Although Tyler MacIntyre’s Tragedy Girls is still criminally unavailable to view in the UK, it nonetheless has a devoted audience here. The film closed out FrightFest in 2017 and brought the roof down. Since then, director Tyler MacIntyre has continued to create work within the genre sphere with It’s a Wonderful Knife being his latest creation.
Written by Freaky scribe, Michael Kennedy, It’s a Wonderful Knife is, as the title suggests, a slasher spin on Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Christmas horrors always play well, especially when they embrace the sillier side, and that is exactly what MacIntyre’s new film does. The story follows Winnie (Jane Widdop) who, after stopping a vicious killer dressed as an angel, finds her life stuck. A year later, on the anniversary of her festive distress, Winnie wishes that she had never existed, and is then transported to an alternate timeline in which her wish is true. She quickly discovers that life isn’t better, and worse still, the Angel has amassed an epic body count. Working with classmate Bernie (Jess McLeod), Winnie has to stop the killer once again as she attempts to set things right.
It’s a Wonderful Knife is an entertaining slice of bubblegum horror. MacIntyre balances the humour and horror wonderfully with the use of plenty of sugary sweet moments. Though not necessarily a film for hardened slasher fans, It’s a Wonderful Knife presents a great way into the genre for newcomers. Along with Happy Death Day, Totally Killer, Tragedy Girls, and Freaky, It’s a Wonderful Knife is part of the new resurgence of teen centric horror. The last time the movement was so strong was at the turn of the millennium, and it’s exciting to see it resurrected. It is exciting that films such as It’s a Wonderful Knife will act as a gateway for the future generation of horror fans.
Though not quite as special as Tragedy Girls, It’s a Wonderful Knife has plenty of charm. The Christmas setting works well, and the subversion of a festive icon is interesting to see play out. The film has a fairly steady pace to it, which is welcome. It’s a Wonderful Knife has a tone that is playfully dark, venturing to the verge of bleak, but reigns it in at the last moment. Where It’s a Wonderful Knife truly shines however, is with its cast of established faces. Whilst the newer actors are all great, it is the trinity of Joel McHale, Katharine Isabelle, and Justin Long, that steal the show. Long is especially committed to his role and rocks a rather unique look.
Whilst it is clear that UK audiences’ wishes of seeing Tragedy Girls released for Christmas seem slim, It’s a Wonderful Knife is a fine festive bubblegum pop replacement. It might not have the same biting spirit as Tragedy Girls, but It’s a Wonderful Knife has plenty of components to please the Christmas horror crowd.
It’s a Wonderful Knife
Summary
A fun festive fearsome treat, It’s a Wonderful Knife is the perfect unwholesome Christmas movie to watch around this year’s tree.
It’s a Wonderful Knife was reviewed at Celluloid Screams.
