User Reviews (31)

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  • After being released from Prison, Mark is determined to go straight for the sake of his round daughter, but his former cellmate Alan convinced him to do one final job.

    Once again, I was hooked in by a number one on Netflix tag, only this time I quite enjoyed the choice. I'll be honest, it does have a low budget feel about it, but I think that's part of its charm. There will be obvious comparisons, Lock stock for example, but it's not trying to be.

    So it's not exactly Die Hard, you're not going to want to dig this out every December, but as a one off, it's worth seeing, and the good outweighs the bad, just about.

    I really liked Bradley Taylor as Mark, I really did buy a guy down on his luck, trying hard to make changes and desperate to restart his life. Joel Fry also very good, nice to see him in a serious role.

    Favourite scene had to be that surreal Christmas dinner, that really was off the wall, a cracking and unexpected twist.

    6/10.
  • nogodnomasters29 December 2020
    Warning: Spoilers
    Mark (Bradley Taylor) is recently out of prison. His friend Alan (Cary Crankson ) tells him his old boss Caddy (Frank Harper ) wants to see him. Caddy claims the four years Mark did in prison did not pay the debt. Caddy wants Mark to kill three more people or else his daughter will get it. The film was rather a mundane crime saga until about 10 minutes from the end when the twist concerning Alan was revealed and then you wanted to go back and watch it except it showed you the key scenes.

    The film was okay. I had trouble understanding Caddy sometimes when he talked.

    Guide: F-word. Sex. No nudity.
  • A very enjoyable film despite the genre not usually being on my, "must see" list. Perhaps I enjoyed it more as it was filmed around my local area, but there were some good characters and performances, although the cockney gangsta mumblings were a little hard to understand at times.
  • Some good cameos and well shot scenes. Enjoyed watching it.
  • gressman0730 January 2022
    The setup has been done to death, so beyond its Christmas backdrop I wasn't expecting much. It is entertaining enough until the contracts begin, at which point it sort of picks up steam.

    The final act is full of twists and turns that while not entirely original, were a pleasant surprise given what I thought would be a much more straight forward "seen this setup a hundred times before" type ordeal (guy out of prison, tries going clean, drawn in for "one last job" etc).

    I start all movies at neutral 5 and go from there. Most tend to get a 6 (slightly positive +1) if they generally entertain, but for its unforeseen twists and turns and what was a genuinely enthralling final act, this rose to +2 (7/10)
  • Pretty easy to watch, can't fault the script / acting / jokes, was all pretty good and the movie goes along nicely.

    The one thing that i found extremely annoying is the main 'twist', it's too obvious and been done thousands of times before i can't believe people can still be surprised by it.

    Aside from that the story takes different twists and turns and keeps you watching till the end as the main character goes through a seemingly unwinnable situation.

    Nothing great but def worth a watch as a bit of a festive comedic ganster movie. Although i think alot of the movie was obviously filmed away from christmas so the outside shots aren't very festive.. but the christmas dinner at the end is very good.
  • sammains22 May 2021
    I actually enjoyed this movie . Despite some reviews Ive read .. The gloomy look was captured very well And the decision the main character had to make about his life was interesting I heard it was a first for the director so well done.. I personally would not have had the policeman scene in it .as I felt it really brought everything to an end ..we there was still a bit to go... The music I have to say blow me away ...I've tired to find who the composer was Really grabed my attention ..it's the music were he s walnut up the steps to his friends apartment ..best piece of music I e heard in a long time ..also the acting was very strong from caddydown to the side kick uncle Tom ... I will be recommending to all my friends Because it's nice just to watch a good plain old English crime thriller ..
  • rikofold16 July 2021
    I have a suspicion that the wide variation in how this film was perceived probably depends on whether you're British or not. As a Brit - and from South London to boot - I was pleasantly surprised by this film, and especially the lead (Bradley Taylor), who was outstanding throughout. Twist was unexpected, well executed but fell down slightly on the originality front. Full of South London grit and black humour, and the director somehow managed to eke sympathy for Taylor's character out of me when I'm not convinced much was deserved. Time well spent with this one.
  • Was expecting a one dimensional gangland thriller but this delivered a lot more. Gritty and remarkably well shot, yes...but there's elements of dark humour in there and decent performances, particularly from "Mark" the lead. Well worth a watch.
  • Much more entertaining than I had expected, watched on a whim and even though it's low budget the performances were great, some funny scenes with Joel Fry and is certainly more interesting/better than the usual 'Brit gangster' type films, which this isn't. Def recommend if you like Brit movies.
  • This is definitely my kind of Christmas film. Absolutely loved the performances between the two leads and loved spotting all the familiar South London locations, felt real and raw but with some great touching moments and some humour that made you feel like you were with old friends. I'd definitely watch it again!
  • Because this movie has plenty of gunfire and violence, surely enough for most fans of the crime thriller genre. The cast all make their characters believable and interesting, even those with small roles like the cop. The dialogue has some clever bits, and Silent Night's director, Will Thorne, did a fine job dealing with all the challenges of making a by no means simple gangland revenge story entertaining. If this comes out as a DVD with a director's cut, it could well be worth buying just to see how movies are made in gritty urban settings.

    What really sets Silent Night apart, however, is a twist in the plot. Can't say much about that without taking this review into spoiler territory, but the twist certainly puts Mark in a whole different light. Not necessarily a better light, however.
  • I cannot believe some of the poor reviews solely because it wasn't a Christmas film!! This film was grim but realistic, superbly acted with a great story, I think if you're not British then you won't get it. Highly reccomended.
  • A perfect example of a classic British Gangster Film. It is a dark and gritty film which highlights many issues faced in today's society. The continuously twisting plot is enhanced by amazing acting, particularly by the main actor - Bradley Taylor, leaving you glued to the screen. It is a must watch.
  • coiner-5185215 December 2020
    This is a very understated film. Depicts some of lifes struggles in the underbelly of Britain. I didn't have high expectations because of the low rating, but was pleasantly surprised. Got some laughs as well. Definitely worth a watch unless you prefer Downton Abbey style Christmas movies like one reviewer.
  • I loved this movie. Heartfelt, thrilling, with engaging characters and a good dose of humour too. Actors, Bradley Taylor and Cary Crankson give stellar performances, playing off of one another to perfection. I loved the unexpected twists and nuanced performances. Highly recommend.
  • There is a vein of dark comedy that runs throughout this with fantastic performances from the two lead characters. Frank Harper is also, as always a presence to be reckoned with. This isn't a guns and glamour sensationalised gangster film, but rather is told from the perspective of a white van man in an impossible situation. Beautifully shot. Can't wait to see more from this Director.
  • A superb lead performance from Bradley Taylor (shades of Edward Norton) and hilarious support from Cary Crankson, Nathaniel Martello White and the ever-brilliant Joel Fry, together with the classy shot-making and tightly structured twisty script from writer-director Will Thorne, make this a thoroughly entertaining and gripping British crime thriller.
  • A triumph of a movie, years of hard work and dedication has brought this film to our screens.

    Classic gangseter movie with all the trimmings! Strong performances all round, beautifully filmed. Having lived in South London most of my life I felt the mood and grit of the movie was spot on.

    If you've not seen it make sure you add it to your list, even better get it on DVD and keep this modern classic for ever!

    Can't wait to see what new projects these talent folk come up with next!
  • Bradley Taylor! He is definitely one to look out for. An unbelievable performance. He and Cary Crankson (also excellent) bounced off each other like old friends. The beautiful cinematography showed off the suburbs of South London in all of its glorious grit. For fans of Shane Meadows, particularly Dead Mans Shoes. Highly recommended.
  • I really enjoyed it, the storey line was engaging and there's a twist!
  • This is a master class in indie filmmaking!!! What an incredible team that assembled this edge of your seat thrill ride. I was gripped from start to finish. The cinematography is gorgeous, the directing is spot on and the performances are phenomenal. An amazing ensemble. The film falls on (Bradley Taylor's) shoulders as he's in every frame, and he excels in this performance of troubled Mark along with his camaraderie teamed up with a fantastic dynamic with (Cary Crankson) Frank Harper adds that danger element as Marks world becomes more complicated as he tries to save his family. This is one of those Christmas films that will stay with you long after the credits. Will Thorne creates a very real and brutal world, with wonderfully complex and troubled characters round every corner thrown into the dark world of money, greed...but who will keep the crown?
  • Gripping, twisting indie crime thriller, with Bradley Taylor (Pumpkinhead 3), Cary Crankson (Death of England at The National Theatre) and Joel Fry (Plebs). Beautifully shot, and smartly scripted by writer-director Will Thorne. It's got criminals, chainsaws and even a carol, plus an appearance by gangster movie legend Frank Harper (Lock Stock..., The Football Factory) Everything you want for Christmas.
  • deanosborn23 December 2020
    Really good film well worth a watch a good story line some great
  • Great film, lots of twists which made for an entertaining watch, would recommend for sure 👍🏻
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