23: Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

This week, we plunge into the holiday horror classic Silent Night, Deadly Night. We dig deep into the film’s infamous controversy, its surprising box office rivalry with A Nightmare on Elm Street, and the cultural panic that erupted over a killer Santa Claus. We explore the movie’s themes of trauma, tradition, and the twisted impact of religious guilt, asking if Billy might be the most sympathetic slasher around. Along the way, we dissect the creative backgrounds of the director and writers, rate the brutality (and brilliance) of the special effects, and marvel at the oddly catchy original Christmas songs. Plus, we each perform original music inspired by the film—including a dark twist on Silent Night and a slasher-themed holiday radio single. Whether you love 80s horror, Christmas chaos, or just want to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice, you won’t want to miss this episode!