Violent Night

REVIEW:

You had me at David Harbour as Santa Claus! From the moment I saw the trailer, I knew this film would be a wild ride, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Harbour’s take on Santa is unlike anything we’ve seen before—gritty, hilarious, and just a little bit fed up with the world. This isn’t your typical jolly old St. Nick; this is Santa with a past, and he’s ready to bring both holiday cheer and brutal justice to those on his naughty list.

Coming from the producers of John Wick, you can tell where the film draws its DNA. The action choreography feels sharp and intentional, with moments so visceral you’d think this movie is set in the same universe. But where John Wick leans into brooding intensity, Violent Night revels in absurdity. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its charm. For those seeking a mature Christmas movie packed with over-the-top holiday spirit, this one is wrapped and ready under the tree.

David Harbour is a comedic goldmine here. His deadpan delivery and reluctant hero vibe fit perfectly into the story’s mix of humour and action. Watching him navigate Santa’s unique challenges—like being stuck with a bag of gifts in the middle of a fight—is pure entertainment. There’s a particularly clever moment when Santa empties his bag looking for a weapon and pulls out a Blu-Ray of Die Hard. It’s a cheeky nod to the never-ending debate about whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie. Moments like this add to the film’s 80s action movie vibe, complete with cheesy one-liners and exaggerated brutality.

The movie leans into Santa’s mythological roots, and I love how they tie his origins to Scandinavian lore. Making Santa a former Viking warrior, complete with tattoos and a hammer, is a stroke of genius. It’s both fresh and oddly fitting. This backstory adds a fascinating layer to the character and helps explain why Santa can go full berserker mode when the situation calls for it. It also humanises him, particularly in the quieter scenes where he reflects on his relationship with Mrs. Claus. His struggles parallel those of Trudy’s parents, grounding the film amid all the chaos.

One of my favourite sequences is the Home Alone-inspired scene where young Trudy rigs violent, gory traps to fend off mercenaries. It’s a playful homage to the classic film but takes it to extremes that Kevin McCallister could only dream of. This sequence perfectly encapsulates the movie’s tone: nostalgic yet irreverent, violent yet undeniably fun.

My only gripe with the film is its pacing. It takes over an hour for Santa to fully embrace his warrior side, which might leave some action enthusiasts tapping their watches. For much of the movie, he’s more focused on avoiding trouble than creating it. However, when he finally does start taking out the mercenaries, the payoff is gloriously satisfying. The kills are inventive, brutal, and perfectly suited to this version of Santa Claus.

Violent Night knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on all fronts. It’s an over-the-top action-comedy that doubles as a crowd-pleaser, complete with holiday cheer, gory mayhem, and a surprising amount of heart. If you’re tired of the usual Christmas fare and crave something that’s equal parts festive and ferocious, this film is the gift that keeps on giving.