Director: Sophia Takal
Writer: Sophia Takal & April Wolfe
Cast: Imogen Poots, Aleyse Shannon, Lily Donoghue & Cary Elwes
Hawthorne College is settling into the holiday season. Most students are leaving for the break and a select few have chosen to stay behind. The remaining coeds find themselves in the middle of a black magic-infused conspiracy, as sorority sisters are captured and presumed murdered by an unknown stalker. Though the killer is a formidable threat, having spent decades on a murderous rampage, he is no match for this generation’s spirit and determination to survive. Finally, the murderer has met his match, he has messed with the wrong sisters.
Black Christmas is the #MeToo slasher flick no one asked for. First of all, the title is more suited to a lighthearted comedy, possibly starring a Wayans or two. Unfortunately, there isn’t much to laugh about in this lackluster horror film. The trailer presents a dark theme that reminded us of cult classics like Scream and the Faculty. The film fails to deliver a respectable slasher and is instead an unapologetic political statement fueling the ongoing struggles between men and women. Neither comedic nor suspenseful the film is a heavy-handed allegory denouncing rape culture and portraying assault survivors and activists as heroines. While we applaud the notion, this effort felt forced. The formulaic plot offers no nuance or subtlety. Each character and plot point is jarringly apparent with an unfortunate, chilling parallel to real campus life. For instance, the creepy professor is obviously part of the murderous scheme, evident in his first appearance which reveals a disdain for one activist in particular. The star is an assault survivor who lives in fear but finally finds the courage to stand up for herself after several sisters are murdered. The killer is literally frat culture and toxic masculinity, as a magical substance turns mortal men into mindless zombies spewing anti-feminist rhetoric. Lastly, the film ends with a raging battle of the sexes culminating in the usual massive fire. As in real life, the black woman knew what to do from the start, but was ignored until it was too late. There’s literally a scene, mid-battle in which the survivor apologizes for not listening all along, as the intense battle rages on and the world is saved by a white woman who finally gets it. Black Christmas does have its moments, but the parallels to the current climate of unresolved sex crimes, fragile egos and toxic manhood hit too close to home to be mindlessly enjoyed. Replace the supernatural goo with alcohol and this is just another teen angst film failing to find and entertain its audience.
Black Christmas will be in theaters Friday, December 13th, 2019.