The Naughty List of Mr. Scrooge

Rating Breakdown: Story - 0.75 :: Direction - 1.50 :: Pace - 1.50 :: Performances - 1.25 :: Entertainment - 1.50 :::: TOTAL - 6.50/10.00.

Ah, The Naughty List of Mr. Scrooge (2024)-a dark, festive chiller that's as much a visual treat as it is a suspenseful ride. With stunning direction, moody lighting, and dazzling scene compositions, this film is a gift to the senses. Even the pacing is a triumph, pulling you through a whirlwind of tension, release, and jaw-dropping moments.

The cast shines too, bringing wit, mystery, and a touch of camp to their roles. The relationships crackle with catty, Noël Coward-esque banter that's as sharp as a candy cane sharpened to a deadly point. It's fun, it's thrilling, and for most of its runtime, it's one to savour.

But then comes the ending. Oh, the ending. Without spoiling things, let's just say the reveal is predictable, and the killer's motivation? Laughably flimsy. It's a twist that lands with the grace of a drunk Santa falling off a roof, and it left me colder than a December night.

That said, everything leading up to the finale is so well-crafted that it's hard to dismiss the film entirely. Watch it for the suspense, the stellar direction, and the fun performances-but know that the destination won't quite live up to the ride.