The Advent Calendar

Eva used to move with grace on stage, but illness and an accident left her bound to a wheelchair. Just before Christmas, her friend Sophie hands her a weathered wooden advent calendar, heavy with secrets. Each window opens to a new moment that spills into real life, sometimes easing pain, more often upsetting the balance of everyday events. The calendar seems to reward or punish Eva by altering what she can do, feel, or influence, and the consequences expand beyond her body. As the effects multiply, Eva must confront a stark choice that could restore her ability to walk, yet carry a price for the people nearby. Its consequences ripple through Eva's life and those who care for her.

Directed by Patrick Ridremont, The Advent Calendar arrived in 2021 as a Belgian French horror thriller. It appears to be built from an original screenplay rather than adapting a preexisting work.

Critics note the film's tense atmosphere and a premise that uses the calendar to explore temptation, autonomy, and the price of wishing for a cure. The audience rating is 6.7 out of 10 based on 393 votes, signaling a mixed but curious reception.