Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out” is a 2024 surreal romantic comedy horror film that continues the unconventional storytelling of its predecessor, “Adult Swim Yule Log” (also known as “The Fireplace”). Created, written, and directed by Casper Kelly, the film premiered on Adult Swim on December 6, 2024, and became available for streaming on Max the following day.
Synopsis
The movie progresses with Zoe, the sole survivor in the first part, who is now trying to get over her technically horrifying experience with the sentient yule log. Spurred by her friend Jakesy, she undertakes a trip to Mistletoe, a small town she had never heard of, and which is in the process of gearing up for its annual Yule Log Festival With this, the movie begins to transition from its horror side gently to an unorthodox Hallmark romantic comedy filled with elements from the genre, alongside a much lighter color scheme. Zoe then meets Birt, the widower who runs an ornament shop, and patching up a romantic relationship with him helps Zoe overcome her fears and trauma from her past life. The movie concludes in a mix of horror and romance of sorts with Zoe and Birt trying to deal with a supernatural anti-establishment while trying to sustain their love for each other.
Cast & Crew
- Director & Writer: Casper Kelly
- Cast:
- Andrea Laing as Zoe
- Michael Shenefelt as Birt
- Sharon Blackwood as Nana
- Asher Alexander as Jaxon
- Jesse Malinowski as Beauregard
- Chase Steven Anderson as Jakesy
Reception
The film has garnered different reviews from movie critics. While award winning critic Daniel Kurland from Bloody Disgusting rated the film four out of five stars and stated that the film was “a real thrill and quite strange” earning it a great praise, he did mention that the combination of horror and Hallmark movie genres was quite different.
On the other side James Kent of Mountain Times did not hide his disappointment. “To be honest with you, I was left disappointed with ‘Yule Log 2: Branching Out.’” he said.
Cultural Significance
“Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out” is remarkable for its genius amalgamation of horror and a romantic comedy while simultaneously serving as a deconstruction of both these genres. The movie follows through with a satirical twist by combining the genre conventions of a holiday romance with the perils of a sentient yule log. Its surprise release along with its non linear, genre overlapping storytelling make it stand apart in the realm of modern day horror comedy movies.
Where to Watch
As of January 2025, “Adult Swim Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out” is available for streaming on Max.
Personal Insights
The movies have commendable self-awareness and genre clichés parody this is a movie for people outside the box so it’s interesting. It could definatly appeal but this is not a movie for a romantic comedy audience, likewise the over the top self humor could invoke groans for horror audiences. The movie can best be called jarring and intriguing due to its carrying concept, its constantly self aware which allows for a normally difficult genre mash up come with ease.