Introduction
Since time immemorial, thriller movies have been thrilling audiences from all walks of life. One of the most beloved subgenres to emerge over the years is the ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller, which typically tells a suspenseful story that takes place within the weeks leading up to the holidays. The ‘don’t open till Christmas’ format has been used in a variety of films, some of which have achieved great popularity and critical acclaim. In this article, we will explore the history of the don’t open till Christmas thriller genre, looking at the various films released over the years and analyzing why they were so successful.
Background Information
A ‘don’t open till Christmas’ movie is one where a critical moment in the plot is dependent on Christmas day, or a similar holiday in a different country. It often involves a secret that must not be revealed until the holiday has arrived, with characters’ lives depending on everyone keeping quiet. The ‘don’t open till Christmas’ format is a highly suspenseful and dramatic way of creating a thrilling story, and it has been used in films since at least the early 1980s. One of the earliest popular films to use this structure was John Carpenter’s ‘Christine’, which was released in 1983. The film stars Keith Gordon as the protagonist, who is imprisoned in the garage of a mysterious car with a time release requiring him to not open the car until Christmas.
Types of Don’t Open Till Christmas Thriller Movies
Over the years, the ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller format has been used in films of all different types. There are some films that are classic horror films, such as ‘Black Christmas’ (1974) and ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’ (1984). There are also films that blend elements of horror and suspense, such as ‘Santa’s Slay’ (2005), ‘Krampus’ (2015), and ‘Better Watch Out’ (2016). Finally, there are films that are primarily psychological thrillers, such as ‘A Simple Plan’ (1998), ‘The Machinist’ (2004), and ‘Dream House’ (2011).
Impact on Popular Culture
The popularity of the ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller genre has impacted popular culture. Many films that use this format have become cult classics, and they have become cherished holiday fixtures by a wide range of viewers. In addition, the success of these films has led to many parodies, like the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise, as well as various sequels.
The Dichotomy of Fear and Fun
The ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller genre has a unique dichotomy between fear and fun. On one hand, these films evoke fear in the audience as they explore dark themes, with characters facing life-threatening situations that must be solved by the time the holiday arrives. On the other hand, these films often take a comedic approach, with characters trying to balance out the terror with Christmas cheer. This dichotomy has allowed these films to appeal to a wide variety of viewers, and it has contributed to their success.
The Continuing Influence of the Genre
The ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller format remains popular today, with films being released in the genre every year.This year, the recently released film ‘F At Last’ follows this classic format, with the protagonist being issued a time-sensitive mission during the holiday season and trying to save the day before Christmas.
Analysis of Iconic Films
Many iconic films have used the ‘don’t open till Christmas’ structure throughout the years. One such film is the 1996 release ‘Scream.’ Directed by Wes Craven and starring Neve Campbell, it follows the story of a group of high school students who must solve a murder before the holiday break. The film utilized the ‘don’t open till Christmas’ format to create a suspenseful atmosphere as the killer becomes closer to his unwilling target.
Influence of Directors
The success of films using the ‘don’t open till Christmas’ structure has inspired many directors to explore this type of movie. One such filmmaker is M. Night Shyamalan, who has used this trope in several of his films, including ‘The Village’ (2004), ‘The Happening’ (2008), and ‘Devil’ (2010.) His films often create tension between characters as they attempt to keep their secrets hidden while under extreme pressure during the holidays.
Implications of Don’t Open Till Christmas Thrillers
The ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller genre has had a significant impact on the film industry, with the format being used in many classic films throughout the years. This genre has become popular due to its dichotomy between fear and fun, as well as its ability to create tension and suspense. In addition, directors like M. Night Shyamalan have taken this genre to new heights in order to explore new possibilities and themes.
Themes of Mystery and Discovery
The ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller genre often explores both mystery and discovery, as characters uncover secrets and make new discoveries as they struggle to complete their mission before the holiday arrives. Films like ‘Krampus’ (2015) and ‘Dream House’ (2011) use this type of theme to create suspense and engage the audience.
Psychological Thrillers
The ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller genre has become particularly popular as a type of psychological thriller. Films like ‘A Simple Plan’ (1998) and ‘The Machinist’ (2004) explore the psychological effects of a character being trapped in a suspenseful situation that they cannot easily escape.
Conclusion of the Mission
The conclusion of the ‘don’t open till Christmas’ film is often a tense and thrilling experience, as characters attempt to reach the goal before time runs out. This climax is often echoed in other films, such as ‘Die Hard’ (1988), as characters are forced to make last minute decisions or face potentially disastrous consequences.
Alternative Narratives
The ‘don’t open till Christmas’ structure can also be used to explore alternative narratives that move beyond simply survival. Films like ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’ (2004) use this format to explore different social themes, as well as a sense of mystery and discovery.
Global Popularity
The ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller genre has achieved a great deal of popularity over the years, transcending cultural and national boundaries. Foreign films such as ‘The Red Light’ (2014), ‘The Bride’ (2015), and ‘Late Bloomers’ (2016) have all explored this type of movie, making it an international phenomenon.
Experts Perspectives
Film experts have praised the ‘don’t open till Christmas’ thriller genre for its ability to create tension and suspense in an exciting way. Critics have noted that the unique combination of fear, fun, and mystery has allowed these films to stand out from other holiday films and become beloved classics.
Analysis and Insights
The don’t open till Christmas thriller is a popular genre which has been used throughout the decades, often to great acclaim. By combining thrill and suspense with comedic elements, they have managed to appeal to a wide variety of audiences, who have identified with their protagonists. The success of the genre has been further reinforced by the iconic films that have explored it, such as ‘Scream’ and ‘The Village.’ This has resulted in an enduring legacy, as many directors continue to use the ‘don’t open till Christmas’ structure to explore new stories and themes.
