My Review Of “Silent Night”

Steven C. Miller’s “Silent Night” is a retelling of the 1984 cult classic “Silent Night, Deadly Night” movie about a killer in a Santa suit who exacts revenge on a community for past transgressions. In this modern telling of the “killer Claus” story even the origin is a revision. The film stars Malcolm McDowell, Jaime King, Donal Logue, Lisa Marie, Brendan Fehr, Ellen Wong and takes place on Christmas Eve in a small Midwestern town with dark past.

“Silent Night” is an instant classic for fans of the Holiday horror genre and can stand alone from the original film in which it takes inspiration from. This isn’t a direct remake, in fact in only minimally gives subtle hints to the original movie while creating a completely independent film that is just as dark and sinister. It is also very entertaining, filled with an atmospheric despair and solemnity on what should be a lighthearted, joyful night. The story is filled with tragic characters on a clear path to self-destruction which adds to the fact that horrors are unfolding in this small town that go far beyond your basic killer on the loose. After all Santa slays the naughty and there is no better place to find naughty souls than a town filled with despair. There are times when the action seems a bit rushed when it comes to scenes with the actual killer at work that is probably intentional because it also creates an element of unease and question surrounding the goings-on within the town.

“Silent Night” creates a dark and intense story that doesn’t rely on black comedy to beg for acceptance from the audience. Instead of taking a tongue-in-cheek approach Miller has brought forth a very somber thriller that is suspenseful and serious. Something a lot of horror films shy from when it comes to slashers. The closest the film comes to comic relief is in Malcolm McDowell’s character who maintains a sterile, focused, Chuck Norris styled attitude about policing his town. The character is closer to the one he played in Rob Zombie’s “Halloween”. The blood and gore in this film isn’t over-the-top  but Miller never shies away from the graphic kills or gory matter either. Everything about “Silent Night” is balanced and toned in a way that allows the story to draw you into the nightmare that plays out. There are a few scary moments where the element of surprise caught me off guard. I jumped back in my seat during a few scenes. This is a great slasher film that should not be considered a remake and should be an instant classic with the majority of horror fans.