The Rabid Dog’s House is a recurring feature at Wicked Horror where contributor Justin Steele uncovers hidden gems, lost classics, and overlooked indie offerings. Flying solo or with his co-host Zena Dixon, he will discuss an array of topics covering film, literature, and television. Check out the latest installment below. In this episode we’re looking back at 2006’s Black Christmas!
Black Christmas (2006) is an update of the 1974 flick directed by Bob Clark about a group of sorority sisters stalked by a menacing figure who likes to reference Billy and Agnes after committing a murder. Starring Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, and John Saxon, the original Black Christmas is often considered an influential part of horror history. Bob Clark’s 1974 feature was updated in 2006 with direction by Glen Morgan, and the backstory of the killer is fleshed (pun intended) out. Starring Katie Cassidy, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Andrea Martin, 2006’s spin received mixed views at the time illustrating a hesitance to accept remakes while also praising the movie’s clever kills and characterizations of strong women.
Related: Dolly Dearest is Playful Nineties Fun [The Rabid Dog’s House]
In 2019, Blumhouse Productions brought the Black Christmas moniker back to life; however, this incarnation directed by Sophia Takal took a different approach. Leaving behind much of what Bob Clark created, only the vaguest of links to the productions from 1974 and 2006 remain in the latest reboot. Starring Imogen Poots, Aleyse Shannon, and Cary Elwes, audiences were now given two approaches to the whole “remake” concept.
Join Justin and Zena below as they discuss what made Black Christmas (2006) a beloved holiday selection to them, as they also compare the classic original alongside the latest version.
