Click Here >> Watch/Download Don’t Open Till Christmas 1984 Online
The Bloodthirsty Movie of Christmas: Don’t Open Till Christmas
When it comes to Christmas movies we think of Santa Claus, family time, and the joy of the season. However, “Don’t Open Till Christmas” is a film that breaks away from the typical festive genre. Directed by Edmund Purdom, this movie is an amalgamation of horror and thriller genres that takes the viewers on a wild ride. It initially premiered in 1984, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of horror enthusiasts.
The Plot
“Don’t Open Till Christmas” sets in London at Christmas time with several murders happening each year around Christmas Eve. The killer’s motive is to kill anyone dressed in Santa Claus’s costume with precision and brutality. Scotland Yard Detective Sergeant Powell (Mark Jones) catches up with the case but fails to solve it until his girlfriend becomes one of the victims.
The Casts
The cast for this movie isn’t full of big names or even many recognizable faces, but they all play their parts quite well. Mark Jones stars as Scotland Yard Detective Sergeant Powell alongside Edmund Purdom who not only directed but also appears as a police official. An interesting appearance is Caroline Munro – playing herself – who works as a model that recently finished shooting a Christmas themed photoshoot.
The Evaluation
“Don’t Open Till Christmas” is a low-budget movie and was not well-received by critics during its initial release. Nevertheless, it still boasts a unique storyline that will keep you engaged throughout the movie. It successfully intertwines horror and thriller elements to create an experience unlike any other in the genre of Christmas movies. The appeal of this movie is mainly its premise – Despite being released about 35 years ago it still holds up today.
Cinematography and Effects
The movie’s cinematography isn’t fantastic, but it manages to capture the mood of the movie quite well. There aren’t many visual effects to speak of, but the blood and gore, paired with eerie lighting, are enough to keep you on edge throughout the entire runtime. The film manages to create an atmosphere full of suspense and terror while still being set around a holiday typically associated with joyfulness.
The Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack was composed by Derek Ford, and while it might not necessarily be the most iconic soundtrack out there, it compliments the movie well enough and creates a tension-filled atmosphere that keeps you hooked throughout.
The Dialogue
“Don’t Open Till Christmas” is not particularly dialogue-heavy, but the exchanges between characters contribute to building their personalities. While some of the dialogue can come off as stilted or forced, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience of the film.
The Final Verdict
If you’re a fan of horror movies or looking for something different than your usual Christmas movie fare, “Don’t Open Till Christmas” is definitely worth checking out. It’s an enjoyable movie with a twisted premise that manages to create an unnerving atmosphere while still being set around a jolly holiday. The film’s low budget works in its favor as it adds to its overall charm.