Synopsis:
An entire year after saving her hometown on Christmas Eve from a deranged murderer, Winnie Carruthers’s life is anything from perfect. She is magically whisked to a terrifying parallel world when she wishes she had never been born. Now that the murdering madman has returned, she needs to work with a local misfit to find the murderer so she may return to her own reality.
Jane Widdop as “Winnie Carruthers” in Tyler MacIntyre’s IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE. Courtesy of Angel Lynee. An RLJE Films and Shudder release.
Starring the talents of Jane Widdop, (Yellowjackets), Joel McHale (Community) and Justin Long (Barbarian) and directed by Tyler MacIntyre, It’s a Wonderful Knife is an obvious homage to the 1946 fantasy/comedy, It’s a Wonderful Life.
Tyler MacIntyre’s IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE. Courtesy of RLJE Films and Shudder. An RLJE Films and Shudder release.
While the films share a similar plot device—namely the protagonists being spirited away to alternative realities—they differ greatly in their execution. Probably due to the fact that the more modern take is more focused on actual execution. While the Scroogian trope is nothing new, it definitely was an interesting change of pace from your traditional Christmas horror fallbacks.
Jane Widdop as “Winnie Carruthers” in Tyler MacIntyre’s IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE. Courtesy of RLJE Films and Shudder. An RLJE Films and Shudder release.
The film boasts a number of fan-favourite faces, spoiling us with McHale, Long and Widdop. Long and Widdop provide most of the film’s comedic side; both playing characters that seem a little over the top and over-acted, though their performances definitely set the overall tone that the film is trying to achieve. Widdop is fantastic in the lead role, playing both the ass-kicking hero and the scream queen/final girl.
Joel McHale as “David Carruthers”, Aiden Howard as “Jimmy Carruthers”, and Erin Boyes as “Judy Carruthers” in Tyler MacIntyre’s IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE. Courtesy of RLJE Films and Shudder. An RLJE Films and Shudder release.
Viewers may find themselves a little apprehensive going into this, as it definitely gives off that “Asylum” film vibe thanks to the punny title. While it may sound like you’re preparing yourself for some B-grade knockoff, It’s a Wonderful Knife is surprisingly a load of fun. It has a really dark, almost apocalyptic feel that juxtaposes the perfectly happy, white-picket Christmas that is taking place in the alternate dimension.
Hana Huggins as “Cara Evans” in Tyler MacIntyre’s IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE. Courtesy of RLJE Films and Shudder. An RLJE Films and Shudder release.
The kills are great; sometimes gory and sometimes just plain fun. Our slasher figure, The Angel, is a hilarious twist on the usual suspects. The characters were wonderful, watchable and endearing. Overall, although a little campy, the film has a lot going for it—especially if you’re looking for a watch part with friends or for something not-so-serious after the kids are in bed.
Justin Long as “Henry Waters” and Jane Widdop as “Winnie Carruthers” in Tyler MacIntyre’s IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE. Courtesy of RLJE Films and Shudder. An RLJE Films and Shudder release.
Streaming exclusively on Shudder, It’s a Wonderful Knife premieres this Friday, December 1st. Thanks for reading and as always, stay sordid. The trailer and poster art are included below.
