The Nights Before Christmas

The Nights Before Christmas is a Christmas horror comedy film directed by Paul Tanter and released in 2019. The movie follows the story of a man named Jack, played by Simon Phillips, who works as a nurse in a retirement home and is tasked with taking care of the elderly patients during the Christmas holidays. After having a strange encounter with one of his patients, Jack learns that the residents are being hunted by a group of demonic creatures every year on Christmas Eve.

The movie starts out with Jack's job at the reticent retirement home where he meets the endearingly curmudgeonly residents, including a priest, a former actress, and a curiously quiet woman who barely utters a word. As Jack goes about his duties, he discovers the oddities of the home, including an elderly woman's obsession with Christmas lights and an unhealthy relationship between two other residents.

However, Jack's routine quickly turns into a nightmare when he discovers that the residents are being hunted by Krampus, a demonic entity that terrorizes bad children during the holiday season. The demon's reign of terror commences on Christmas Eve, and Jack must team up with the residents to fight off Krampus and his army of minions.

The Nights Before Christmas is a fun take on the classic horror trope of the ancient, evil entity hunting down unsuspecting victims. It's a gory and graphic movie that's balanced by its comedic moments, giving viewers a much-needed break from all the blood and violence. The movie's mix of horror and comedy is reminiscent of horror-comedies like Shaun of the Dead and Krampus, which makes it a great watch over the holiday season.

One of the things that make this movie stand out is its premise. Rather than being set in a creepy mansion or a dark forest, the movie is set in a retirement home, which viewers will find to be an interesting setting for a horror film. The movie's setting allows for unique scares and memorable moments, such as when the residents exploit their age and ailments to fight off the demonic entities.

The characters in this movie are well-written and fleshed out, despite the movie's short runtime. Simon Phillips plays Jack with a mix of humor and heroism that's refreshing for a horror protagonist. Anne-Carolyne Binette plays the grouchy former actress, while Sayla de Goede plays the traumatized resident who still carries the weight of her past. The supporting cast also delivers excellent performances, from the poltergeist to the malevolent spirit inhabiting a garden gnome.

In terms of visuals, the movie delivers on its premise of a Christmas horror film. The demons are designed with intricate details and are genuinely terrifying. The movie's gore effects are also top-notch, with gruesome kills that will satisfy horror fans. The film's cinematography and lighting are also noteworthy, evoking a sense of unease and tension that keeps viewers on edge.

Overall, The Nights Before Christmas is a great addition to the Christmas horror genre. It's a fun and gory movie that's perfect to watch with friends over the holiday season. The movie may be a bit predictable, but it's still an enjoyable watch that's anchored by its endearing cast of characters. If you're a fan of Christmas horror or comedy-horror movies in general, then this movie is a must-watch.