Silent Night (2021) Movie Review
"Silent Night Movie" tries to mix Christmas comedy with an apocalyptic story, but the execution falls short. The movie, directed by Camille Griffin, features a toxic cloud threatening to engulf a group of people in an English estate due to environmental damage. Despite the interesting premise, the film doesn't quite capture the humor of similar comedies, and the characters lack depth.
The plot revolves around an impending disaster caused by climate change, woven into a British rom-com setting reminiscent of films like "Love Actually." Keira Knightley plays a key role in this holiday mash-up. However, the movie fails to deliver the comedic and suspenseful moments it aspires to achieve.
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While some actors, like Roman Griffin Davis, have standout moments, the overall characters feel underdeveloped. This makes it hard to invest in their fates or decisions. In the end, "Silent Night" falls short of reaching the entertaining heights of its inspirations, leaving the audience wanting more from the ambitious but muddled debut effort by Camille Griffin.
The day kicks off with a mix of joy and apprehension as families gather for a Christmas feast at Knightley's character Nell's house. The cast includes Nell's husband Simon and their kids, played by Roman Griffin Davis and his real-life siblings. The movie has a family-and-friends vibe since Camille Griffin's husband, Ben Davis, and Matthew Vaughn are involved behind the scenes.
The first hint that something's off comes when the kids start swearing unusually freely. Chaos ensues as Art, played by Roman Griffin Davis, cuts his finger, adding an eerie touch as he bleeds on the vegetables. The awkwardness continues when Nell's sister, Sandra, arrives in an extravagant gown, and everyone seems overdressed.
The group also includes Sandra's uninteresting husband, physician James, and his younger girlfriend, as well as brash Bella and her girlfriend. The humor arises from their attempts at small talk, revealing their once-a-year gatherings. Early scenes depict a light farce with an underlying sense of menace, heightened by gifts wrapped in headlines warning of global destruction.
As the story progresses, the film shifts between comedy and a darker tone, losing its initial charm. The characters debate whether to take government-issued "Exit" pills or face the poison's effects. Griffin introduces melodrama and a gruesome discovery, accompanied by intense music. However, the characters also dance to peppy songs like the "Fame" theme, creating a tonal inconsistency.
The article questions why the characters aren't taking steps to protect themselves, raising doubts about the film's direction. Knightley and Howell-Baptiste deliver strong performances, but Roman Griffin Davis stands out as the voice of reason. Despite this, the movie struggles with a problematic conclusion that leaves lingering questions. "Silent Night" faces challenges, both for its characters and as a whole.