Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022)

Rating: 4/5

Santa’s making a list, checking it twice, and… murdering everyone on it? "Christmas Bloody Christmas" doesn’t just crash your cozy holiday vibes; it annihilates them. Joe Begos’ 2022 retro horror slasher delivers a killer robotic Santa Claus slicing and dicing his way through a sleepy small town on Christmas Eve. This isn’t your grandma’s holiday movie—it’s a bloody gift for horror fans who like their yuletide cheer spiked with terror. With a 16mm aesthetic that feels ripped straight from a ‘70s B-movie fever dream, this film delivers on its promise of gritty, retro carnage. It’s Silent Night, Deadly Night meets Terminator—and trust me, there’s no shortage of blood-soaked holiday cheer.

Plot Summary

Santa Claus is coming to town… and this time, he’s out for blood. When a high-tech Santa animatronic short-circuits, Christmas Eve goes from festive to fatal. Tori, a record store owner with a punk rock edge, has to ditch the eggnog and face off against a mechanical Kringle that’s more “terminate” than “jolly.” Turns out, “Ho, Ho, Ho” sounds a lot scarier when it’s chasing you down.

Chopping Block - Hits & Misses

Hits

• The laid-back, natural dialogue keeps the characters relatable even as the chaos cranks to eleven.

• 16mm cinematography paired with neon lighting creates a retro vibe that’s both nostalgic and wickedly stylish.

• Over-the-top kills that are as inventive as they are gruesome—perfect for horror fans who live for the splatter.

Misses

• The killer Santa premise delivers early on, but the lack of sustained tension in the third act weakens the finale.

• The film leans heavily on genre staples, risking predictability for viewers familiar with holiday slashers.

• While the cast gives it their all, the underdeveloped character arcs don’t do justice to their performances.

Full Review

• Scare Factor — Points: 0.5

  The scares may lean more toward fun than fear, but the unrelenting menace of the robotic Santa provides enough tension to keep you invested.

• Storyline and Plot — Points: 0.5

  The premise is delightfully ridiculous, and you can tell everyone involved had a blast bringing it to life. However, the predictable plot and lack of character depth stop it from crossing the line into truly iconic territory.

• Atmosphere and Setting — Points: 1

  The film’s grainy 16mm look and neon lighting are a match made in grindhouse heaven. Combine that with its holiday horror charm, and you’ve got an atmosphere that screams retro carnage in all the right ways.

• Special Effects and Makeup — Points: 1

  The gore is a standout, delivering over-the-top carnage with imaginative kills and impeccable practical effects. It’s bloody, brutal, and brilliantly executed.

• Acting and Performances — Points: 1

  The cast’s undeniable chemistry and natural, unforced banter give the film a raw edge, anchoring its absurd premise in a surprising sense of reality that makes every moment hit harder.

Final Verdict

"Christmas Bloody Christmas" pretend to be anything it’s not—it’s a bloody, chaotic holiday slasher with a killer concept and more style than it knows what to do with. The snappy dialogue and retro aesthetic give it a fresh edge, even if the story sticks to familiar territory. If Silent Night, Deadly Night and Chopping Mall are your vibe, grab some friends, spike your eggnog, and dive into this absurd, blood-soaked spectacle.

Rating: 4/5

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