"It's a Wonderful Knife": A Clever and Bloody Holiday Treat

Directed by: Tyler MacIntyre  

Starring: Jane Widdop, Justin Long, Joel McHale, Jess McLeod

**Rating:** ★★★★☆

Imagine combining the detective prowess of Nancy Drew with the heartfelt holiday classic "It’s a Wonderful Life," but with a chilling slasher twist. That’s what you get with Tyler MacIntyre’s "It’s a Wonderful Knife," a film that cleverly merges familiar elements into a fresh and spirited horror experience. 

Plot Summary:

The film opens with a bang as we meet Henry Waters (Justin Long), a self-absorbed real estate agent in the quaint town of Angel Falls. Waters is eager to acquire a historic home owned by the town’s patriarch, Roger Evans, for his soulless retail project, Waters Cover. When Evans refuses, a white-robed killer emerges, slitting Evans' throat and later murdering his granddaughter. Enter Winnie Carruthers (Jane Widdop), the brainy heroine who eventually electrocutes the slasher, revealing him to be Waters. But this early revelation doesn’t mean Winnie’s troubles are over.

A Unique Twist:

Screenwriter Michael Kennedy puts a unique spin on the often-retold story of "It’s a Wonderful Life." A year after the murders, the Carruthers family, led by David (Joel McHale), is the pride of the town, while Winnie is still spiraling from grief. Overlooked by her family, rejected from college, and mourning her best friend, Winnie wishes upon the Northern Lights that she was never born. This wish not only brings back the killer but also changes the town's fate.

Character and Story Development:

MacIntyre skillfully plays with and subverts expectations. The film doesn’t merely replicate the suspense of a slasher; it intertwines sturdy character development and unexpected twists. While maintaining the essence of a teen slasher, the film delves into the lives of its characters—jocks, mean girls, and outsiders like Bernie (Jess McLeod)—making them feel like real humans with real emotions.

Performances and Production:

Justin Long delivers a fantastic villainous performance, channeling a Walter Goggins vibe, while the slasher’s design—an opaque white plastic mask—is both creepy and inspired. The foley artists deserve praise for the chilling sounds, particularly in the electrocution scene. Although the jump scares aren’t as potent as some might hope, they fit well within the film’s blend of horror and Capra-esque idealism.

Main Character:

Winnie, played by Jane Widdop, is somewhat caught between being George Bailey and Nancy Drew. Despite this, Widdop’s wide-eyed curiosity and urgency keep the audience engaged. Her journey from grief to action drives the film forward, even if her character feels like a cipher at times.

Final Thoughts:

By the film's end, MacIntyre’s sincere storytelling, which includes a queer love story, walks a fine line between saccharine and heartfelt without stumbling. "It’s a Wonderful Knife" is a charming blend of horror, blood, and holiday angst, perfect for those looking for something different this holiday season. It’s a film that should find a cozy spot at any family gathering, especially for those who enjoy a good scare with their holiday cheer.

Now streaming on Netflix, "It’s a Wonderful Knife" offers a delightful mix of slasher thrills and festive heart—a perfect addition to your holiday watchlist.