Slasher Fest Meets Yuletide Lore

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MOVIE REVIEW
Santa Isn't Real
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 16m
Director(s): Zac Locke
Writer(s): Zac Locke
Cast: Scarlett Sperduto, Kaya Coleman, Dana Millican, Cissy Ly, Michelle Damis, William Earl, Ray Trey, Anderson David, Mitchum Brown
Where To Watch: comes to Digital and VOD on December 8, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Zac Locke’s SANTA ISN’T REAL is a holiday horror that flips the script on festive cheer, transforming the beloved Santa Claus into a figure of terror. From its opening scene to the climactic finale, it explores a Christmas nightmare a Santa gone wild brought to life. It’s a concoction of suspense and horror that veers sharply from the usual holiday film fare. This festive film follows Locke’s first feature film, FLOAT, which I enjoyed.

Right out of the gate, the film introduces us to Nikki (Kaya Coleman,) poised to enjoy a festive holiday gathering. However, her plans are derailed by a sinister, uninvited Santa, ushering in a horror holiday instead of harmony. The setting then shifts to a remote cabin, where the suspense intensifies. Nikki grapples with her troubled past while facing new, unforeseen horrors.

Locke’s unique spin on the holiday horror genre shines through in this film. The eerie, cheesy simplicity of the Santa mask, a key visual element, significantly contributes to the film’s atmosphere. This malevolent Santa, though sparingly present, casts a long, ominous shadow over the entire narrative, particularly in the final act.

SANTA ISN’T REAL merges classic slasher tropes with some fun new elements. The mask's design, suspenseful soundtrack, and imaginatively staged murder scenes cleverly try to counterbalance any shortcomings in the storyline or production. Entertaining performances from Coleman, Scarlett Sperduto, and Cissy Li inject depth and tension into the film.

However, the film is full of flaws. Certain character portrayals don’t quite resonate with the audience, and there are many times when the pacing falters. This is a shame because I thought Locke’s first film had a firm grasp on pacing; it was entertaining and kept the audience “locked” in.

Coleman’s portrayal of Nikki is a highlight, adding a rich layer to the film. Her character’s journey from trauma to recovery adds complexity to both her role and the overall plot. Though occasionally hampered by weak dialogue and character development issues, the script doesn’t significantly detract from the film’s narrative.

A notable feature of SANTA ISN’T REAL is its exploration of the clash between religious and pagan beliefs. This subtly mixed into the plot adds a dimension to the film's horror narrative, enhancing the story with mythological nuances.

The authentic depiction of a chilly Christmas environment adds to the film’s approach to the slasher genre, offering a fresh perspective on familiar horror themes. I admit I didn’t often feel like this was a “faked” holiday film like many others.

In conclusion, SANTA ISN’T REAL, while not revolutionizing the slasher genre, presents an engaging mix of holiday horror and psychological thriller. There is a lot of potential here, and hopefully, Locke took a lot of learning moments away from this for his next film. The exploration of trauma, interwoven with classic horror elements, creates a familiar cinematic experience. Despite its narrative and technical constraints, it is still a noteworthy watch for slasher and holiday-themed horror fans, showcasing Locke’s burgeoning talent.

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[photo courtesy of XYZ FILMS]