‘The spirit of Christmas should have stayed dead’
Santastein is a 2023 American comedy horror film about a young man that resurrects Santa whom he accidentally killed as a child.
Written and directed by Manuel Camilion and Benjamin Edelman based on their short of the same name. Produced by Fernanda Lamuño, Leonardo Pereira, Vasisth Sukul and Natalie Veater.
The Imaginex production stars Jared Korotkin, Michael Vitovich, Ophelia Rivera, Kaylie Heyner, Damian Edwards, Fernando Morales, Heather Fisch, Leonardo Pereira, Maisy Kay, Brian D. Long, Jorie Blake Rosen, Fletcher Hammond, Lilli Rose Rittner, Bradley Kaaya Jr, Bob Harrigan, Claire Veater, Jeff Peterson, Rebecca Vargas, Mauricio Bemudez, Rafael Llamas and Stanely Ross.
Plot:
When Max Causey was six, he accidentally killed Santa. Twelve years later, Max rectifies his mistake by resurrecting him, but soon realises the creature he created is a bloodthirsty killer and it’s headed right to his friend’s Christmas party…
Reviews:
“Christmas horror is a genre all to itself […] and I think those that love the bloodier and more frightening side of the season are really going to enjoy this movie. Plus, Camilion and Edelman have a great sense of humor…” B&S About Movies
“What we’ve got here is basically a Goosebumps-esque plot line slathered in foul language – drop the language and the few moments of gore and you’ve got a perfect “gateway” horror movie, which we can’t ever enough of. There’s already enough R-rated (or its equivalent) “killer Santa” movies out there that are far superior to this.” The Good, the Bad and the Verdict
“While I wasn’t thrilled with the overall result, I can definitely see the talent there. The heart and passion is obvious and it’s mostly a question of “less is more” that will help them in their next projects. Not in terms of the crazy deaths and awesome practical effects. No, simply in terms of story and plot. There are too many unanswered questions and weird details.” 2 out of 5, Heaven of Horror
“Super fun and campy on so many levels is how I would describe Santastein. Though I will say the movie didn’t move fast enough for me. I felt the start of the film was very promising with their attention to structure introducing the cast while delivering the back story, Once it got to the events of the night the film felt choppy at times.” 3 out of 5, Horror Movies Uncut
“Ultimately, Santastein is far more entertaining and engaging than I had been anticipating. As Santa paves a path of bodies in his wake on his way to a roaring retro Christmas party, Santastein is content to bring genre fans a shiny-wrapped present of dark comedy delights. Whether you have been naughty or nice, Santastein may be the perfect comfort-watch stocking stuffer…” 3 out of 5, Josh at the Movies
“The gore factor is alive and well, with some fantastically gnarly shots of victims who find themselves on the wrong end of a sharpened candy cane. While not every effect is done practical, the ones that were look terrific and stomach-churning. Not to be outdone, the humor exceeds gags and one-liners as well.” 70% Nightmare on Film Street
“The film is ultimately a present wrapped in intrigue, fright, and delight. It’s an unapologetically unique film, challenging norms and inviting you into its frosty embrace. Whether you’re a horror fan or just looking for something different this Christmas, Santastein is the holiday treat that refuses to fit neatly under the tree, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.” 3 out of 5, Overly Honest Reviews
“Ok, Santastein might be as silly as its title suggests, and exactly about what the title suggests, but the film is well aware of its own ridiculousness and has no reservation when it comes to poke fun at itself and its slightly crazy subject. And fun is really what the film’s about that’s in equal parts teen comedy reminiscent of John Hughes teen flicks with a more comedic edge and slasher movie, with plenty of allusions to vintage Frankenstein movies thrown in for good measure.” Search My Trash
YouTube review:
Trailer [4K HD]:
Technical specs:
1 hour 27 minutes
