The cinematic landscape is about to receive a delightfully twisted gift this holiday season, as U.K.-based sales and distribution powerhouse Blue Finch Films proudly announces its acquisition of worldwide sales rights for “Unholy Night.” This highly anticipated holiday horror feature, marking the compelling directorial debut of Michael Gabriele, promises to redefine festive fear with a uniquely personal and terrifying twist. Fresh off completing principal photography in the picturesque yet soon-to-be-blood-soaked locales of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the film is set to make a significant splash as Blue Finch launches its sales campaign at the prestigious Berlin European Film Market (EFM).
At the heart of “Unholy Night” lies a narrative as darkly humorous as it is genuinely chilling. The story unfolds on Christmas Eve, a time traditionally reserved for warmth, laughter, and familial bonds. For Gino, the protagonist, this means navigating the boisterous, loving, and undoubtedly intense traditions of his Italian family’s annual celebration. However, the usual holiday stresses pale in comparison when his recently deceased grandmother makes an unexpected and rather aggressive return from the grave, not for a heartwarming reunion, but for a deadly rampage. What begins as a single, horrifying apparition quickly escalates into a neighborhood-wide epidemic, as more and more deceased relatives rise to join the macabre festivities. Gino finds himself thrust into an unimaginable nightmare, tasked with the unenviable duty of eliminating these holiday revenants and, perhaps more dauntingly, making it through the family gathering alive. It’s a premise that masterfully fuses the relatable anxieties of holiday gatherings with the visceral terror of a supernatural slasher, promising a viewing experience that is both deeply unsettling and uproariously entertaining.
Michael Gabriele, the visionary behind “Unholy Night,” brings a distinctive voice to the horror genre with this feature-length debut. Known for his critically acclaimed short films, including the award-winning “Get Away,” Gabriele has honed a talent for crafting narratives that resonate emotionally while delivering sharp, impactful storytelling. His transition to features with “Unholy Night” is a natural progression, allowing him to expand on the thematic depth and stylistic flair evident in his earlier works. The screenplay, penned by Gabriele himself, is a testament to his unique perspective, blending personal experiences with a vivid imagination. The production of this ambitious project was a collaborative effort, with Gabriele joining forces with Jenna MacMillan of Club Red Productions, known for compelling works like “The Snake” and “Who’s Yer Father?”, and Jason Levangie and Marc Tetreault of Shut Up & Colour Pictures, whose impressive credits include “Sharp Corner” and “Kids vs Aliens.” This collective expertise underscores the film’s strong creative foundation, promising a polished and impactful final product. Executive producers Tina Carbone, Jef Burnham, Mike Chapman, and Fatima Hayward further bolstered the project, providing crucial support to bring Gabriele’s festive nightmare to life.
The cast assembled for “Unholy Night” is a compelling mix of established talent and rising stars, promising dynamic performances that will anchor the film’s blend of horror and dark comedy. Leading the ensemble are Marc Bendavid, recognized for his captivating roles in “Dark Matter” and “Reacher,” and Shailene Garnett, whose powerful performances in “Fire Country” and “Diggstown” have garnered widespread acclaim. Their combined experience in navigating complex characters and high-stakes narratives suggests a pair of leads capable of grounding the film’s fantastical elements in relatable human emotion. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring a roster of veteran actors whose presence adds significant depth and gravitas. Al Sapienza, known for his unforgettable turns in “The Sopranos” and “House of Cards,” brings a formidable presence, while Ron Lea (“The Recruit,” “Orphan Black”) and Ton Ellwand (“Mafia Inc.”) contribute their extensive dramatic range. Cristina Rosato, with credits in “Mother!” and “Assassin’s Creed,” alongside Jaqueline Robbins (“The Monkey”) and Joe Pingue (“Station Eleven,” “Star Trek: Section 31”), round out a talented ensemble that promises to deliver a truly memorable, albeit terrifying, family gathering.
For Gabriele, “Unholy Night” is more than just a horror film; it’s a deeply personal exploration of family dynamics and the sometimes-overwhelming weight of tradition. He eloquently articulated his inspiration, stating, “We all know holiday family gatherings can feel like a survival horror, but Unholy Night takes that relatable tension to an extreme. Growing up in my Italian family, Christmas Eve was always a huge event that was loud and full of love, but also incredibly intense. I wanted to take those real pressures we all feel with family and combine them into a visceral, festive nightmare.” This insight reveals a filmmaker drawing from authentic experiences to craft a narrative that, despite its supernatural elements, feels remarkably grounded in universal anxieties. Gabriele promises an experience that is “a violent ride that is hilarious, heartfelt, and frightening – as it explores the burden of family traditions and overcoming regret – amidst total chaos.” This balance of terror, humor, and genuine emotion is a hallmark of effective genre storytelling and positions “Unholy Night” as a film with both significant scares and surprising depth. For many, the holidays are a time of immense pressure, striving for perfection while navigating complex familial relationships. Gabriele’s vision taps directly into this shared human experience, amplifying it to a fantastical, terrifying extreme that resonates on a deeply relatable level, particularly for women who often bear the brunt of holiday planning and emotional labor within families.
The enthusiastic reception from Blue Finch Films further solidifies the film’s potential. Mike Chapman, a key figure at Blue Finch, praised Gabriele’s work, remarking, “‘Unholy Night’ is an impressive debut from Michael, taking the idea of unwanted family guests for Christmas to a whole new level. Mixing bold horror, dark humour, and heart, he has created a seasonal slam dunk.” Chapman’s commendation highlights the film’s unique blend of elements that Blue Finch, as an experienced sales company, recognizes as highly marketable. Their confidence in the project underscores its appeal to a broad international audience hungry for fresh, innovative horror. The European Film Market in Berlin serves as an ideal launchpad for “Unholy Night,” offering unparalleled access to a global network of buyers, distributors, and industry professionals. EFM is one of the world’s leading film markets, held concurrently with the Berlin International Film Festival, attracting thousands of participants each year. For an independent film like “Unholy Night,” presenting at EFM means immediate exposure to a diverse range of potential partners eager to acquire content for their respective territories. It’s a crucial step in securing worldwide distribution and ensuring the film reaches the widest possible audience.
Blue Finch Films itself has carved out a formidable reputation as a discerning purveyor of compelling independent cinema, particularly within the genre space. Their international slate is a testament to their keen eye for unique and impactful storytelling. Alongside “Unholy Night,” their current offerings include the Rotterdam-selected horror “Bowels Of Hell,” a film that promises visceral thrills, and the SXSW-selected sci-fi thriller “Imposters,” showcasing their versatility across genre boundaries. Furthermore, Blue Finch is involved with “Dolly,” a film that premiered to acclaim at Fantastic Fest and is slated for release by IFC and Shudder later this year, indicating their strong relationships with prominent genre distributors. This track record demonstrates Blue Finch’s strategic position in the market, making them an ideal partner to shepherd “Unholy Night” to global success. Their expertise in identifying films with crossover appeal, blending genre elements with strong narratives, aligns perfectly with the unique promise of Gabriele’s debut.
The horror genre has long embraced the festive season as fertile ground for terror, subverting the traditional warmth of holidays like Christmas into settings for chilling tales. From the slasher classic “Black Christmas” to the folkloric frights of “Krampus,” holiday horror taps into a collective sense of vulnerability when our guard is down, often amidst family gatherings where tensions can simmer just beneath the surface. “Unholy Night” cleverly leverages this tradition, but elevates it by introducing the distinctly Italian-American family dynamic, a rich tapestry of love, loyalty, and fierce opinions that becomes the perfect backdrop for supernatural chaos. The concept of deceased relatives returning, not as benign spirits but as malevolent revenants, adds a profound layer of psychological horror, exploring the idea of unresolved pasts literally haunting the present. It’s a brilliant metaphor for the unresolved issues and generational burdens that can manifest during holiday reunions, taking the relatable stress of family obligations and externalizing it into a terrifying, yet darkly comedic, physical threat.
As the film prepares for its market debut, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a standout entry in the holiday horror canon. Michael Gabriele’s “Unholy Night” is poised to offer audiences a fresh, exciting, and genuinely unsettling cinematic experience that will have them rethinking their own family Christmas Eve plans. With its unique premise, talented cast, and the robust backing of Blue Finch Films, this directorial debut is set to be a “seasonal slam dunk” indeed, delivering frights, laughs, and perhaps a moment of reflection on the true meaning of family—even when they’re trying to kill you.
