Is The Shining Secretly A Christmas Movie?

The Reimagined Poster

The classic horror film, The Shining, has received an unexpected makeover in the form of a Hallmark Christmas movie-style poster. The reimagined poster, shared by @kern.creative.design on Instagram, completely transforms the dark and chilling narrative of The Shining into a heartwarming and romantic winter tale. This creative reinterpretation has sparked a conversation about the hidden Christmas elements within the original story and whether The Shining could be considered a Christmas movie.

Jack sitting frozen in the snow in The Shining

The poster, titled “Brightly Shining,” features a tagline that reads, “He's obsessed with work. She's longing for love. And this winter, they're snowed in together.” The juxtaposition of the original narrative with this new perspective is both intriguing and unexpected. It presents the characters of Jack and Wendy in a light that is vastly different from their original portrayal, inviting viewers to reconsider their roles within the story.

The creator's caption accompanying the poster suggests a playful desire for the Hallmark Channel to bring this reimagined version to life. The lighthearted tone of the caption reflects the fun and imaginative nature of this creative endeavor, which seeks to bridge the gap between horror and romance genres through a festive lens.

Instagram article posted by kern.creative.design

The Christmas Elements in The Shining

The compelling nature of this reimagined poster raises the question: Is The Shining secretly a Christmas movie? While the original narrative is undeniably rooted in horror and psychological suspense, it also contains subtle yet significant Christmas elements that are worth exploring.

One of the key Christmas elements present in The Shining is the setting itself. The Torrance family becomes stranded at the isolated Overlook Hotel during a snowstorm, creating a wintry backdrop that is reminiscent of traditional Christmas imagery. The theme of family togetherness and the need to survive the harsh winter resonates with classic Christmas themes, albeit with a darker twist in the case of The Shining.

Furthermore, the movie's costume design, particularly the knit sweaters worn by characters like Jack and Danny, adds to the Christmasy aesthetic of the film. These visual elements contribute to the sense of familiarity and nostalgia often associated with Christmas-themed movies, despite the ominous undertones of the narrative.

The presence of these Christmas elements prompts an intriguing contemplation of whether Stephen King or Stanley Kubrick intentionally integrated them into the story. While their explicit intentions remain unclear, the inclusion of these elements offers a fresh perspective on the genre-bending nature of The Shining and its potential alignment with the Christmas movie theme.

The Shining: A Subversion of Christmas Tropes

The notion of The Shining as a Christmas movie challenges traditional perceptions and genre categorizations. While the story's darker and suspenseful nature may initially seem at odds with the lightheartedness of typical holiday films, it also highlights the existence of the Christmas horror genre, which encompasses a diverse range of narratives.

From classic slashers like Black Christmas to more family-friendly fare such as Gremlins, the Christmas horror genre has demonstrated the capacity to blend festive themes with elements of fear and tension. The inclusion of The Shining in this genre, whether intentional or not, expands the boundaries of what constitutes a Christmas movie and offers a nuanced exploration of holiday storytelling.

The eventual descent of Jack into madness in The Shining serves as a compelling example of how the story subverts traditional Christmas movie tropes. Rather than adhering to the expected narrative of heartwarming resolutions and joyful outcomes, The Shining presents a chilling and thought-provoking twist on the holiday season, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of Christmas-themed storytelling.

As The Shining continues to captivate audiences, its reimagining as a Hallmark Christmas movie sparks curiosity and contemplation about the hidden layers of the original narrative. Whether viewed through the lens of horror or as a subversion of Christmas tropes, The Shining remains a compelling and enigmatic piece of cinematic storytelling, inviting ongoing interpretation and analysis.