This action meets comedy Christmas film has a star studded cast and hilarious storyline making it a fan favourite with reviews praising the gritty action and festive twist
A Christmas film that fans have described as “Santa meets Die Hard” will air on Film 4 tonight.
Violent Night, released in 2022, has quickly become a fan favourite with reviews praising the gritty action and Christmas twist. the Film plot follows a gang as they break into a family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone hostage inside. However, they aren’t prepared for a surprise combatant as Santa Claus is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.
The cast is headed up by Stranger Things actor David Harbour as Santa Claus, and then joined by John Leguizamo, Beverly D’Angelo, Cam Gigandet, Edi Patterson, Alex Hassell, and Alexis Louder. The film was shot in the extreme cold of Winnipeg, Canada, which stood in for Connecticut, and features numerous references to other Christmas and action films. Fans have been quick to spot the references, adding to the humour.
On film ratings website Rotten Tomatoes, the 1 hour 52 minute film has a strong rating of 74 percent and over 214 reviews with many noting it as five or four stars. One five star review wrote: “I seriously love this movie. The balance between the Christmas spirit and the don’t mess with this Santa is perfect. The story is amazing and I love how it all is brought together.”
Another posted: “So much fun! Santa meets Die Hard! All the action you could want with all the Christmas spirit to follow!! Worth it!” “Extremely entertaining movie that I love to revisit every Christmas. For what it is, a fun action flick centered around jolly ol’ St Nick, it’s entertaining and surprisingly full of heart and strong character development,” said a third.
Another shared: “If you love Bad Santa [2003], this movie is definitely for you! One of the funniest movies of 2022 and is on my list to rewatch every christmas eve.” “Die Hard but John McClane is Santa and Santa loves his sledgehammer!” praised another. Another wrote: “Violent Night” (2022) delivers a thrilling blend of action, humor, and holiday spirit. David Harbour shines as a gritty, no-nonsense Santa, bringing heart and chaos in equal measure. Packed with intense fight scenes and dark comedy, it’s a wildly entertaining twist on Christmas classics. A must-watch for fans of action-packed holiday films!”
Others wished for a sequel as one person shared: “This movie is for adults. It is very good, very bloody and violent. I love the back story, which should be a prequel movie in itself. A prequel and a Silent Night 2 should definitely be in the works.”
Violent Night airs on Film 4 at 9pm on Monday 1 December.
