I expected this to be your run-of-the-mill invader/slasher flick (just with a xmas theme) but was pleasantly surprised to find it far more disturbing than first impressions. I hate to say, but I work with kids this age and this movie was horrifyingly believable on far too many levels. I love horror movies but, as I've gotten older, I've become increasingly bored by the predictability, so it's nice when something catches me off guard by doing something a bit different. Overall I thought the movie was well done, and I liked the acting. It was above par slasher level in appearance and feel (not cheap/good cast/big studio feel).

The film begins as any other generic home invasion thriller, and truth be told, I was not getting the vibe at first. I was disappointed and quite annoyed with the series of events that felt so typical and devoid of any excitement. But then, around minute 30th, comes a twist, and the scenario changed, and I was hooked right then and there.

Although I cannot say much cause even a small word could spoil the story and subsequently ruin your fun, I will tell you this, the story or the trajectory it took to be precise, caught me off guard; I did not expect it.

Now, the movie does have several logical fallacies, or loopholes, in layman's terms, but it was still thrilling to watch, and as I said, I didn't see any of it coming, which certainly added to my overall enjoyment.

...and you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for too much realism or an airtight plot, you look in vain. Despite characters that are mostly paper thin, the actors rise above with enough authority to satisfy all but the most jaded audiences. As well, the production design, cinematography, and so forth stretch its relatively low budget to maximum effect. No, this isn't on a level with Michael Haneke's unsettling "Funny Games" or its American remake; think of it more as a John Hughesian teen comedy that takes a dark turn into violent absurdity. It truly is a comic book potboiler in the vein of "Tales From the Crypt," crude tongue wedged in its cheek, nonsensical plot devices on full display. I understand fully why so many wags here hated it, but despite its flaws, I had fun with its earnest attempt to offer up its twisted take on teen angst. The three Aussie leads will all be actors to keep an eye on in the future, that much is certain.