Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Christmas Bloody Christmas’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Christmas Bloody Christmas’.
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When one thinks of the Holiday Season, one thinks of some supremely positive concepts. Such as unity since this is a time where everyone comes together to break bread and spend time with one another. And of course, we also think of joy, since presents are handed out and received and the happiness that brings to everyone is contagious. But above all, we truly believe that everyone is enjoying this season, and why would they not? For there are cheerful songs surrounding us and beautiful lights to be seen and you cannot go wrong with a season of giving and love. But alas, that really is an incorrect perception. 
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For the Holidays are sometimes a nightmare for some people. Thanks to the stress it creates and the fact that they have to spend time with people they really don’t like out of tradition and courtesy. Not to mention, some folks are alone during this season and don’t care to share in cheer they cannot find when they have little to celebrate or give, and some folks… just don’t want to celebrate the season. Plus, there are plenty of folks out there who think the season has transformed into something more. A commercial nightmare really, that is both oppressive and forceful upon the world and those latter two concepts are top of mind today, largely because they serve as the central themes of a brand-new anti-holiday Shudder film, Christmas Bloody Christmas.

Now in this particular movie, we are plunged into an everyday town on Christmas Eve where some of its citizens are just going through the motions. For Tori and most of her friends really don’t care too much for the holiday and what it stands for. They just want to get through it and move on with the year and on this night, what better way to do that than through the power of good booze, good weed, and good company? Which is precisely what Tori and her bestie Robbie work to accomplish on this wintry Christmas Eve. But alas, the activation of a defective robot Santa Claus will complicate their attempts to enjoy the holiday as they see fit. Since it is angry and ready to punish anyone who isn’t filled with Christmas cheer and now it will be up to Tori’s keen mind to escape a murderous Santa Claus that has come to town to provide the non-believers with Season’s Bleedings.

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Which is a plot that really does hammer home… the oppressive nature of Christmas for folks that really don’t enjoy celebrating the holiday. Since this evil Santa Claus really does appear to target anyone that isn’t filled with gumdrops and Christmas Cheer and makes them pay accordingly, with hardcore violence. Speaking volumes to the endless people that shame folks who don’t exhibit the ‘cheer’ they believe they should during the season, and of course… how one simply cannot escape the season even if they try. Since somehow, someway, it finds its way to a person’s doorstep. Making this movie an anthem for those who just want to go about their December as they decide and that is brilliant. Since it really does offer a different kind of view of the Holiday Season.
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However, while it is nice to have perspective, we are obviously in this for the scares and the gore and that is present here in spades. Because Robo-Santa is a walking Yuletide nightmare in this film and is relentless in his bloodlust and quest to spread Christmas Carnage and that leads to some epic moments. The kind that features buckets of crimson and screams and pain, as one would expect from a good slasher, and some wicked kills to boot. Ones that will have you hooting and hollering at your screen as Santa slays with impunity and the wonder of this film extends beyond what ol’ Satan Nick has offer, it’s also a supremely respectful horror feature, one that pays great homage to several classic movies along the way.

Since it tips its cap often to, RoboCop, Chopping Mall, The Terminator, and Friday the 13th as the story plays along, and that, and some surprise humorous moments and one-liners, only adds to the majesty of a horror film that also features some strong performances. With Riley Dandy leading the charge as the resourceful and strong final girl, Tori. All of which makes this, essential holiday viewing. Because it is rare to find that perfect holiday horror film that is both intelligent and savage in nature, but this one has it all really, and hopefully this movie becomes a new holiday tradition for everyone that finds themselves struggling with the weight of the season. So that they can gain catharsis and know, they’re not alone when it comes to the struggle that accompanies maintaining holiday cheer.

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