmly in its cultural roots.

But just as you settle into the story’s eerie rhythm, Hertzog throws a curveball: an electrifying musical sequence. On a desolate beach, vocalist Kaitlyn Myers, flanked by guitarist Aden Getz, bassist Zoey Noble, and percussionist Em Haas, delivers a raw, spellbinding performance (sung in English).

The children, portrayed by Hrafntinna Ósk Larsen and Móeiður Ósk Larsen, are a picture of innocence as they frolic in the sprawling Icelandic wilderness, intercut with the music. Their fear of the Yule Cat is tempered by the comforting presence of Freya (Isabella Dayton), the Norse goddess of war, love, and magic.

‘Jólakötturinn’ feels like a music video caught in the throes of a gothic horror fever dream. It’s eerie, dark, and wildly imaginative. While the narrative is simple, the film’s strength lies in its visceral energy, breathtaking cinematography, and a production value that deserves high praise. Hertzog has crafted an unusual blend: part myth, part concert, and while it may not be to everyone’s taste, it leaves a distinct impression.