Why ‘Klaus’ is the MVP of Holiday Cinema
Los Angeles, Dec 26 – With Thanksgiving officially in the rearview mirror, the season has shifted gears. The heavyweight contenders are already on the screen: “The Santa Clause,” “Arthur Christmas,” and the perennial favorites that dominate the broadcast rotation. But amidst the noise of these dynasty franchises, a quiet contender from 2019 has emerged from the scouting combine to claim a spot on the starting roster.
“Klaus,” a Netflix original initially overlooked by the masses, is rapidly making a case for itself as the modern standard-bearer for the holiday genre.
Released straight to streaming in November 2019, “Klaus” didn’t immediately grab the headlines. It flew under the radar, much like a late-round draft pick developing in a minor league system. However, for those who have since discovered it, the film has evolved from a hidden gem into a certified franchise player.
The film’s standout feature is its mechanics—specifically, its animation style. In an industry largely homogenized by what critics call the “Disney-fication” of 3D animation, “Klaus” opted for a different playbook. The film utilizes a unique, hand-drawn aesthetic that balances caricature-esque character designs with grounded, sweeping landscapes.
It is a stylistic choice that reportedly “bleeds with heart,” requiring an extraordinary level of dedication to make every frame feel like it was torn from a vintage storybook. This visual distinction allows the film to separate itself from the pack, offering a texture and depth that standard CGI often fails to capture.
Beyond the visuals, “Klaus” succeeds because it refuses to run the standard holiday offense. The narrative avoids the tired tropes of the “jolly old man” cliche. When the audience first meets the titular character, he is asymptomatic of the rosy-cheeked icon the world knows.
Instead, the film operates as a gritty origin story—a “Year One” for Santa Claus, if you will. It focuses on the necessity of renewing a sense of childlike wonder rather than simply showcasing magic for magic’s sake. It builds the legend from the ground up, earning its emotional payoff rather than relying on the audience’s pre-existing nostalgia.
“If you’re not brimming with hope and joy and love and all of those other gushy emotions, it’s simply not a Christmas movie.” – Film Critic
This is the “golden standard” for the genre. Much like “Die Hard” earns its stripes through grit, “Klaus” earns its place through emotional resonance. The consensus is that the film goes “above and beyond” the typical holiday fare, delivering a feeling that lingers long after the credits roll.
“Klaus” has officially graduated from sleeper hit to essential viewing. It has proven it has the legs to stand alongside the titans of the industry like “Home Alone” and “Elf.”
Whether you celebrate the religious aspects of the holiday or simply the spirit of family and connection, this film captures the core of the season. If you are looking to add a heavy hitter to your annual watch list, the scouting report is clear: “Klaus” is a first-ballot Hall of Famer in the making.
