UNHOLY NIGHT
Filmmaker Michael Gabriele‘s Fantasia 2026 film UNHOLY NIGHT follows a family curse steeped in Italian lore in which deceased elders reanimate and embark on murderous rampages on Christmas. But mostly those who disrespected them.
The comedy comes when family members discover ways to communicate and calm their deceased loved ones. Gabriele weaves a failed relationship into the plot. Gino and his ex-girlfriend are forced to team up, simultaneously resolving their issues and saving their family bond.
This truly ensemble cast will delight you as much as annoy you. Marc Bendavid gives Gino a kind heart and sweet determination. Shout out to the incomparable Jacqueline Robbins, who delivers a pitch-perfect performance as Nonna. Give her all the awards.
Genre tropes are perfectly utilized for laughs, scares, and gross-out factor. Ethan Lawrence Strokton delivers a beautifully memorable score. The FX are appropriately gagworthy. DP Ryan French‘s camerawork both floats through the room like a ghost and writhes like a maniac depending on the temperament of the dead.
The film will induce guffaws and pull at the heartstrings of anyone who grew up with very Italian relatives. Sunday dinners and over-indulgent holidays where aunts, uncles, and cousins shout phrases over one another. They are loud, boisterous occasions where there is always pinching of cheeks, favoritism, and mild racism. Gabriele absolutely nails what it means to be part of an Italian family.
The film delivers over-the-top splatterfest kills mixed with culturally specific humor, making Unholy Night feel like Christmas in July. The film’s finale is otherworldly and outright shocking, forcing audiences to examine love and loyalty. A story of redemption and unresolved trauma disguised as a holiday horror is a gift to Fantasia 2026 audiences.
Director
Michael Gabriele
Producer
Jason Levangie, Jenna MacMillan, Marc Tetreault
Writer
Michael Gabriele
Cast
Marc Bendavid, Toni Ellwand, Shailene Garnett, Ron Lea, Jacqueline Robbins
The noteworthy turn comes from Cindy’s neighbor Doc Zuess. John Bingham, whose character is reminiscent of Roberts Blossom from Home Alone, is brilliant. His performance legitimizes The Mean One, bringing it out of its Hallmark moments.
Even though the script overflows with tropes, they are masterfully woven into a compelling narrative. As multiple complications arise, the camera finally moves in a smooth dronelike manner. Then the gore hits us right in the face. *nudge, nudge, wink, wink* I would pay so much money to experience YULE LOG again in 3D. No, seriously. Also, don’t for a moment think you have the slightest idea of what comes next. YULE LOG is absolutely deranged and ridiculously entertaining.
Performances are outstanding. The commitment to the absurd is perfection. With shocking emotional swings and spectacular editing, there is not a slow moment. How Adult Swim managed to sneak in a last-minute horror film without Warner Bros. knowing blows my mind. It’s a holiday miracle. The creativity applied to this low-budget and undeniably genius production makes it one of the finest genre films of the year. YULE LOG is a Willy Winka mindfuck of a revenge horror. Don’t dare leave before the credits. You’ll miss out on writer-director Casper Kelley’s original theme song. It’s one final bizarre and brilliant stocking stuffer.
The gruesome kills are juxtaposed with a sick soundtrack (and one brilliant oral sex scene), top that off with a particularly shocking choice of violence. When Tori witnesses the act, our killer Santa goes ham on the house. The words, “Oh! That’s fucking nuts,” poured out of my mouth as he breached the threshold. I would be surprised if you didn’t end up saying the same.
Riley Dandy and Sam Delich give spectacular performances. Given writer-director Joe Begos‘ meaty fandom-laced dialogue, they look like they loved every minute. The discussion about horror sequel superiority had me cheering out loud. 
Steve Moore‘s original music is bitchin’. The practical fx are a gift. The pyrotechnic work keeps things merry and bright. The special makeup and Animatronic robot effects from Josh and Sienna Russell are a Christmas miracle. Will everyone compare it to Silent Night Deadly Night meets Terminator? Probably but who cares. CHRISTMAS BLOODY CHRISTMAS is a holiday horror treat. So, spike your eggnog, get as lit as your tree, and rock the hell out of this film.
Silent Nigh
Even as these chic adults reminisce about what could have been, their children attempt to come to terms with impending doom. Every scene featuring a child is perfection. That is what kids are like, and thank you, 
Writer/Director 
Eugénie Derouand
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