The 2023 horror-comedy, It’s a Wonderful Knife, sounds like a simple, clever pun. It presents a holiday slasher remix of the classic It’s a Wonderful Life. However, director Tyler MacIntyre and writer Michael Kennedy deliver a film that is far more than just a gimmick. This movie is wonderfully energetic. It is sharply written and surprisingly heartfelt. It carves out its own unique place in the rapidly growing sub-genre of comedic horror mashups.
The film’s protagonist is Winnie Carruthers (played with great depth by Jane Widdop), a “Final Girl” whose traumatic experience a year prior—stopping a masked serial killer known as “The Angel” on Christmas Eve—has left her isolated and unappreciated. In a moment of despair, gazing up at the Northern Lights, Winnie wishes she’d never been born. Instantly, she’s transported to a grim alternate reality. In this Angel Falls where she never existed, the killer was never stopped, leaving the town a nightmare of despair, crime, and ongoing murder, all under the iron fist of the now-Mayor, Henry Waters (a delightfully unhinged Justin Long).
The genius of It’s a Wonderful Knife is in its execution of a high-concept premise. It manages to do this while refusing to sacrifice character for comedy or scares. The horror elements are slick and satisfying, featuring an inspired “Angel” mask design and some inventive kills—but the true strength of the film lies in the relationships Winnie forges in this dark new world.
Finding Light in the Alternate Darkness
Winnie is trapped in a reality where her family doesn’t recognize her. She finds an unexpected, essential ally in Bernie (Jess McLeod). Bernie is the school outcast, often dismissed as a “weirdo.” Their dynamic forms the emotional core of the film. It transforms what could have been a standard “I was never born” quest into a touching story of connection and self-worth. Bernie’s genuine compassion and quiet strength help Winnie understand the true impact of her existence. She recognizes this not just in the horrific deaths she prevented. It is also seen in the small, vital connections she makes.
The film’s supporting cast adds a rich texture to Angel Falls. Justin Long is fantastic as the smarmy, megalomaniacal real estate mogul turned mayor. He perfectly captures the heightened, satirical villainy needed for this genre. Joel McHale, as Winnie’s father, provides some excellent dramatic heft, while Katharine Isabelle shines as the “cool” Aunt Gale, a welcome nod to horror veterans.
A Modern, Queer Take on a Timeless Message
What truly sets this film apart is its unapologetically queer sensibility, penned by Freaky screenwriter Michael Kennedy. Multiple main characters are LGBTQ+. This includes Winnie, her brother, and her aunt. Their sexualities are integrated seamlessly into the story. They are not the butt of a joke or a dramatic plot point. More importantly, the central, budding romance between Winnie and Bernie becomes the ultimate payoff of the film’s message.
In this parallel reality, Winnie’s presence literally saves Bernie’s life. This underscores the universal truth that people on the fringes, those who feel insignificant, often matter the most. The film beautifully articulates a message that resonates deeply with modern audiences. It conveys that your life has immeasurable value. Your absence would leave an unthinkable void.
It’s a Wonderful Knife may be a horror movie, but its spirit is full of holiday warmth, self-discovery, and empowerment. It’s a clever, funny, and surprisingly moving cinematic stocking stuffer. It deserves to become a new annual tradition for those who like their Christmas cheer served with a generous side of blood. It’s a spirited reminder that sometimes, the sharpest comedies have the biggest hearts.
To read my other HOLIDAY HORRORS blogs, click HERE. To add this fun movie to your film library, click on the Blu-ray movie cover below.
