Strange and Fantastic Tales of the 20th Century is a look back at the weirdest, most memorable, and most off center movies of the 20th century. From head turning horror to oddball science fiction, this column examines the films that will leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
It’s never too late for a Santa slasher. After all, it will be Christmas again in just 356 days (depending when this is published). Written by David Hess and Alex Rebar, To All a Goodnight is set in a sorority house where a young girl was killed due to a prank gone wrong. The dead girl must be avenged in the most brutal fashion regardless of whether or not the current pledges have any association with the deceased. The first strange and fantastic tale of this year is To All a Goodnight.
Like any slasher, a party with male party crashers is needed to provide an appropriate hunting ground for a killer. We’ve seen various iterations of this story in Black Christmas, Sorority House Massacre, Friday the 13th, but that doesn’t lessen this film’s entertainment factor. The film tends to overthink some plot points, such as boys chartering a private helicopter just to crash a party. However, this adds to the film’s charm.
Jennifer Runyon plays Nancy, a comically innocent character. Wide eyed and in pigtails, Nancy distances herself from the party. She does not get naked, she will not drink, and she certainly will not seduce or take part in any of the partner swapping. In fact, she is known as the house goody two-shoes and most of the movie’s point of view is from her perspective. Nancy’s setup as the traditional final girl amps up the performances of her sorority sisters. The rest of the women in the house are portrayed as party animals that seem to be too much for even the party crashers.
At the party, there are hookups, breakups, and over the top flirtations, all the while a Santa suited axe murderer makes the rounds. The party shenanigans add to the quirky tone of the story. Later on it is revealed there are actually two killers that dress like Santa. Oddly enough, Santas aside, Christmas does not factor too much into the plot so this really doesn’t feel like a holiday slasher. You can probably guess the killers, but I won’t spoil that for you. Just know the killers delightfully over do it on the weird acting adding significant delight to the campy nature of the movie.
To All a Goodnight has killer Santas, gory low energy kills, sexy hijinks, intense face grabbing, and a survivor that goes from horny to insane in a matter of seconds. It’s everything a horror fan can ask for in a slasher. Put your hair in pigtails and watch To All a Goodnight.
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