Black Christmas (originally titled “Silent Night, Evil Night” in the United States) is a Canadian 1974 horror film that is widely regarded as a classic of the genre. Directed by Bob Clark, the film tells the story of a group of sorority sisters who are stalked and killed by a mysterious killer in the days leading up to Christmas. With its unsettling atmosphere, expertly-crafted suspense, and groundbreaking use of the “final girl” trope, Black Christmas remains a beloved and influential film more than four decades after its release.
One of the film’s most notable strengths is its atmosphere. Set during the holiday season, the film uses the trappings of Christmas – twinkling lights, carolers singing in the street, the sound of jingling bells – to create an eerie sense of dissonance. The contrast between the cheery Christmas decorations and the grim violence that unfolds throughout the film is chilling, and serves to heighten the audience’s sense of unease.
Another key element of the film is its use of suspense. Rather than relying on cheap jump scares or gore, Black Christmas creates tension through the slow unraveling of the killer’s identity and motive. The film’s use of phone calls from the killer – whose identity is never revealed – to taunt and terrorize the sorority sisters is particularly effective, and adds a layer of psychological horror to the proceedings.
Perhaps the film’s most enduring legacy, however, is its use of the “final girl” trope. The final girl – a term coined by film theorist Carol J. Clover in her book Men, Women, and Chain Saws – refers to the last surviving female character in a horror film, who typically defeats the killer in the final act. Black Christmas is often cited as one of the earliest examples of this trope, and its portrayal of Jess, the sorority sister who ultimately faces off against the killer, paved the way for countless other films to follow.
Overall, Black Christmas is a groundbreaking horror film that deserves its reputation as a classic of the genre. With its unsettling atmosphere, expertly-crafted suspense, and influential use of the “final girl” trope, it remains a must-see for any horror fan looking to experience one of the true classics of the genre.
Release date: October 11, 1974 (Toronto)
Director: Bob Clark
Writer: Roy Moore
Cast:
Olivia Hussey as Jess
Keir Dullea as Peter
Margot Kidder as Barb
John Saxon as Lt. Fuller
Reels of Dreams 