One of the most beloved Christmas films that has secured its place in our pop culture is the classic Home Alone, directed by Chris Columbus. However, before Columbus brought us this iconic movie in 1990, he was already making waves in the holiday film genre. He penned the screenplay for the 1984 horror-comedy classic Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante and produced by the legendary Steven Spielberg. This unique collaboration resulted in a film that is as original as it is chaotic, blending humor with elements of horror. In this episode of Revisited, we’ll explore the unforgettable moments and themes of Gremlins, while reflecting on its lasting impact on holiday cinema.

Gremlins captivates audiences with its straightforward narrative infused with an intriguing backstory that feels deep and complex. It invites viewers to ponder the strange lore surrounding the Mogwai creatures but doesn’t require a detailed understanding to appreciate the film. Questions arise when considering the three crucial rules associated with Mogwai care: why must they avoid water? Are their eyes and mouths impervious to moisture? What if it snows, or if a pet accidentally licks them? The film playfully addresses these inconsistencies in its sequel, highlighting the absurdity of its own rules while keeping the audience engaged in the unfolding chaos.

The charm of Gremlins lies in its ability to blend fantasy with a sense of whimsical danger. The story begins with a traveling inventor in Chinatown, who stumbles upon a mysterious creature. The audience hears delightful, high-pitched sounds, but only glimpses a shadowy figure. The inventor’s fascination grows, but the elderly shopkeeper, Mr. Wing, warns him against purchasing the creature. However, his grandson sells it anyway, revealing the three essential rules: keep it away from bright light (especially sunlight), avoid getting it wet, and never feed it after midnight. These rules instantly raise questions that intrigue viewers, setting the stage for the wild ride to come.

As the story unfolds, the suspense builds as we learn the consequences of breaking these rules. This discovery process mirrors the thrilling moments in films like Alien, where each revelation adds to the tension and excitement. We are introduced to Kingston Falls, a picturesque fictional town that viewers might recognize, as it would later be transformed into Hill Valley in the classic Back to the Future. The inhabitants of Kingston Falls are established early on, hinting at the pandemonium that will soon ensue, and we meet our protagonist, Billy Peltzer, portrayed by Zach Galligan, who struggles to get his car running—setting a recurring theme for the film series.

In a delightful twist, we meet Kate, played by Phoebe Cates, who rivals Gizmo in cuteness. The chemistry between Billy and Kate hints at a youthful romance, reminiscent of high school crushes. Kate’s edgy comments about the darker side of the holidays, such as “While everybody else is opening up their presents, they’re opening up their wrists,” showcase a boldness rarely seen in family films today, adding depth to her character and the narrative.

The film introduces Mrs. Deagle, a villainous character reminiscent of Ebenezer Scrooge, who is so unpleasant she can shock even the elderly with her rudeness. Alongside her is Judge Reinhold, who plays a minor antagonist against Billy. When Billy returns home, we finally meet the adorable creature he purchased, setting the stage for the chaos that follows.

Interestingly, the marketing for Gremlins kept the appearance of the titular creatures a closely guarded secret. Trailers and promotional materials only hinted at their existence, avoiding full reveals until the film’s release. This clever strategy heightened audience anticipation and curiosity about what these gremlins would look like, and their first appearance does not disappoint. The adorable Gizmo, with his large expressive eyes and charming demeanor, captivated audiences, thanks in part to Howie Mandel’s delightful voice performance. Billy’s father names him Gizmo, establishing a motif of technological failures that echoes throughout the film, highlighting the folklore of gremlins as mischievous spirits responsible for mechanical malfunctions.

Billy’s immediate affection for Gizmo is relatable, and it’s easy to see why. When he introduces Gizmo to his friend Pete, played by a young Corey Feldman, an accidental mishap occurs—water spills onto Gizmo, resulting in the birth of new Mogwai. Instead of adding to the joy, these new creatures exhibit a rebellious spirit and chaotic energy. The suspense escalates when Billy unwittingly feeds them after midnight, leading to a transformation that unleashes havoc on Kingston Falls, forever altering the town’s peaceful atmosphere.

While Chris Columbus originally envisioned Gremlins as a hard R-rated horror film with more violent gremlins, the project took a different direction upon reaching Steven Spielberg’s desk. Spielberg’s vision for a family-friendly film led to significant changes, including the decision for Gizmo to remain a non-transforming character, ultimately creating a more heartwarming narrative while retaining the edge necessary to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Joe Dante, known for his previous work on The Howling and Piranha, was brought on to direct. Dante’s unique style, influenced by his love for Looney Tunes, contributed to the gremlins’ chaotic antics, which are fueled not by hunger but by a desire for mischief and mayhem. Their unpredictable behavior and delight in chaos create an atmosphere of fun, making Gremlins a thrilling ride from start to finish.

One of the film’s standout moments is the intense sequence where Billy’s mother battles the gremlins in her home. Her resourcefulness shines as she takes on multiple gremlins, using a blender and even a microwave to eliminate them. This unexpected blend of horror and comedy captures the imagination of viewers, especially children, despite the film being rated PG. This scene, along with others, contributed to the establishment of the PG-13 rating, reflecting evolving standards for family-friendly content in cinema.

Additionally, Kate’s dark backstory about her father’s tragic death on Christmas adds depth to her character and the film’s narrative. This poignant moment, later parodied in the sequel, showcases the film’s ability to blend humor with heavier themes, a hallmark of Spielberg’s storytelling approach.

The groundbreaking special effects of Gremlins were crafted by Chris Walas, who had previously collaborated with Dante. Walas’s expertise in creature design brought the gremlins to life, although the puppets faced numerous mechanical challenges during production. Once, it could take hours to fix a single component, creating additional hurdles for the crew.

The team faced particular challenges with the small Gizmo puppet, which frequently malfunctioned due to its compact design. This led to numerous crew members working behind the scenes to operate the character effectively. Interestingly, scenes depicting Gizmo’s struggles were seen as a comedic outlet for the crew, who found humor in the challenges of bringing the character to life.

Upon its release, Gremlins achieved remarkable success, grossing $148 million worldwide despite facing tough competition from Ghostbusters. The film’s popularity led to a surge in merchandise, including the iconic Gremlin cereal, a clear indication of its cultural impact. This success paved the way for its sequel, Gremlins 2: The New Batch, released in 1990, which featured advanced creature effects by Rick Baker and a return to Dante’s directorial helm.

While Gremlins is not without its plot holes, its strength lies in its captivating story structure and the perfect blend of adventure and horror. The film encapsulates the spirit of Christmas through its themes of chaos and wonder, making it a timeless classic for audiences of all ages.