This movie is genius. Masked within safety, I stumbled upon the Yule Log after watching Rick and Morty, and its safe to say that I didn't look away for second. The start of this film is the definition of a hook; it catches you and drags you in, and all you can do is watch as your confusion grows throughout the entire experience. Casper Kelly is a genius and honestly should be given more recognition for his creativity and work. Kelly is so good at creating that classic adult swim confusion piece; the kind that makes you feel like there has to be more to what you're watching, but then once you get to the twist it ends up still not being what you expected. He's like Shyamalan but good at what he does. I really enjoyed this movie and would recommend it to anyone looking for a strange holiday film.
17 Reviews
6.2/10. Watchable
athanasiosze16 December 2022
I watched this without knowing anything about Casper Kelly. Then, i learned that he is the co-creator of "Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell". I have watched some episodes, this was a good show.
"THE FIRE PLACE" is not as good as YPFIGTH. If you wanna enjoy this movie, lower your expectations, definitely this is not a 10/10 or a 9/10 movie. However, it is still enjoyable and interesting. This is a kinda clever combination of every horror movie ever produced, sci fi horror, supernatural horror, home invasion horror, killer-on-the-loose horror. Some times it works, some times it doesn't. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but there are still some shocking moments. There are some funny scenes, nothing hilarious though.
Actors are good, i liked all of them. It's well directed, too, especially for a low budget production. Obviously, this director knows exactly what he is doing, there are many nice shots.
I didn't like much the ending, it's strange, seems to me that they wanted something unexpected and surprising for the viewer. It was unexpected but it was not satisfying. Still, it didn't ruin the movie.
"THE FIRE PLACE" is not as good as YPFIGTH. If you wanna enjoy this movie, lower your expectations, definitely this is not a 10/10 or a 9/10 movie. However, it is still enjoyable and interesting. This is a kinda clever combination of every horror movie ever produced, sci fi horror, supernatural horror, home invasion horror, killer-on-the-loose horror. Some times it works, some times it doesn't. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but there are still some shocking moments. There are some funny scenes, nothing hilarious though.
Actors are good, i liked all of them. It's well directed, too, especially for a low budget production. Obviously, this director knows exactly what he is doing, there are many nice shots.
I didn't like much the ending, it's strange, seems to me that they wanted something unexpected and surprising for the viewer. It was unexpected but it was not satisfying. Still, it didn't ruin the movie.
Finally a horror that pushes all the right buttons
bananaspider17 December 2022
Pretty inventive horror here you won't get the stupid decisions made by the characters and why didn't you do this or why did you do that. A straightforward Good decision making horror movie.
Leave it to adult swim to create something that I haven't seen before. Like I said before inventive in a way that keeps you thinking what's going on and why certain things are happening but there's really no need to think too far into it as it is Entertainment and mostly sums it up in the end.
Very well acted nothing outrageous or unbelievable except of course for the supernatural and other imaginative additions to this movie.
Leave it to adult swim to create something that I haven't seen before. Like I said before inventive in a way that keeps you thinking what's going on and why certain things are happening but there's really no need to think too far into it as it is Entertainment and mostly sums it up in the end.
Very well acted nothing outrageous or unbelievable except of course for the supernatural and other imaginative additions to this movie.
Danielia Maximillian
jamsam31716 December 2022
Odd but seriously cool . Danielia Maximillian should be in all horror movies from now on . Worth watching if only for her alone . Starts out as a christmas ambiance classic but goes sideways quickly . Wanted more hot tub footage . When you see Danielia you will know what i mean . The winter season never felt so warm and fuzzy . Low budget but well written and acted by entire cast including the yule log . It will probably be typecast after this but what can you do ? Maybe get a small part in a Twin Peak's sequel . If you remember the log lady from said series. Long live adult swim and all their crazy and inventive work.
snazzy horror
killercharm22 January 2023
This is a snazzy horror movie that actually includes everything. First we have a couple in their Airbnb who come to find out it's been double-booked. They welcome the new renters in and the evening gets weird. Since everybody's on edibles it doesn't seem too strange that one of them climbs into the fireplace at the invitation of the little man standing on the burning yule log. Things get horrified when this little man starts to orchestrate. When asked for a Dr. Pepper he offers a Nurse Nutmeg. Wacky, huh? But the wackiness is in furtherance of the story. There are plenty of wacky elements that are great, for instance the space alien's face popping when he gets aload of the girl.
This was horrible
csabala-0384131 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As a Christmas lover and Horror movie fan (both good and bad), I was super excited for this. I also love Adult Swim so I was hunting this gem down!
The beginning had creepy potential, than it turned into a "Hills Have Eyes" kinda thing, then it turned into a weird teen camp horror movie, then went all outer space alien twisty and even tossed in a bit of AHS. There's even a flash back through the years of the cabin's history and a hanging tree.
At this point, the story was so convoluted that I just wanted it over. It wasn't fun. It wasn't interesting. It was just dumb.
Seriously, the big baddie is a flying possessed log on fire. Its just so stupid and not in a good way.
The beginning had creepy potential, than it turned into a "Hills Have Eyes" kinda thing, then it turned into a weird teen camp horror movie, then went all outer space alien twisty and even tossed in a bit of AHS. There's even a flash back through the years of the cabin's history and a hanging tree.
At this point, the story was so convoluted that I just wanted it over. It wasn't fun. It wasn't interesting. It was just dumb.
Seriously, the big baddie is a flying possessed log on fire. Its just so stupid and not in a good way.
Oh, the Places Yule Go!
Vandyne315 December 2022
When advertisements for the Adult Swim Yule Log aired, they showcased the familiar features of a Yule Log video-- cracking wood, soothing tonal muzak, and the warmth of a simulated fire. And, indeed, for the first few minutes of the production that is what we get. But then, well, things happen.
The camera pans out and we are introduced to Ben, a part-time ad guy and aspiring YouTube Yule Log content creator, and Zoe, a career environmentalist burdened by her familial past and an event that has thrown her into an existential crisis. They intended to have romantic getaway at a rustic cabin in the woods but their plans are thrown awry, by a series of strange encounters. An ever-present threat lingers in the background as curious events connect characters, the past, present, and future, the house, the fireplace, and even the titular Yule Log.
Overall, it is definitely worth a watch, and, if you know your audience, sharing it is a great experience. It is a psychedelic straight-faced comedy that is not afraid of exploring the ordinary horror that we call history or the extraordinary horror of the unknown, unknowable, and absurd. There are some rather interesting visual effects and the production is not afraid to lean into or away from its initial framing device.
Ben and Zoe are well written characters and the actors pull their weight. Unlike Netflix shows where interracial couples are used as unexplored props or vehicles for Silicon Valley ideology, the script and the performers are conscious of the identity dynamics in play, which are handled thoughtfully without dominating the production.
Thematically, it is cohesive. More parts could have found their way to the cutting room floor, others needed fleshing out, but the Aesop is clearly communicated: Our existence is already unlikely, our continued existence is always eventually impossible, and strange even absurd things happen-- that's life. Rather than wish it were otherwise, we should fight for it.
The camera pans out and we are introduced to Ben, a part-time ad guy and aspiring YouTube Yule Log content creator, and Zoe, a career environmentalist burdened by her familial past and an event that has thrown her into an existential crisis. They intended to have romantic getaway at a rustic cabin in the woods but their plans are thrown awry, by a series of strange encounters. An ever-present threat lingers in the background as curious events connect characters, the past, present, and future, the house, the fireplace, and even the titular Yule Log.
Overall, it is definitely worth a watch, and, if you know your audience, sharing it is a great experience. It is a psychedelic straight-faced comedy that is not afraid of exploring the ordinary horror that we call history or the extraordinary horror of the unknown, unknowable, and absurd. There are some rather interesting visual effects and the production is not afraid to lean into or away from its initial framing device.
Ben and Zoe are well written characters and the actors pull their weight. Unlike Netflix shows where interracial couples are used as unexplored props or vehicles for Silicon Valley ideology, the script and the performers are conscious of the identity dynamics in play, which are handled thoughtfully without dominating the production.
Thematically, it is cohesive. More parts could have found their way to the cutting room floor, others needed fleshing out, but the Aesop is clearly communicated: Our existence is already unlikely, our continued existence is always eventually impossible, and strange even absurd things happen-- that's life. Rather than wish it were otherwise, we should fight for it.
A 9 or 10 REALLY?? not as a horror film maybe ad a low budget student film it was ok but not rewatchable!!
joiningjt2 January 2023
The horror audience is definitely changing not sure if it's the millennial thing or?? But people saying thus was the gest horror film of the year either are involved in the film or just don't know TRUE horror films when they see one. 2022 was loaded with great films x and pearl the phenomenal smile film the Underrated black phone and the BEST CHRISTMAS HORROR filmever violent night! This my friends is a 5 at best! OK acting decent effects but convoluted story and the log story was more comedy than horror. Ending was predictable and not that great its an OK watch once me but should be in the high 4s to low 5s. People go back and watch TRUE horror films find the movies deranged , original evil dead, in the mouth of madness, the thing, make them die slowly, the fly, conjuring 1 and 2 original texas chainsaw and watch pearl then X.
Not a perfect movie, but a really great experience
EweTwentyThree20 January 2023
I had so much fun with this man, the less you know about this, the more fun it is to watch. I found a promo of this online and immediately knew I had to see what it was about, and it definitely didn't disappoint. The end product is flawed, you could probably read it apart. But my god, was the experience watching this purely mesmerizing. I came into this wanting a surreal, unpredictable piece of media. And I got exactly that, the film expertly raises the absurdity as it goes on, and the more absurd things got, the more invested I was. This was a really fun watch and while I don't know if I'll ever return to this, I really enjoyed my experience.
Cool idea unexpected but nothing special
perky-1885431 December 2023
So this was cool and even funny in some parts but this is a movie you sit down and make fun of and just watch as random stuff insues it's kinda like an actual Yule log you don't really sit and watch it's oddly confusing but you could get pretty invested my friend put this on at his Christmas party thinking it was an actual Yule log but it was this and boy was it crazy so for that I think it's cool idea and unexpected but there's just so much lore and it's not worth it for such a crazy movie but the other thing is I think that, thats the point it's not meant to be a good movie so yeah whatever it was funny i don't think I'd watch it again.
A Lifetime Re-Lived...Over & Over: The Fireplace Is One Helluva Wild Ride...That's Out Of This World!!!
meddlecore16 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
What starts off as a seemingly unominous yule log broadcast...quickly takes a dark turn, when a family of backwoods hillbillies con their way into a rental cabin in the woods, and kill the cleaning lady.
Before the culprits can leave, the couple renting the cabin return...just as the police show up to inform them of a recently discovered murder victim in the area.
Turns out, the guy cut a limb off a demonic hanging tree, in order to shoot his own yule log video...inevitably setting this whole series of events into motion, having angered the dead, and initiated it's curse.
Little do they suspect, however, that a pair of murderers are hiding in the room next door...with the body of their dead cleaning lady.
Hoping to capture the moment he proposes for posterity...the man leaves the camera running.
Unbeknownst of the dark fate that lies in store for them both.
As they discuss their future, flashbacks, to past moments in the house, cycle across the screen.
Up until they are interrupted by another group of double booked renters in what seems like a deja vu moment (if you've happened to watch Barbarian).
Turns out this is a bit of an homage, though...as this same scene also references the Ti West/Mia Goth collaboration X, as well.
Some super clever stuff.
Which immediately puts you on the lookout for more horror movie references spun in as subtle little stocking stuffers, to go with this completely unexpected present of a film.
Turns out that these new tenants are true crime podcasters, and offer us a window into the background lore of the house and surrounding area...providing context to these aforementioned interjections from the past, as they go.
The first act is shot entirely from the stationary camera the man had set up.
While the second act follows a more traditional cinematic path.
As a dark entity is awakened, in the form of the cursed log, they had so ignorantly brought home with them, and started to burn.
Which is precisely when things start to take a psychedelic- not to mention gory- turn...in a bizarre- and completely unexpected- series of twists that put even Twin Peaks to shame.
What ensues is an absolutely wild ride...that is both well written and acted, cleverly constructed...and straight up driven by imagination.
All of which makes for one hell of an entertaining holiday horror film that you DO NOT want to miss!!!
To make things even more interesting...it's release was a complete secret.
Airing after the season 6 finale of Rick & Morty, and marketed only as the "Adult Swim Yule Log".
The only hint that this seemingly benign Christmas season presentation actually held something more nefarious in store, were the "presents" sent to a number of horror movie influencers- who ended up posting pictures of what they received on reddit.
Those being logs inscribed with the word murder...
Though, even considering this...there is no way anyone would have managed to guess just what sort of insanity lied in store.
Because it really is...out of this world.
If you only watch one horror movie this Christmas season...definitely make it this one.
You won't be disappointed.
The best horror film of the year, hands down!!!
9 out of 10.
Before the culprits can leave, the couple renting the cabin return...just as the police show up to inform them of a recently discovered murder victim in the area.
Turns out, the guy cut a limb off a demonic hanging tree, in order to shoot his own yule log video...inevitably setting this whole series of events into motion, having angered the dead, and initiated it's curse.
Little do they suspect, however, that a pair of murderers are hiding in the room next door...with the body of their dead cleaning lady.
Hoping to capture the moment he proposes for posterity...the man leaves the camera running.
Unbeknownst of the dark fate that lies in store for them both.
As they discuss their future, flashbacks, to past moments in the house, cycle across the screen.
Up until they are interrupted by another group of double booked renters in what seems like a deja vu moment (if you've happened to watch Barbarian).
Turns out this is a bit of an homage, though...as this same scene also references the Ti West/Mia Goth collaboration X, as well.
Some super clever stuff.
Which immediately puts you on the lookout for more horror movie references spun in as subtle little stocking stuffers, to go with this completely unexpected present of a film.
Turns out that these new tenants are true crime podcasters, and offer us a window into the background lore of the house and surrounding area...providing context to these aforementioned interjections from the past, as they go.
The first act is shot entirely from the stationary camera the man had set up.
While the second act follows a more traditional cinematic path.
As a dark entity is awakened, in the form of the cursed log, they had so ignorantly brought home with them, and started to burn.
Which is precisely when things start to take a psychedelic- not to mention gory- turn...in a bizarre- and completely unexpected- series of twists that put even Twin Peaks to shame.
What ensues is an absolutely wild ride...that is both well written and acted, cleverly constructed...and straight up driven by imagination.
All of which makes for one hell of an entertaining holiday horror film that you DO NOT want to miss!!!
To make things even more interesting...it's release was a complete secret.
Airing after the season 6 finale of Rick & Morty, and marketed only as the "Adult Swim Yule Log".
The only hint that this seemingly benign Christmas season presentation actually held something more nefarious in store, were the "presents" sent to a number of horror movie influencers- who ended up posting pictures of what they received on reddit.
Those being logs inscribed with the word murder...
Though, even considering this...there is no way anyone would have managed to guess just what sort of insanity lied in store.
Because it really is...out of this world.
If you only watch one horror movie this Christmas season...definitely make it this one.
You won't be disappointed.
The best horror film of the year, hands down!!!
9 out of 10.
All kinds of twisted. It's fun, different, and horrific in an "Adult Swim" kind of way
Amthermandes30 December 2022
Certainly unique, it introduces a whole 'nother level to "WTF." It may be one of the most unpredictable movies I've seen recently.
I agree with many reviewers. It's certainly best going in head-first with the least amount of information. That being said, I'll do my best to describe it without giving too much away.
Whoever wrote this, obviously intended to do something abstract, unique, and viral. In short, they succeeded, so kudos are due. There are a lot of horror movies like this, but there's also nothing like this. Check my rating history. I've seen a lot, a LOT of horror movies, and I ain't ever seen anything like this.
That being said, there are too many cooks. There are just too many cooks, and too many logs. I ain't ever seen so many logs and cooks in one sitting I might just be going crazy from so many logs, and so many cooks, it's an advent calendar of logs, cooks, that I cook, log, logged, I can't, log, fire, don't light the log, so many cooks, what is happening, fire, burn, log, cooks, too, many, I, AAAAuUUUGHHHH!!...
I agree with many reviewers. It's certainly best going in head-first with the least amount of information. That being said, I'll do my best to describe it without giving too much away.
Whoever wrote this, obviously intended to do something abstract, unique, and viral. In short, they succeeded, so kudos are due. There are a lot of horror movies like this, but there's also nothing like this. Check my rating history. I've seen a lot, a LOT of horror movies, and I ain't ever seen anything like this.
That being said, there are too many cooks. There are just too many cooks, and too many logs. I ain't ever seen so many logs and cooks in one sitting I might just be going crazy from so many logs, and so many cooks, it's an advent calendar of logs, cooks, that I cook, log, logged, I can't, log, fire, don't light the log, so many cooks, what is happening, fire, burn, log, cooks, too, many, I, AAAAuUUUGHHHH!!...
Didn't know what I was seeing, still not sure
kenmorris_18613 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
After the season finale of Rick and Morty, I was curious what this yule log deal was. I figured, "eh... burning log with Christmas music." I was a little taken aback when people started appearing. Then more people. Then crazy stuff all over. I'll admit that I may have wet myself. Then aliens. And still, a burning log.
Almost 24 hours later, I'm still not sure what I watched. It had a somewhat coherent plot, lots of social commentary, and aliens. Why aliens?
The gore factor was pleasing, not overly done, and somewhat funny. Definitely had me laughing kinda like when Jason froze a character's face in liquid nitrogen, then smashed it on a table. Quite hysterical.
There is a definite tension looming. And aliens. The characters have tension between them, the murderer is still in the house, and you just feel it coming until it doesn't. I was literally yelling to not open the door.
Highly recommended viewing.
Almost 24 hours later, I'm still not sure what I watched. It had a somewhat coherent plot, lots of social commentary, and aliens. Why aliens?
The gore factor was pleasing, not overly done, and somewhat funny. Definitely had me laughing kinda like when Jason froze a character's face in liquid nitrogen, then smashed it on a table. Quite hysterical.
There is a definite tension looming. And aliens. The characters have tension between them, the murderer is still in the house, and you just feel it coming until it doesn't. I was literally yelling to not open the door.
Highly recommended viewing.
Refreshing horror comedy movie surprise!
tonycor-5038626 December 2022
Such a creative and unique horror movie. Some legit funny lines and scenes too. Had no idea what was going to happen next. The kills were all great as well. We need more movies like this that are unique and keep you guessing. Movie starts out so clever with just focus on the fireplace and the characters that are in the shot. If you're a true horror fan you'll love this movie for sure! Really hope Adult Swim attempts to make more films like this one. The film had so many classic horror elements there's a little bit of everything in this movie for everyone. Would actually love to see a sequel to this, hopefully we get more like this.
Finally something unique! 9/10
andras-ocskay5 February 2023
I loved the start and the full non cut acting!
I wish to see the whole movie without cut and editing, it was so enjoyable to watch
Sadly just 9 out of 10, because of the massacre parts.
I think the entire film would be better without the messy parts. And the effects.
This writer is so good, the director was also good, acting brilliant, and the whole idea was unique!
Special thanks for not using guns :')
I wish to see more like this films, and I hope they will do such without massacre and blood as well.
It would be so great to see this without killing scenes. Why was that necessary?
That is the only reason I don't want to watch it again, but I would like to watch all scenes again.
Really big thank you for the crew!
So good scenes and so many good subjects they bring up.
I really hope the crew will read this review, and somehow they will get my message.
P Lease do similar film, but without blood and killing. You will have a bright future ahead.
I will save this director and writer to my favourites, next to Lynch and Linklater.
Have not seen such so far!
I will recommend this film to my friends as well.
Thank you.
I wish to see the whole movie without cut and editing, it was so enjoyable to watch
Sadly just 9 out of 10, because of the massacre parts.
I think the entire film would be better without the messy parts. And the effects.
This writer is so good, the director was also good, acting brilliant, and the whole idea was unique!
Special thanks for not using guns :')
I wish to see more like this films, and I hope they will do such without massacre and blood as well.
It would be so great to see this without killing scenes. Why was that necessary?
That is the only reason I don't want to watch it again, but I would like to watch all scenes again.
Really big thank you for the crew!
So good scenes and so many good subjects they bring up.
I really hope the crew will read this review, and somehow they will get my message.
P Lease do similar film, but without blood and killing. You will have a bright future ahead.
I will save this director and writer to my favourites, next to Lynch and Linklater.
Have not seen such so far!
I will recommend this film to my friends as well.
Thank you.
Something a little bit different
tarlockrai14 January 2023
A friend of mine recommend this movie to watch I didn't know what to expect and within the first 10 minutes I was absolutely blown away by the attention to detail not only in the style of the film but also in the way in which waves in and out of different stories and has an underline commentary that addresses lots of Different topics that exist in our every day lives and have done for centuries and manifested themselves in different ways. Halfway through we both looked at each other and agreed that this movie is going to be a cult classic. This is a must watch for people who like any kind of movie.
One of the most creative movies I have watched
acb-7311022 October 2023
One of the most creative movies I have watched. I will definitely rewatch this movie every year as long as I can. I say that because there isn't a DVD release which I would buy as soon as it came out. I love everything about this movie. I will also watch anything the writer of this movie does because of how creative this was. I want Christmas to hurry up just so I can watch it again. This movie is a 10/10 and that's not even a question to me. I know it will get hate because it's not a predictable marvel movie which is all people watch anymore. We need more movies like this . Stuff that is so out there it hasn't been thought of before. Job well done on this movie.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
