You don't have to yield to sappy Christmas romance drama films or gleeful comedies this holiday if that's not your style.
Festive-themed movies come in all forms these days, hence introducing the dark comedy action film Violent Night bearing a combat Santa Claus.
A group of corrupt soldiers break into the home of a rich family on Christmas Eve, taking them hostage, but their mission is intercepted by the not-so-Saint Nicholas.
The film’s trailer offers glimpses of the action to come. It begins with Santa Claus drinking at a bar before riding his sleigh, presumably off to deliver presents. We then see an interracial family cosying up at night. The dad gifts his daughter a walkie-talkie claiming it’s a direct hotline to Santa.
A group of mercenaries unexpectedly attack the home. The leader of the gang desires to steal 300 million dollars kept in their vault. However, things don't go according to plan when Santa appears from the chimney, devouring the gang one by one while communicating with the little girl through the walkie-talkie.
The movie’s violent yet comic approach makes you not want to miss the action.
David Harbour (Stranger Things) plays the lead Santa Claus, with John Leguizamo (Critical Thinking) playing the head of the mercenaries, Mr. Scrooge. We also have Alex Hassell as Jason Lightstone, the dad; Alexis Louder as Linda Matthews, the mom and Leah Brady as Trudy Lightstone, the daughter.
Other names on the cast list include Cam Gigandet, Beverly D'Angelo, Edi Patterson, André Eriksen, Brendan Fletcher, Mitra Suri, Mike Dopud, Stephanie Sy, Alexander Elliot, Sean Skene, Erik Athavale and John B. Lowe.
Violent Night is directed by Tommy Wirkola and the script is helmed by Josh Miller and Pat Casey. It is produced by 87North Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures.
Violent Night premiered internationally on October 7 2022, at the New York Comic Con and is heading to theaters in the U.S. on Friday, December 2 2022. Grab your tickets and popcorn!