Tis the season to be jolly and all that – and, as is cinematic tradition, year-end films tend to be all about that Christmas spirit.
This year, however, some filmmakers are intent on moving away from the usual slate of family-friendly fare. Case in point: “Violent Night”, one of the stranger Christmas movies made in recent memory.
One has to wonder what writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller were smoking when they came up with the idea: “What if Santa Claus kills people?”
Despite its insane premise, this film, directed by Tommy Wirkola, is surprisingly entertaining, making full use of its 18+ rating. It’s definitely not one for the kiddies.
“Violent Night” begins with Santa Claus (David Harbour) drowning his sorrows in a British bar on Christmas Eve. As it turns out, he is not so much “a” Santa as “the” Santa – yes, the real thing!
Sadly, though, he is not the jolly ol’ St Nick he used to be. Disillusioned by how commercialised and trivialised the holiday has become, he is considering throwing in the towel and making this his last Christmas.
On the other side of the Atlantic, separated couple Jason (Alex Hassell) and Linda (Alexis Louder) are celebrating the holidays with their daughter Trudy (Leah Brady).
But their visit to the opulent home of Jason’s mother, Gertrude (Beverly D’Angelo) is poorly timed: the wealthy household is targeted by a band of mercenaries led by a self-named “Mr Scrooge” (John Leguizamo), intent on robbing the family and leaving no witnesses.
It is this sticky situation that the hapless Santa finds himself trapped in. And although his first instinct is to flee the scene, he has a change of heart when he realises a child’s life is at stake.
Despite its absurd premise, “Violent Night” works wonderfully as an action-comedy – brutal brawls, rude jokes and all. And those looking for their share of murderous merriment should rejoice: it delivers more than enough to satiate anyone’s bloodlust.
Characters die, and die brutally. While Santa is initially hesitant to fight, he eventually holds no punches and boy, do people go down in agonising fashion.
With the Lightstone family depending on him, one can’t help but root for the man in red as he gears up for battle and proceeds to get his hands red.
From getting dragged into a woodchipper to being decapitated by ice skates, onscreen deaths abound. The creativity displayed in using usually benign objects as deadly weapons is certainly worth commending; it’s not often one is able to laugh at a baddie being brutalised by “Home Alone”-inspired booby traps.
By the end, you might just wonder if Christmas lights could actually be used to garotte people, or how sharp a candy cane can be.
“Violent Night” also offers solid performances, starting with David Harbour of “Stranger Things” fame. As Santa, he is truly believable and empathetic as a tired holiday figure disgusted with what the festive season has become.
Then there’s John Leguizamo, as watchable as ever as he chews the scenery with gusto – quite the rarity for an actor often associated with heroic or supporting roles.
His Mr Scrooge is interesting in that he shares a similar viewpoint with Santa, also being disillusioned with the yuletide season. Make no mistake, though, he’s definitely on Santa’s naughty list.
All in all, “Violent Night” is a fun watch. The ending might be a bit cheesy and predictable, but the movie should be commended for knowing exactly what it wants to be: a violent Christmas caper where a beloved icon sends grown men into the afterlife in ho-ho-horrific ways.
‘Violent Night’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.