‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’ Fantastic Fest Screening Reactions Praise the “Christmas Love Story Slasher”

The Silent Night, Deadly Night reboot had a surprise premiere as the first Fantastic Fest secret screening last night, and the reactions are filled with holiday cheer.

Written and directed by Mike P. Nelson (Wrong Turn, V/H/S/85), the crowd-pleasing new take on the 1984 cult classic slasher has drawn comparisons to “Dexter” and Venom.

“The new Silent Night, Deadly Night more than earns its place in the world,” /Film‘s Ryan Scott wrote in the first published review. “It’s a big, crazy swing. In an era when Hollywood is so IP obsessed, even if it doesn’t all work like gangbusters, there is something refreshing about how straight-up audacious this movie ends up being.”

“Silent Night, Deadly Night absolutely sleighs!” YouTuber Cody Leach enthused. “They could have played it safe and just upped the gore but this remake takes big chances while completely preserving the spirit of the OG. Safe to say this will be a franchise best for many people.”

“Where it goes story-wise was so unexpected that it really just hit for me on every single level,” said TikToker Chuck Shaughnessy. “It’s nothing that you expect, and it’s something that you’re gonna fucking love!”

“Silent Night, Deadly Night may be the most pleasant surprise of the year,” The Holofiles shared. “What could have easily been another silly entry in the series instead takes itself seriously, with a complex lead, endearing romance and clever spin on the original film’s concept.”

“Silent Night, Deadly Night is like if Venom was a serial killer dressed as Santa—bloody, funny, and an absolute blast!” According to Seth posted. “Rohan Campbell kills it as the lead, while Ruby Modine is the perfect opposite and total scene-stealer. A Christmas love story slasher with a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.