Running Time: 95 Minutes
Certification: 18
Starring: Rohan Campbell, Ruby Modine, David Lawrence Brown, David Tomlinson, Mark Acheson
Released in 1984, Silent Night, Deadly Night from Charles E. Sellier Jr. was the source of much controversy in America, because its murderous villain was dressed as Santa Claus. This led to a moral panic with protestors picketing theatres, and the film to be condemned by Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel on their review show, At The Movies. As a result, the film was pulled from multiple theatres early, yet this did not stop it from being a box-office success and a cult classic, leading to the birth of a new franchise.
Over 40 years since the films release, a reboot arrives which retools the familiar aspects into a brand-new take on the '80s slasher. Silent Night, Deadly Night opens in a nursering home, where young Billy is visiting with his parents, but the trip darkens when the child watches his grandfather die before him. As they drive home in the aftermath of this tragic event, the family are followed by a man dressed as Santa Claus who murders the parents. Needless to say, this is far from a merry Christmas.
The events have an impact upon Billy (Rohan Campbell), as he grows up into a drifter who dons a Santa costume to kill those who deserve it. Spurning him on is Charlie (Mark Acheson), a gruff voice in Billy's head that desires to stop evildoers in the name of saving lives. Finding himself in the small town of Hackett, Billy becomes smitten with Pamela (Ruby Modine), who works in the local Christmas store, as the prospect of love challenges his murderous mission.
Much as he did with 2021's Wrong Turn, writer/director Mike P. Nelson approaches a classic horror series through a fresh perspective. This time, he transforms the yuletide slasher into a cross between Venom and Dexter. Anchoring the proceedings is Rohan Campbell, a likeable lead who brings alive the avenging angel that wishes to experience something nice for a change. That promise comes in the form of Pamela, a character who is more than just the object of a man's affections, and magnificently portrayed by Ruby Modine. The character is battling her own demons as her anger unleashes in explosive ways, leaving it sweet to see the pair finding solace in each other as they try gaining control of their lives through violent actions.
Surrounding this central pair are worrying occurrences within the small town of Hackett. Stalking Pamela is her abusive ex, who is a local police officer, while an often forgotten plot involves missing children. There are quite a few threads to this film, and it feels like too much is being attempted within this 95-minute package. The main focus is on Billy's slay ride in the lead-up to Christmas, with a stand-out sequence involving a bloodbath at a Nazi gathering. It is such fun to watch the Christmas carnage unfold, and even though the journey is rather messy, it delivers an ending that will make you fist pump the air. In Silent Night, Deadly Night, all is not calm and all is not bright, but it is a riotous time that paints the snow red. Here is hoping that a sequel materialises, as that is one present worth unwrapping.
Silent Night, Deadly Night is available now on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital Download
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