Running Time: 70 Minutes
Starring: Jeremy Moineau, Dominique Booth, Zarif, Joe Romeo, Yassica Switakowski, Lewi Dawson, Olivia Deeble, Lisa Fanto, Iris Mcerlean, Toshiro Glenn, Molly Ferguson, Cassie Hamilton
Amidst the impressive filmography that she has amassed within a short timeframe, co-writer/director Alice Maio Mackey has effectively blended genre fare with prescient queer worries and strong on-screen relationships. The same is true of her latest work, Carnage For Christmas, which is a solid example of festive horror. The story follows Lola (Jeremy Moineau), a true-crime podcaster and sleuth who is faced with returning home for Christmas for the first time since transitioning. That nerve-wracking prospect is intensified when the vengeful ghost of a historical murderer seemingly arises to kill again, leaving Lola determined to solve the case before her community is slaughtered.
Viewers quickly understand why Lola was hesitant about returning to the place she aptly describes as having more "soap opera bullshit than Ramsay Street." An economic crisis has left it a much rougher place where it is not safe to be "out," while the police treat queer killings with no interest or respect. With such regressive views and actions from law enforcement, it is no wonder the toxic environment birthed a serial killer targeting the queer community. A horrible history may be repeatedly overlooked, but the ghosts of the troubling past lingers regardless of how many paint jobs coat the town.
Despite the hate which has burst forth in this town, a vibrant queer community has arisen of people who refuse to let the bigotry silence their true selves. As Lola crosses paths with old faces, the passage of time has allowed this group to live openly and look out for one-another through thick and thin, highlighting the sheer strength of a loving community. In an effort to protect them, Lola takes the reins to perform an actual investigation as the police fail to do their jobs. Flashbacks show the character's past trauma, while informing her present self as she refuses to back down in the face of bullying authority and hateful bigots. Moineau magnificently captures how trauma may linger for Lola, but it does not stop how she will help those in need.
Of her career, this may be Alice Maio Mackey's best directed film yet. There is an eye-catching flair in this work that brings this story alive, aided by terrific scene transitions and effectively grisly kills which add to this unique identity. If this is what her fifth feature looks like, then I cannot wait to see her tenth feature. It is unfortunate that the sound mixing needs finessing, as the dialogue can be difficult to hear at times. There is also a welcome humorous side to this film, although there are times when it leads to tonal clashes. Carnage For Christmas offers what the title suggests, stylishly bringing alive a festive slasher that promises to deck the halls with blood-soaked holly.
Carnage For Christmas made its Montreal Premiere at Fantasia Festival 2024
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