Dead by Christmas is a 2018 American slasher horror feature film directed by Armand Petri (Alpha Delta Zatan; Bayou Ghost Story; Reel Nightmare) from a screenplay co-written with producer Art Arutyunya (director of Armenian Haunting). The Together Magic Films production stars Holly Bonney, Dawn Streeck, Hilary Porter and Vince Rodriguez.
Plot:
Reunited for the holidays, a group of friends raised together in a troubled Louisiana orphanage are stalked by a killer from Xmas past…
Reviews:
“As far as the framing (unless the shots were meant to sit at a dutch angle), they struggled to be level and steady. In addition, there was an overwhelming amount of ‘Christmas scenery’ shots that were used to fill up space rather than move the story along. On a positive note, the Christmas oriented weapons of choice were comical and appreciated…” Chanse Alexander, Film Snob Reviews
“It’s a much needed dose of something else – psychological terror – that only adds to this title’s drama and suspense that takes place between all the mayhem. With an average body count and heavy measures of heart, Dead by Christmas is a worthy addition to the Christmas horror subgenre.” Horror Society
“The killer in this movie dresses like a typical department store Santa Claus, which is already creepy in my opinion! The mask is the finishing touch that puts this Santa over the top. Its made of rigid plastic, giving it a distant and emotionless expression. The empty eyes and slight smile are haunting.” John Migliore, Indie Horror Online
Cast and characters:
- Holly Bonney … Carla
- Dawn Streeck … Sister Mary Nicholas
- McKenna Buck [as Maggie Buck] … Brianna
- Cody Wise … Samuel
- Austin William Morgan … Aaron
- Hilary Porter … Tessa – Bayou Ghost Story
- Nicholas Hemb … Jackson
- Steven Montz … Detective
- Debby Gerber … Young Sister Mary Nicholas
- Vince Rodriguez … Father LeDoux – Alpha Delta Zatan
- Richard B. Vaughn … Therapist
Filming locations:
Lensed on location in South-Eastern Louisiana in December 2017.
Dead by Christmas was released on VOD in the USA on October 2nd, 2018. A DVD release followed on December 4th.
Watch trailer on YouTube
