The idea of a crime spree at Christmastime certainly isn't a new one. There's something about the juxtaposition between holiday cheer and nefarious deeds that just feels right. And the temptation to give the film a punny title is probably really hard to resist. (In fact, this film was also released under the title of Silent Night, Evil Night, because apparently one play on words just wasn't enough.) But regardless, Black Christmas manages to be a surprisingly effective holiday horror film. It's unnerving to think of being attacked when we feel secure -- like, for example, when we're together with our family and friends at home during the time of year when everyone is supposed to be extra nice to each other. Made in 1974 by Bob Clark, Black Christmas is widely considered one of the first slasher films. It's the story of a group of sorority sisters who are hunted down and killed in their house over Christmas vacation. Despite the fact that it received mixed reviews when it first came out, it has since reached cult status and is considered the inspiration for iconic horror films like Friday the 13th and Halloween.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
