[1] Premiering on video on demand before being released direct-to-video,[2] the film stars Bryson Holl, Caroline Lassetter, Tim Sauer, and Emily Lynne Aiken as members of a dysfunctional family who run afoul of the mythological creature Krampus (Travis Amery) while spending Christmas with relatives in the Southwestern United States.

In 1898, a German outlaw named Erik Klaus allegedly buried treasure somewhere in the Arizona desert before disappearing, leaving behind an ominous warning to anyone who went looking for his stash.

Years later, a group of cowboys discovers the loot, which turns out to be a coal-like "summoning stone" that releases Krampus when exposed to open flames.

While gold panning in a creek near the house, Tommy finds the summoning stone, which brings forth Krampus when Troy accidentally burns it with a lit cigarette.

Bonnie, Fiona, Troy and Tommy make it to Cooper's trail who has spent his life studying Krampus ever since he survived it all those years ago.

"[7] Nolen Boe of Horror News opined that the film's gore effects were its only positive quality, and dismissively stated, "Krampus Unleashed was not entertaining, in any way worth my money as a consumer.