The Nights Before Christmas (2019) is a Canadian 🇨🇦 holiday/horror film currently available on Tubi. The story follows a couple who meet in an asylum, escape, and embark on a killing spree while posing as Mr. And Mrs. Claus. A determined detective sets out to stop their reign of terror.
Directed by Paul Tanter (Stealing Chaplin), the film stars Simon Phillips (Survive the Game), Sayla de Goede (Silent Bite), Keegan Chambers (Age of the Living Dead), and Kate Schroder (All I Didn't Want for Christmas).
Unfortunately, the film's decision to lean into a Joker-and-Harley-Quinn-inspired dynamic for Mr. And Mrs. Claus makes the writing feel derivative and uninspired. That said, Santa's menacing look is a highlight and adds a cool, sinister edge. However, the acting, writing, and dialogue feel low-budget, as do the cinematography and kill scenes. The lackluster execution of the kills is particularly disappointing, as stronger sequences could have made this a more entertaining experience.
In conclusion, The Nights Before Christmas has a few moments that work, but they're overshadowed by its flaws. I'd score this a 3.5/10 and recommend skipping it.
