Christmas Bloody Christmas: A Delightfully Bloody Holiday Horror Film
A Festive Introduction
The holiday season is often associated with joy, warmth, and togetherness. For most people, it’s a time of celebration and reuniting with loved ones. However, for horror fans, the holiday season brings a different kind of anticipation. Every year, filmmakers unleash a slew of holiday-themed horror films, catering to the bloodthirsty cravings of gore enthusiasts. While Halloween may be the preferred setting for horror films, there’s no shortage of holly, jolly horrors brought to life by creative minds.
In the midst of this annual tradition, we find Joe Begos’ latest offering, “Christmas Bloody Christmas.” Known for his stylistic panache showcased in his previous works like “Bliss” and “VFW,” Begos sets out to deliver a throwback B-movie with generous amounts of splatter. While this film may not revolutionize the holiday horror subgenre, it offers a delightful experience filled with exploitation-style kills and stylistic tendencies.
A Dash of Self-Awareness
“Christmas Bloody Christmas” kicks off with a series of short commercials reminiscent of the 80s, promoting various Santa Claus-related films, eggnog, robotics, concerts, and other holiday-themed products. This clever montage of commercials not only sets the tone but also pays homage to the horror genre while playfully mocking modern productions, particularly those produced by Blumhouse.
The film then quickly introduces us to its main characters, accompanied by a punk track blaring the film’s title. These characters simply want to have a fun-filled Christmas Eve, indulging in drinks, parties, and the company of their friends to avoid spending the holiday alone. However, their plans are rudely interrupted by a malfunctioning robotic Santa Claus from a nearby toy store, who embarks on a killing spree.
While the explanations behind the Santa Claus’s malfunction are kept under wraps for most of the movie, it’s important to note that narrative coherence and character development are not the film’s primary focus. Instead, “Christmas Bloody Christmas” thrives on its kills and stylistic tendencies, paying homage to low-budget B-movies of the past.
A Nod to Christmas Horror Classics
In one memorable scene, two characters debate the scarcity of good Christmas movies and songs, expressing their underwhelming opinions about the genre. This seemingly out-of-place discussion serves as a direct nod to the Christmas horror movies of the 80s and 90s, establishing a self-aware tone that permeates throughout the film. Director Joe Begos and the cast playfully acknowledge their predecessors while simultaneously carving their own path in the Christmas horror subgenre.
Abraham Benrubi delivers a noteworthy performance as the animatronic Santa Claus, infusing the character with a sense of lifelessness and emptiness instead of the expected joviality. His stilted movements and emotionless eyes effectively enhance the robotic nature of the character. Another standout performance comes from Riley Dandy, who portrays the “final girl” in the film. Dandy’s natural transition from appearing in Christmas romance dramas to becoming the metal-loving sole survivor adds an exciting dynamic to her character.
A Gruesome Festivity
Joe Begos, known for his unique takes on various horror subgenres, executes the kills in “Christmas Bloody Christmas” with finesse. The use of lighting in some scenes may hinder the visual clarity of the kills, but the overall aesthetic benefits from the inclusion of bright Christmas lights, which infuse the film with a delightful color palette. While the film may lack some inventiveness compared to Begos’ previous works like “Bliss,” its quick-and-easy 87-minute runtime ensures there are moments of pure enjoyment scattered throughout.
Conclusion
“Christmas Bloody Christmas” may not reinvent the wheel in the holiday horror subgenre, but it delivers precisely what it promises: a bloody and enjoyable experience filled with holiday thrills and chills. Joe Begos’ stylistic tendencies shine through, allowing the film to stand alongside its predecessors like “Silent Night, Deadly Night.” While narrative coherence and character development take a backseat, the film compensates with its bursts of violence and a self-aware approach that celebrates and embraces the conventions of the genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “Christmas Bloody Christmas” suitable for all viewers?
“Christmas Bloody Christmas” is tailored for audiences who enjoy holiday-themed horror films. It contains bloody violence, foul language, and may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive viewers.
2. Are there any standout performances in the film?
Abraham Benrubi delivers a remarkable performance as the robotic Santa Claus, bringing a unique twist to the character. Riley Dandy’s portrayal of the “final girl” also stands out, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
3. How does “Christmas Bloody Christmas” compare to other holiday horror films?
While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, “Christmas Bloody Christmas” successfully embraces its B-movie roots and pays homage to classic Christmas horror films from the past. It offers a fun and thrilling experience for horror enthusiasts seeking a holiday-themed scare.
4. Is there a deeper meaning behind the film’s violence?
While the film primarily focuses on delivering entertainment through its violent scenes, one can interpret the chaos and carnage as a commentary on the consumerist nature of the holiday season and the potential darkness that lurks beneath the surface of festive traditions.
5. Where and when can I watch “Christmas Bloody Christmas”?
“Christmas Bloody Christmas” will be released in theaters and on the streaming platform Shudder on December 9, 2022. Make sure to mark your calendars if you’re craving a bloody and festive cinematic experience.