The first secret screening at this year’s Fantastic Fest was a world premiere and the only film I correctly guessed ahead of time. That film is the remake of the 1984 cult classic, Silent Night, Deadly Night. Over forty years after the original film, Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn, V/H/S/85) takes a stab at writing and directing a new iteration of the film. Loosely inspired by its predecessor, Silent Night, Deadly Night follows a young man with a traumatic past as he dons a Santa suit to punish those he deems “naughty.” Yet first impressions aren’t quite what they seem.

Nelson begins his version of Silent Night, Deadly Night by paying homage to the original film. It shows a young boy driving on a dark road with his parents around Christmas time when suddenly they are attacked by a man dressed as Santa. The boy’s parents are killed, leaving him an orphan. The setup is quite similar to the 1984 film, but after that things go in an entirely new direction. All grown up, Billy is a drifter, picking up occasional jobs in small towns to pay for food and lodging. When he finds himself in a small town at Christmas time, Billy gets a retail job at a small Christmas shop. Unfortunately, this town is riddled with naughty people who need punishing, putting Billy in one bad situation after the other. It’s an exciting update to the story that fixes some of the issues people had with the original film, along with all the slaughter and laughs they expect.

What Nelson has done with his new vision of Silent Night, Deadly Night is funny, bloody, and adds a supernatural twist to a story filled with relevant political themes. It still has all the holiday carnage fans of the original will want, but it also tells a story that feels entirely unique. There is very interesting lore established that adds a touch of the paranormal to what would otherwise be a basic slasher. On top of that, this film has a whole lot of charm and heart that makes it feel strangely wholesome, if not a touch cheesy, despite the violence. Some audiences might wish the film had stayed more true to the source material, but many others will fall in love with this film, sure to become a highly entertaining rewatch every December.

Horror fans will immediately recognize some familiar faces in Silent Night, Deadly Night. Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends, The Monkey) stars as Billy. Campbell has already proved in his previous work that he can easily play a character that is as charming as he is homicidal. His portrayal of Billy might be the best example of that yet. There is a dangerous edge to Billy, but Campbell also easily conveys the sweet, loving side of the character as well. Ruby Modine (Satanic Panic, Happy Death Day) stars as Pamela. Pamela works at the Christmas shop, owned by her father, where Billy gets a job. Modine is always a joy on screen. In this role, she is a great match for Billy, having a heart of gold while also being fiercely protective of those she loves. Campbell and Modine have amazing chemistry that sets the screen on fire. Audiences will also enjoy the performances from Mark Acheson (Elf), Sharon Bajer (The Long Walk), and David Tomlinson (Fellow Travelers).

Between the bloodshed and the holiday festivities, there is a lot of great imagery throughout Silent Night, Deadly Night. The Christmas decorations are prevalent in every scene, injecting plenty of holiday cheer. The snow and Christmas lights also make the blood and guts really stand out. Relying on practical effects, the film showcases Billy’s murders with everything from cracked skulls to dismembered bodies, carefully balanced between appearing gruesome and silly. It all helps add visual interest and a touch of camp. Silent Night, Deadly Night even features a delightful musical score by Blitz//Berlin (The Void) that combines classic Christmas sounds with riveting suspense.

Silent Night, Deadly Night is a delightful update to the classic 80s film, delivering gore, laughs, and plenty of heartfelt holiday camp. Nelson has captured lightning in a bottle with this film. It feels nostalgic, yet appropriately modern in how it addresses the current political climate. Amidst all the gleeful violence, this film also has a ton of heart that might leave some a bit choked up by the end. Campbell and Modine are so devilishly charming, it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. With a reimagined story, great performances, and all the holiday slaughter horror fans could want, this film is sure to become a yearly rewatch for many. Silent Night, Deadly Night hits select theaters on Friday, December 12th.

OVERALL RATING: 7/10