Gothic Horror Fans Get First Look at This 'Phenomenal' Christmas Day Release

In less than six months, the most wonderful time of the year will arrive. And why not celebrate the holiday season with, say, a “grimy” horror movie?

From celebrated director Robert Eggers (Nosferatu, The Witch) comes Werwulf, which hits theaters December 25 (yes, Christmas Day). And on Monday, June 29, fans were treated with a full-length trailer for the gothic-looking project.

“Do not dread the darkness. Embrace it,” reads the caption of Focus Features’ recent YouTube upload featuring a first look at Aaron Taylor-Johnson as what looks like the next great “wolf man” in cinema. Check it out below.

Fans have already flooded the video’s comments section with words of utter excitement now that they’ve gotten a better sense of what’s coming. “His ability to make everything look dusty, musky, grimy is unparalleled. You have my attention, Eggers,” wrote one YouTube user, while another person commented, “Robert Eggers + gothic horror = day one watch. Nosferatu made me a lifelong fan, and Werwulf looks phenomenal 🔥.”

Here’s all we’ve gotten thus far in terms of a synopsis: “Witness Robert Eggers’ most visceral and haunting experience yet. Focus Features presents WERWULF, a harrowing tale of devotion, damnation and the devil within.”

Just like in Eggers’ previous films, the cast features big names. Besides Taylor-Johnson, 36, there’s Willem Dafoe, Lily-Rose Depp and Ralph Ineson (The Fantastic Four: First Steps).

Meanwhile, this year marks the 10th anniversary of Eggers’ The Witch hitting theaters. Subtitled A New-England Folktale, it was one of the earliest jewels in A24’s crown. Set during the 1630s, the story concerns a Puritan family who are stalked by an evil presence in the forest that hugs their farmland. For his feature-length debut, writer-director Eggers, 42, enlisted Ineson, 56, and Anya Taylor-Joy to play the main characters.

The Witch earned its $4 million budget back tenfold at the box office, and to this day sits on an impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating. For Eggers, Ineson, and Taylor-Joy, 30, the acclaimed indie was a springboard to even greater professional heights. Find out more here.