It's a Wonderful Knife (2023) Horror Movie Review
Imagine if Nancy Drew found herself in a horror story mixed with the vibes of "It's a Wonderful Life" – that's the essence of "It's a Wonderful Knife." In this blood-soaked yet lively tale by director Tyler MacIntyre, we are thrust into the quaint town of Angel Falls. The plot kicks off with Henry Waters, a self-centered real estate agent, scheming to snatch a historic home from Roger Evans, the town's patriarch. This coveted property stands in the way of Waters' plan to build a soulless retail venture called Waters Cover.
When Evans rejects Waters' offer, a mysterious killer in a white robe appears, brutally murdering Evans and his granddaughter. The brainy Winnie Carruthers manages to electrocute the slasher, revealing him to be none other than Henry Waters. Mystery seemingly solved, right? Well, not quite.
The film takes an unexpected turn as, just ten minutes in, the Angel killer and Winnie's challenges are far from over.
Now, we've all heard countless variations of the classic "It's a Wonderful Life" story, but screenwriter Michael Kennedy adds a unique twist. A year after the gruesome events, the picturesque Carruthers family, led by David, is the pride of Angel Falls. However, their daughter Winnie is still grappling with grief. Ignored by her family, denied entry to college, and mourning the loss of her best friend, Winnie makes a desperate wish to the Northern Lights – a wish that brings back the killer and drastically transforms the town.
%20Horror%20Movie.jpg "It's a Wonderful Knife (2023) Horror Movie")
But don't think the teen slasher theme takes a backseat. Recently, we've seen a resurgence of the genre with films like "Totally Killer," "Perpetrator," and "The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster." In a brisk 87 minutes, "It's a Wonderful Knife" efficiently dissects the world of young cliques and relationships. The characters, whether jocks, mean girls, or outsiders like Bernie, aren't just stereotypes; they feel like real people with genuine inner lives. Justin Long shines as a fantastic villain, channeling his inner Walter Goggins, and the choice of an opaque white plastic mask for the slasher adds an inspired touch. Special mention to the foley artists who clearly had a blast, especially during the electrifying scene.
Sure, the jump scares might not be as jolting as expected, but maybe that's intentional. If you're aiming for that pure Capra idealism, you might prefer the scares to be more restrained.
Now, if there's a downside to the film, it's Winnie. Despite Jane Widdop's commendable efforts, Winnie seems stuck between George Bailey and Nancy Drew. She kind of floats through scenes and set pieces without really standing out. Yet, Widdop manages to bring in a necessary wide-eyed curiosity and urgency that keeps you hooked.
Even when the film concludes and director MacIntyre becomes quite explicit, the references don't provoke eye rolls. His sincerity, especially as the story takes a turn into a queer love narrative, treads near the line of being overly sweet without crossing it. "It's A Wonderful Knife" has its share of charm, blood, and angst—enough to make it a fitting addition to any family holiday gathering.