.png)
It's A Wonderful Knife (2023)
- Dominique Rideout
- Dec 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Rating: 2/5
Released in 2023, "It’s a Wonderful Knife" is Tyler MacIntyre’s fearless reimagining of holiday cinema, injecting slasher chaos into the heart of Christmas. With Jane Widdop and Justin Long leading the charge, the film’s unique premise divides opinions—some praise its originality, while others see missed opportunities. Whether you embrace it or pass, this horror-comedy refuses to blend in with the usual festive fare.
Plot Summary
After saving her town from a serial killer, Winnie Carruthers is left feeling unrecognized and unappreciated. In a twist of fate, her wish to never have been born is granted, throwing her into a world where the killer still reigns free and her loved ones are vulnerable. Forced to reckon with the horrors of being absent from her own life, Winnie must find the strength to re-enter the fight, stop the killer, and reclaim what she once thought she never needed. This film explores self-worth, second chances, and the emotional cost of heroism in a holiday setting.
Chopping Block - Hits & Misses
Hits
This film took the classic slasher formula and gave it a holiday makeover, making it a bloody good time in a genre already packed with seasonal horrors. It’s got the festive vibe, but with a lot more blood and chaos—and I’m here for it.
Justin Long’s portrayal of the sinister yet strangely magnetic Mayor Waters is a masterclass in unsettling charm. His performance truly anchors the film’s tension.
The holiday cheer isn’t just a vibe—it’s weaponized. The contrast between the festive setting and the brutal events makes the horror even more jarring, and I couldn’t help but appreciate how it amped up the tension.
Misses
The kill scenes didn’t hit the mark for me. They lacked the innovation and visual punch I usually expect from slashers, and some key moments felt underwhelming. In a genre that thrives on creativity and gore, this one just didn’t deliver the shock value I was hoping for.
The tonal shifts between horror and comedy didn’t always hit the mark. They were often so abrupt that they interrupted the film’s flow, pulling me out of the experience rather than enhancing it.
The pacing in the film left me feeling like it was speeding toward the finish line. The climax felt rushed, and instead of building suspense, it skipped over some key moments that could’ve given it more impact.
Full Review
Scare Factor — Points: 0
The film has its moments of tension, but the predictable kills and inconsistent tone kept it from fully delivering the terror I was hoping for. The uneven pacing made it hard to stay on edge when the scares were so easy to predict.
Storyline and Plot — Points: 0
The premise is inventive, no doubt, but the execution falls flat for me with its reliance on overly familiar tropes and a lack of fresh twists. Instead of feeling groundbreaking, the narrative played it too safe, leaving me wanting more.
Atmosphere and Setting — Points: 1
The holiday aesthetic really works in the film’s favor. The festive decorations and snow-filled scenes create a beautiful backdrop for all the slasher mayhem, and the contrast between the two is pretty striking.
Special Effects and Makeup — Points: 0
The gore does its job, but it’s nothing to write home about. It lacks that wow factor that could’ve taken the slasher element to the next level, leaving me craving something a bit more daring.
Acting and Performances — Points: 1
Jane Widdop’s performance as Winnie brings emotional depth to the film, while Justin Long’s take on Mayor Waters is delightfully sinister, giving the film the dark energy it needs. The chemistry between Widdop and Jess McLeod adds a layer of warmth, offering a welcome contrast to the chaos that surrounds them.
Final Verdict
"It’s a Wonderful Knife" cuts through the usual holiday cheer with wicked charm, injecting a much-needed dose of irreverent horror. Sure, it wavers with some tonal shifts and missed opportunities, but its inventive premise and mischievous energy kept me engaged. This isn’t a film trying to be perfect—it’s here for fun, and in that, it definitely delivers. For fans of quirky holiday slashers, it’s an easy pick for your late-night rotation, sitting comfortably between genre classics and offbeat favorites.
