Does Silent Night, Deadly Night Take Inspiration from Dexter & Halloween Ends? Here's What We Think

Silent Night, Deadly Night arrives this December 12 with a fresh take on the classic horror story. There are many instances where viewers and old fans of cinema can draw similarities between the story of Dexter and Halloween Ends. Here is further exploration on specific angles and plots.

Director Mike P. Nelson brings Billy Chapman back as a killer dressed in a Santa suit. Meanwhile, Rohan Campbell plays the troubled main character alongside Ruby Modine in this dark holiday tale.

The movie takes a different path from the original version while maintaining the holiday spirit. However, many viewers notice something familiar about the approach and execution. In fact, the film borrows heavily from other recent works that came before it.

Specifically, two titles stand out as clear influences on this remake entirely. The connection to anti-hero stories becomes hard to ignore when observing the storyline. Does the new film carve its own path forward? Or does it lean too heavily on what came before it?

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The Campbell connection

To start, Rohan Campbell brings a unique set of experiences here. He previously played Corey Cunningham in Halloween Ends. That character left a lasting impression on the film. Corey was a babysitter who became a killer. Eventually, the town turned against him. This pushed him toward violence. Campbell demonstrated his ability to play troubled characters, and the casting appears deliberate, based on both his movie roles.

Campbell already proved himself. Moreover, Billy Chapman follows similar paths. Both witness terrible violence as children. Additionally, both face rejection from communities. Consequently, both turn to killing. The parallel becomes clear. This connection suggests Halloween Ends heavily influenced this remake.

Also See: Silent Night, Deadly Night: Release date news, cast details and more about the upcoming slasher remake starring Rohan Campbell

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Halloween Ends all over again

Furthermore, the similarities between Silent Night, Deadly Night and Halloween Ends run deep. Both films center on young men damaged by trauma. Likewise, both characters fall for troubled women who care. In addition, both develop relationships built on shared pain. Interestingly, the stories feature problematic ex-boyfriends who are connected to law enforcement. These plot points mirror each other exactly.

Beyond that, there's also a supernatural element. Billy might share a connection with the original killer Santa. Similarly, this echoes how Corey linked with Michael Myers. Essentially, the films suggest that evil can be transferred between people. Therefore, this creates an interesting but familiar dynamic.

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The Dexter formula

On another note, Silent Night, Deadly Night borrows from popular television. Billy doesn't kill randomly like traditional slashers. Instead, he follows a code, and a voice guides his choices. This setup mirrors Dexter Morgan perfectly. The inspiration from Dexter becomes undeniable. As we know, Dexter made audiences root for killers. He only killed murderers who escaped justice.

Similarly, Billy operates the same way as he punishes those he deems naughty. Consequently, the movie wants sympathy. This removes horror elements. After all, slasher films need tension and chaos. When killers become good, tension disappears and is replaced by reliability. Therefore, this suggests a strong influence from Dexter.

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Missing the horror mark

Despite these elements, the film struggles with identity throughout. Traditional slashers create fear. However, Silent Night, Deadly Night presents Billy as an anti-hero. For instance, one scene shows him attacking clubs. The violence becomes cartoonish. Viewers root for Billy instead of fearing. This breaks fundamental horror rules.

Moreover, the kills don't push boundaries. Modern horror has raised the bar significantly. By contrast, this movie plays it safer. There's blood and violence. The film feels tame.

A love story in Silent Night, Deadly Night

Interestingly, both Halloween Ends and Silent Night, Deadly Night feature romance elements prominently throughout. Billy meets Pam at the Christmas shops. She has her own anger issues, but they bond over shared da kness. Ultimately, film becomes more about connection. Nevertheless, horror fans expect different. They want creative kills.

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Where originality gets lost?

To be fair, taking inspiration isn't inherently bad. However, the problem arises when copying becomes a problem. Silent Night, Deadly Night walks this line uncomfortably. The Halloween Ends structure feels lifted. Meanwhile, Dexter's code remains unchanged.

In comparison, the original film felt unique. Killer Santa was a controversial concept that pushed boundaries. On the other hand, this version plays it safer. It combines formulas rather than creating bold.

Silent Night, Deadly Night shows echoes of Dexter and Halloween Ends. However, it tries its path, but the similarities remain undeniable.