Directed by Jalmari Helander
Pietari (Onni Tommila) lives with his father Rauno (Jorma Tommila) in some snow-covered remote part of Finland (even though the film was shot in Norway). He carries around a stuffed animal as a pet on a rope and has an enormous rifle slung over his shoulder. His father slaughters reindeers but things are tough as Christmas draws nearer. Pietari is curious when a group of American scientists arrive to dig up what they believe to be the remains of the original Santa Claus. He starts to research whether Santa Claus actually exists and finds out that the Coca Cola Santa is just a hoax and that the real Santa is totally different.
Finnish folk tales have more of a Grimm’s fairy tale flavour where Santa was a predatory demon who stole children from their beds. Of course the Americans make a mess of things, and after excavating an enormous hole in the mountain near Pietari’s home, they disappear. Something has gone horribly wrong and Pietari and his friends try to uncover who (or what) has been disturbed by the digging. When local children are kidnapped and livestock is slaughtered, everyone works out that whatever escaped was not going to be that cuddly. When Rauno captures something that appears to be an extremely feral Santa in a wolf pit, things get a bit weird – but it’s a Christmas tale with a six year-old hero so what’s not to love?
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is certainly not for children but it is by far the best totally twisted Christmas film that you’re likely to see – far better than anything Hollywood is offering. It screens at UWA’s Somerville Auditorium as part of the Perth Festival 20-24 Dec and 26 Dec. A perfect time to pack a Christmassy picnic and indulge in truly wicked perversion for the silly season.
Lezly Herbert
