Being that there is never too much of a bad thing to restore the balance, Violent Night blasts into this holiday season with a twisted take on old Saint-Nic. This Kris Kringle, played by Stranger Things’ David Harbour packs a punch courtesy of a Nord background and a big sledgehammer.

Centred around a rich family led by the caustic Gertrude Lightstone played by Beverly D’Angelo in uber bitch mode. This group is as dysfunctional as any in recent memory, so when evil-doers drop in to rob the place, you are conflicted as to who to cheer for. Into this mix drops the man in the red suit and all hell breaks loose.

For holiday revellers who are time constrained and have a penchant for Anti-Christmas films, Violent Night is the perfect movie. It’s a one-stop shop for many of your faves. Part Die Hard, part Home Alone and part Bad Santa. It’s a gloriously gruesome good time and should not be missed this holiday season or any other.
Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU/

From 87North, the bare-knuckle producers of Nobody, John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Bullet Train and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw comes a coal-dark holiday action-comedy that says you should always bet on red.

When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage, the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus (David Harbour, Black Widow, Stranger Things series) is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.

The film also stars Emmy winner John Leguizamo (John Wick), Cam Gigandet (Without Remorse), Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop), Alexis Louder (The Tomorrow War), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones) and Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise).

Directed by razor-edged Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, Dead Snow franchise), Violent Night is produced by 87North’s Kelly McCormick David Leitch and Guy Danella. The original screenplay is by Pat Casey & Josh Miller, the writers of Sonic the Hedgehog. The film’s executive producer is Marc S. Fischer.
www.facebook.com/UniversalPicturesAU