Film Review – Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)

In 1984, “Silent Night, Deadly Night” was released in time for the holiday season. Meant to act as counterprogramming for more cheerful multiplex offerings, the horror film instead attracted controversy for its story, and a marketing campaign that celebrated the image of Santa menacingly wielding an ax. The feature was condemned by parents and a few movie critics, but it managed to make some money before being chased out of theaters, inspiring the creation of four sequels for a dwindling audience. There was even a remake in 2012 that was largely ignored. Writer/director Mike P. Nelson tries his luck with another take on the premise of a murderous Santa on the loose in a new “Silent Night, Deadly Night,” wisely attempting to find his own way around the material, crafting an interesting, even challenging version of yuletide terrors. Blood and guts are present, but Nelson goes darker and stranger with the endeavor, which is easily the best “Silent Night, Deadly Night” of them all. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com