Christmas has come early for fans of legendary action auteurJohn Woo. Lionsgate unveiled the first trailer for the director’s new holiday-themed revenge flickSilent Nightwhich follows a father, played byJoel Kinnaman, who is left tormented after the death of his young son. Caught in the crossfire of gang violence, he’s also left with no voice and a burning hatred for his son’s killers. The footage follows him as he trains and sets out on a mission todeliver glorious justiceto the men responsible for ruining his life.
Opening on a classic Christmas tune, the trailer kicks off with a furious Kinnaman running through the streets in his holiday sweater and a bell jingling around his neck. Between his furious sprint are images of the tragedy that befell him and his family - two rival gangs in the midst of a vehicular shootout swerved by their home leaving the father and son riddled with bullets. All of this occurred during the holidays, leaving the family broken during “the most wonderful time of the year.” The father barely survives andvows holly jolly vengeance on Christmas Eve. Until then, he pumps iron, identifies the men responsible, prepares his car, and hones his aim at the firing range.
“Ode to Joy” plays as the action begins in earnest, showing offWoo’s legendary touch. Kinnaman’s methods of offing these gangsters range fromFast and Furious-style car-chases to attacking them hand-to-hand in their homes and hideouts, setting makeshift explosives, or just mowing them down with firearms aplenty. Despite the grief of the film’s setup, the violence that comes afterwill be stylish, fun, and immensely cathartic. Though Kinnaman’s character can’t say anything, his actions speak louder than words as everyone in his path is methodically dispatched with a nice mix of slow motion for extra emphasis.
Woo Makes His Grand Return With ‘Silent Night’
Woo hasn’t been behind the camera since 2017’sManhunt, but it has been even longer since he’s directed something for North American audiences.Silent Nightwill be his first American film sincePaycheckin 2003, which featured a brilliant cast includingBen Affleck,Aaron Eckhart, andUma Thurman. Hislong-awaited returnis described as a modern-day almost silent film and will feature a strong cast of its own led by Kinnaman. He’ll be joined by Academy Award-nominatedMaria Full of GracestarCatalina Sandino Morenoand Grammy-winning musicianScott Mescudiwho has built up quite the acting resume of late withEntergalactic,X, andYoung Love. Also aboard Woo’s team isRobert Archer Lynnwho penned the screenplay.
Silent Nightpremieres in theaters just in time for the holidays on December 1. Check out the trailer below.
