CARNAGE FOR CHRISTMAS
Alice Maio Mackay‘s fifth film makes its Montreal premiere at Fantasia 2024. CARNAGE FOR CHRISTMAS finds a murder podcast host answering a listener’s question, “How did you get into true crime?” Lola recounts a childhood hometown legend, then returns to said location for the Christmas holidays.
When the town’s queer population starts getting murdered, and with a sudden uptick in sightings of The Toy Maker, Lola digs into her expertise and goes over the heads of the local cops to try to find the killer.
Graphic novel animation serves as visually delightful childhood memories surrounding Lola’s backstory with the villain. The poster is undoubtedly an homage to Black Christmas, and the classic trope of a killer in a Santa suit plays, ala Silent Night Deadly Night, still rules.
The practical FX team nails it, aided by the slick editing. Speaking of, the editing and featured neon lighting feel like a calling card for Mackay and editor Vera Drew, Aka “The People’s Joker.” (A must-see feast for the eyes) If you’ve seen Mackay’s 2023 film T BLOCKERS, you’ll understand she’s building a brand here.
Jeremy Moineau gives Lola an effortlessly badass persona but beautifully balances toughness with authentic vulnerability. Her monologue about the town’s history is perfection.
Alice Maio Mackay provides a creative space for trans artists to thrive. CARNAGE FOR CHRISTMAS has a solid mystery and great performances. It is another sweet notch in Mackay’s stylistic belt.
AUSTRALIA 2024 70 MINS OV ENGLISH
GENRE Drama, Horror, LGBTQIA2S+
DIRECTOR
Alice Maio Mackay
PRODUCER
Alice Maio Mackay
WRITER
Alice Maio Mackay, Ben Pahl Robinson
CAST
Zairf ., Dominique Booth, Olivia Deeble, Jeremy Moineau, Tumelo Nthupi
COMPOSER
Alexander Taylor
EDITOR
Vera Drew
Remaining Screenings of Carnage For Christmas:
Salle J.A. De Sève
PRESENTED WITH Elves on the Edge
For all things Fantasia 2024, 
Lewi Dawson plays Spencer, Sophie’s best friend and colleague. They are undeniably fantastic in this role. Stanley Browning is Adam, blind date and lead carrier of the infected alien hate worm. Etcetera Etcetera is our hostess with the mostess and hypnotizes with her spooky charm. Lauren Last gives us everything we need to feel grounded, permitting us to laugh at the premise. I would love to see her in more stories. I would welcome a sequel about Spencer and Sophie’s forthcoming shenanigans. 
2023 has been a step in the right direction for trans, queer, and nonbinary representation with films like 
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