The holiday season is usually associated with warmth, joy, and togetherness—but what happens when betrayal taints the festivities? Filmmaker Erick Juarez explores this chilling concept in Holiday Heartbreak, a revenge horror film set against the backdrop of Christmas. With a strong emotional core, a compelling lead performance by Olga Aguilar, and a dark, unsettling atmosphere, Juarez delivers a story that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. In this exclusive interview, he shares the inspirations, challenges, and deeper themes that make Holiday Heartbreak a standout entry in the horror genre.

The Inspiration Behind Holiday Heartbreak

I thought about the absolute worst time someone could cheat on you, and Christmas came to mind. It’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year, full of joy and celebration, so setting a revenge horror story during the holidays just felt right. Our lead character, Jessica, played by Olga Aguilar, really brings that to life. She’s smart, charming, and beautiful, but when you cross her, she has this dark, unsettling side that’s just fascinating to watch unfold. And honestly, having a strong Latina actress like Olga in the lead really makes this film stand out in the horror genre—it’s something you don’t see nearly enough, and she absolutely owns it.

Bringing Holiday Heartbreak to Life

Holiday Heartbreak was a true labor of love. It was completed on such a low budget that, at one point, the plan was to shoot it on an iPhone. But everything changed when our cinematographer, Mayank Mishra, joined the team. He had access to a Blackmagic Ursa 4.6k, and that completely elevated the look and feel of the film. From there, everyone involved was just so motivated to create something special. The locations are all spots I actually shop at in my neighborhood in Chicago, so it felt really personal and grounded, like the city itself became a character in the film.

Horror as a Lens for Deeper Themes

Holiday Heartbreak isn’t just about revenge. It’s about mental health, deep loneliness, traumatic pasts, and how those things can shape someone’s choices. Jessica, our lead character, doesn’t just react to unfaithfulness; it cuts into her own struggles and triggers something dark and unresolved within her. Her response, as extreme as it is, stems from that pain, and it’s expressed in the worst way possible by taking life. It’s intense, but the horror genre gives us the space to explore those messy, raw emotions.

Crafting the Film’s Atmosphere

Christmas felt like the perfect visual backdrop for our revenge horror story. The contrast between the joy and warmth typically associated with the holiday season and the despair and darkness of the story raises the tension. That blend of opposites became a central part of shaping the atmosphere of Holiday Heartbreak.

The Emotional Core of Holiday Heartbreak

This film isn’t just about horror—it explores human relationships and how easily things can spiral when trust is broken. At its core, it reminds us of the importance of confronting our inner struggles before they consume us and lead to destructive paths.

What’s Next for Erick Juarez?

I’m actually in post-production on my next film, Cake. It’s a story about a devoted single mother who’s determined to create the perfect birthday for her son. Still, she has to navigate a series of misadventures, from financial struggles to her own high expectations. It’s a personal project—it’s inspired by my 7th birthday. The cast is incredible: Camila Banus, Charlie Barnett, Lisandra Tena, and Joe Minoso all bring so much heart to the story. Cake is produced by Mass Epiphany Studios, myself, and SingleVilla de la Luna Productions, and I can’t wait for people to see it.

Where to Follow Erick Juarez

Readers can follow my work and connect with me on Instagram at @erickjuarez7 or visit my website at http://www.erickjuarez.com. I share updates about my films, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming projects.