Spoilers never trust people that only read one book.

This is one of those films that you’re supposed to enjoy best without reading too much beforehand. However, it’s not one that particularly hides its intentions. All this to say, I might have been in the best frame of mind to watch this film. I also happen to have a bias for all films that manage to entertain their audience regardless of the moral high ground. I’ve said too much. Go watch it and come back. Unless you really need to know more.

(Credit: Shudder)

The Sacrifice Game (2023) is directed by Jenn Wexler who wrote it with Sean Redlitz. It’s Christmas Eve, 1971. Cultish killers on a rampage, Jude (Mena Massoud), Maisie (Olivia Scott Welch), Doug (Laurent Pitre) and Grant (Derek Johns) end up at the doors of a Catholic girls’ school. Young teacher Rose (Chloë Levine) is spending the Christmas break with two of her students Samantha (Madison Baines) and Clara (Georgia Aiken). Unfortunately for them, these murderers are here to perform a ritual, and they’re going to participate whether they want to or not.

It’s gory, it’s sadistic, it’s violent and it does not pull punches. The opening scene already sets up what you’re in for regarding gore, but not quite how it’s going to go. However, for me the sweeping vistas and camera angles sold me into the cinematography. The 70’s vibe is in a realistic effect without throwing every pop culture icon on the walls. Furthermore, as we establish our characters and believe we’ve learned our antagonists and heroes, things get flipped as we’re in for the riskiest of plot devices. Yes, we’ve got a sick twist coming up.

It worked almost flawlessly with me, but I get not everyone will be onboard once the film shift focus and our POV seems to switch from character to character. There are some really great performances from most of the leading cast. There was no placated mercy for the initial victims so once the switch turns the dynamics, you know there won’t be mercy when the pendulum swings the other way. The ending is subversive and some people might see it as an easy way out, but at the same time for once the movie ends the other way. Can’t say more, but I think it was overall fitting.

Highly recommended with slight reservations. Honestly, the entertainment factor is high and it does not restraints from blood and gore. Now it’s true that there’s less blood flowing at the end, but I don’t think there was anything left to prove by then. That being said, the ending might feel lighter in gore than the rest of the film. Very much worth a watch, and definitely subverts any Christmas movie expectations so I would recommend it for the recovery night after.

That will do for now.