What ifHome Alonewas an R-rated action-horror film featuring a murderous mall Santa? That’s exactly what audiences get inDial Code Santa Claus, and it looks insane. Tired of watchingDie HardandGremlinsfor the hundredth time this holiday season? Well, boy, does the Alamo Drafthouse have something you’re not going to want to miss.
Dial Code Santa Clausis a newly rediscovered holiday cult classic from France, previously available only viaVHS bootlegs. The film actually pre-datedHome Alone, annihilating a generation of French kids weaned on action-packed Christmastime gems such asGremlinsandDie Hard. It disturbed critics and the moviegoing public with its uncompromising look beneath the surface of the beloved holiday. From there, the film went on to worldwide distribution…Except for America, where it had yet to see an official release until now.
The film had its North American Premiere this year at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX with director René Manzor in person, where it thrilled audiences and critics alike. “[Dial Code Santa Claus] plays like a blend of classic Amblin anda grindhouse nightmare. To say ‘this shit is nuts’ would be an understatement.” (Jacob Hall, Slash Film).
With the slick flair of a vintage MTV video,Dial Code Santa Clausblendsholiday cheerwith the audacious shock of a home-invasion thriller and 80s action classics likeRambo.Dial Code Santa Clausis a big-time “audience movie”, with dark surprises every few minutes along the way. Its crisp visuals and spooky atmosphere are catnip to horror fans, and its inventive fist-pumping set pieces are brand-new favorites for connoisseurs of cat-and-mouse thrillers.
Thomas is a typical 1980s kid: he loves computers, role-playing games, and his dog. While mom is away at the office on Christmas Eve, Thomas and his grandfather are left home alone – perfect timing for a disgruntled, perverted,bloodthirsty Santa Clausto raid the home down the chimney. But Hell hath no fury like a mulleted ten-year-old with an arsenal of toys! Made a year beforeHome Alone, the French-madeDial Code Santa Claushas almost the same plot, only filled with more style, bloodshed, and Rambo references.
Alamo Drafthouse is proud to makeDial Code Santa Clausimmediately available for theatrical bookings via the non-profit American Genre Film Archive, both for Christmas 2018 and beyond!
