Yule Cat (2022): A Swedish Horror Short Film About a Giant Mythical Cat

In a snowbound cabin, two sisters must survive the monstrous Yule Cat in this 4‑minute Swedish horror short film inspired by Icelandic folklore.

Plot Breakdown

This moody horror short begins with two sisters cornered in their storm-besieged winter cabin. Here, they have to face off against a mammoth monster cat, which presumably killed their father.

Despite the older sister’s valiant attempts to protect her younger sibling, the feline behemoth overtakes her. This leaves the lone child to bear arms and take action to the best of her limited capabilities. 

Save

Legend of the Yule Cat: Folkloric Background

The notoriety of the oft-told legend of the Yule Cat in Icelandic folklore may account for the absence of a backstory in establishing the incredible situation the two heroines find themselves in at the film’s outset.

Known provincially as Jólakötturinn, the giant killer cat is said to eat children who have not acquired new clothing by Yule (Christmastime), which is evidence that they neglected their expected chores.

No wonder that house looks so unkempt.

Save

In Icelandic tradition, the Yule Cat is tied to the larger cycle of Yule Lads and Grýla. This is a family of ogre-like figures associated with discipline and winter hardship.

The legend also functioned as a social motivator during wool production season, encouraging households to complete textile work before the winter feast.

Its earliest written references appear in 19th-century poetry, though the concept is believed to be centuries older.

Save

Final Thoughts

A fast and fearsome avant-garde from writer/director Albin Glasell, Yule Cat channels Dark Age terror through its wintry Nordic roots.

Have you been naughty or nice?

This film was also featured in Christmas Movies With Cats to Watch This Holiday Season.

If you loved Yule Cat, check out these other short cat movies and horror movies with cats.

Have you heard of the Yule Cat legend before watching this short? What did you think of this film? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Save

Watch the Yule Cat Short Film on YouTube

About the Author

CHRISTOPHER ROBINSON is a writer, filmmaker, and musician in New Jersey who began in film and TV as a camera operator in his late teens.

He produced creative and commercial videos as the founder of Smoked Sausage Festival Films and Podium Productions and hosted and produced Princeton in Focus for cable access television.

Christopher has written for Cult Reviews, Rare Cult Cinema, Filmfax Magazine, and Western Magazine Digest. 

Additionally, he contributed essays to Vanessa Morgan’s reference guides: When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals, Strange Blood: 71 Essays on Offbeat and Underrated Vampires Movies, Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children, and Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies.

You can find his writings and videos at ChristopherRobinson.info.

Read these other cat movie reviews by Christopher Robinson:

Looking for a unique gift for the cat lover in your life? My book Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies is a deep-dive into the coolest feline appearances on the big screen.

Save