‘This Christmas, your wishes will come true… and your nightmares too.’
It’s a Wonderful Knife is a 2023 American comedy horror slasher film about a young woman who finds herself in a nightmare parallel universe.
Directed by Tyler MacIntyre (Tragedy Girls) from a screenplay written by co-producer Michael Kennedy (Freaky). Also produced by Seth Caplan (Brooklyn 45), Daniel Bekerman (The Witch), Greg Gilreath (Vengeance) and Adam Hendricks (Black Christmas).
The Divide and Conquer-Fourth Culture Films-Independent Entertainment co-production stars Jane Widdop (Yellowjackets), Joel McHale (Community), Justin Long (Barbarian), Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps), Jess McLeod (One of Us Is Lying), Cassandra Naud (Influencer), William B. Davis, Justin Long, Aiden Howard, Erin Boyes, Sean Depner, Zenia Marshall, Jason Fernandes, Hana Huggins, Kiki Faye, Dimitri ‘Vegas’ Thivaios, Sydney Scotia, Thomas Nicholson, Oscar Chark, Grace Vukovic and Brandon Ironside.
Plot:
Set in idyllic Angel Falls. A year after saving her town from a psychotic killer on Christmas Eve, Winnie Carruthers’ (Jane Widdop) life is less than wonderful.
However, when she wishes she’d never been born, Winnie finds herself in a nightmare parallel universe and discovers that without her, things could be much, much worse. Now the killer is back, and she must team up with the town misfit to identify the killer and get back to her own reality…
Release:
It’s a Wonderful Knife will have its world premiere at L.A.’s Beyond Fest on October 8, 2023. Thereafter, RLJE Films will reportedly release the movie theatrically in November 2023, followed by a Shudder release at a later date.
“We’re excited to release It’s a Wonderful Knife and once again work with its amazing cast and filmmakers,” said RLJE Films’ Chief Acquisitions Officer, Mark Ward. “Over the last few years, we’ve been fortunate to have released horror/holiday films that have been embraced by audiences and we believe this one is no exception.”
Background:
Sarah Lebutsch, Managing Director of International Sales at Independent Entertainment was quoted saying: “Michael Kennedy’s outstanding script delivers a roller coaster ride horror audiences around the world will love, and Tyler’s excellent direction combined with our charismatic cast will make for a truly fun Christmas horror to be revisited again and again in holiday seasons to come.”
Reviews:
“It’s a Hallmark holiday movie for outcasts and horror fans alike, delivering no shortage of holiday cheer perfect for this time of year. MacIntyre’s latest may not quite seamlessly nail its high concept genre mashup, but with some outstanding performances and a sweet gooey emotional center, it effectively tugs at your heartstrings and captures the spirit of Christmas.” ★★★ Bloody Disgusting
“It’s A Wonderful Knife is a final product that’s begging for a bigger budget and more time. A reported breakneck shooting schedule does leave a few scenes feeling like MacIntyre had to take what he could get under pressure. Line reads can land a little cold (depending on your sense of humor), and there’s a roughness to select practical effects. Any released movie is a minor miracle, but that doesn’t negate the reality that quality is judged via what’s on screen.” 7.5 out of 10, /Film
” …it riffs on many of the basic structures of slashers of the past and brings the format more into the present day, particularly with the use of alternate dimensions and LGBTQ+ representation. It doesn’t need to be an 80s pastiche; it is a fully realized creation of its time, complete with its particular brand of humor. Okay, maybe there is some traditional sleaze, but it’s welcome sleaze. It’s a Wonderful Knife is a slasher with a heart of gold.” Nightmarish Conjurings
“Through his script for It’s a Wonderful Knife, it is apparent how much Michael Kennedy was influenced through his collaboration with Christopher Landon on Freaky, as this film feels in the same league as that 2020 film, as well as Landon’s two Happy Death Day films. It’s a Wonderful Knife is also a satisfying follow-up to his 2017 breakthrough Tragedy Girls, another subversion of the typical slasher film.” Sean Kelly on Movies
For YouTube reviews, the trailer and technical info please click the page 2 link below
