Okay, Hear Me Out: Christmas Vacation IS Lowkey a Thriller

Alright, horror hounds, before you sharpen your pitchforks, let me explain. I know, I know, it's Christmas Vacation. A freaking comedy. But hear me out! Underneath all the exploding toilets and squirrel chases, there's a palpable sense of dread and escalating tension that legit gives me anxiety. Like, Clark is a man teetering on the edge of a complete mental breakdown the entire movie. The lights not working? Classic 'ticking clock' scenario. Cousin Eddie's arrival? The disruption of his carefully (though hilariously) constructed reality. Even the freaking SWAT team showing up at the end... that's a legit jump scare if you're not expecting it! Plus, think about it: Clark's descent into madness is fuelled by external forces beyond his control. Isn't that the core of a lot of psychological thrillers? He's desperately trying to create the 'perfect' Christmas, but every single thing is conspiring against him. The suspense of waiting for his bonus check is genuinely agonizing to watch. And the way his eyes glaze over when he's fantasizing about the pool...creepy! Is this a Christmas movie or is it a portrait of a man slowly losing his grip on reality? I think it's both! Don't get me wrong, I still laugh my butt off every time I watch it. The squirrel scene is comedic gold, and Randy Quaid is a national treasure. But I honestly think that the reason Christmas Vacation resonates with so many people isn't just the humor, but the underlying tension and the relatable feeling of holiday stress pushing you toward the brink. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I stand by it: Clark Griswold is a horror icon in disguise. What do you guys think? Am I totally nuts, or is there something to this?