Entertainment Blog #191 | It's a Wonderful Knife [2023] - Christmas Horror in an Alternate Reality...

The Christmas time is coming up. So, more and more Christmas movies are being released this month. But some of these movies are not as merry as Christmas. It's been a trend for a few years. An increase in Christmas horror movies can be seen. And the thing is, they are more popular than conventional Christmas movies.

"It's a Wonderful Knife" is a 2023 Christmas horror comedy that stars Jane Widdop, Jess McLeod, Joel McHale, Katharine Isabelle, William B. Davis, and Justin Long and is directed by Tyler MacIntyre and written by Michael Kennedy. "It's a Wonderful Knife" is a twisted plot of the 1946 Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life," with Winnie learning how many deaths she has prevented in her town rather than being recognized for her previous good deeds.

Set during the Christmas season in the town, Angel Falls, "It's a Wonderful Knife" follows the story of Winnie Carruthers, who discovers unexpectedly that she has prevented numerous deaths in her community. As Winnie prepares to spend the holidays with her family and friends, a series of murders takes place, which is coordinated by a costumed killer known as The Angel. Winnie and her brother Jimmy confront The Angel after the deaths of her best friend Cara and others, eventually electrocuting and unmasking him to reveal it is Henry Waters, a wealthy man attempting to build a shopping center.

Winnie, who is dealing with grief and rejection from the university where she applied for photography classes, wishes she had never been born and witnesses the aurora disappear. She finds herself in an alternate reality in which she was never born, causing a chain of tragic events, including increased deaths at the hands of The Angel. Disappointed by the devastation her absence has caused, she seeks assistance from a weirdo named Bernie, realizing that her absence has allowed The Angel to claim more victims, including her brother Jimmy.

Winnie and Bernie navigate this alternate world together, uncovering The Angel's motivations and his sinister connection to Henry Waters. They face obstacles as they work to stop The Angel and Henry, including Henry's manipulative hold on the residents. They reveal Henry's deception and break his control over the town, and Winnie returns to her original reality with a wish to be born again in a climactic confrontation.

The film deviates from traditional holiday films by introducing the holiday setting with a sinister tone, resulting in an eerie and tense atmosphere that contrasts with the usual cheerful and heartwarming Christmas themes. Furthermore, the plot's alternate reality twist, in which the protagonist discovers the consequences of her absence, adds depth and complexity not found in traditional holiday films. The film's ability to blend horror, drama, and a festive setting distinguishes it as a distinct addition to both the Christmas and slasher genres.

"It's a Wonderful Knife" is an unusual blend of holiday cheer and grisly horror, departing from traditional Christmas film fare. The film spins a dark and suspenseful narrative while introducing the holiday season with a chilling undertone through its innovative take on the "It's a Wonderful Life". This distinct blend of genres, as well as the inclusion of an alternate reality plotline set against the backdrop of Christmas, set it apart from traditional holiday films, providing a gripping and unconventional viewing experience for audiences looking for a different kind of christmas tale.