Cast
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Dave Sheridan
as Paranormal Perry
Greg Sestero
as Geoff/The Owner’s Manual
Vernon Wells
as Santa
Lori Richardson
as Mrs Claus
Todd Lubitsch
as Bill
Ruby Setnik
as Rachel
Caleb Lush
as Dave
Devin Valdez
as Devin
Louise Harding
as Jess
Romulo Reyes
as Hans Trapp
Jason Kuykendall
as Dean
Robert Livings
as Delivery Man
Larry Glenn
as Man in Black
Dominic Laurente
as Dating Video Guy
Jesse Raymond
as IFX Operator
Crew
Director
- Robert Livings
- Randy Nundlall Jr.
Writer
- Robert Livings
- Randy Nundlall Jr.
Producer
- Vernon Wells
- Randy Nundlall Jr.
- Travis Ayers
- Robert Livings
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Comedy/Horror/Romance film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Christmas Tapes presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Robert Livings brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Christmas Tapes took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Christmas Tapes shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lurking, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Christmas Tapes offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Anna Ishibashi: The Missing Actress and Puzzle Box: The Glitch explore similar territory, The Christmas Tapes stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 12, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch
