Ruby Modine is giving us a gift this Christmas. The talented actress from Shameless, Happy Death Day, Satanic Panic, Dead Giveaway, and more, is starring in what looks to be a wickedly twisted romp through the holiday season. Ruby and co-star Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends, The Monkey) are giving a new meaning to the phrase “paint the town red” with Silent Night, Deadly Night (only in theaters on December 12).
The original Silent Night, Deadly Night was released on November 9, 1984. It was greeted with tremendous backlash — parents were less-than-thrilled with the idea of a slasher film that featured a murderous Santa Claus. But this plot was not new. Twelve years prior, the British anthology, Tales from the Crypt, starring Peter Cushing and Joan Collins, contained a disturbing segment where a child invited a killer Santa Claus into the home. Surprisingly, this film did not experience any backlash. On the contrary, it was fairly well received by critics and became a commercial success.
On November 15, 1984, just one week after its release, Tri-Star Pictures withdrew its advertising for the original Silent Night, Deadly Night. Shortly after, the film disappeared from theaters. But the overwhelming negative response didn’t kill the movie. Instead, it had a positive effect. Eventually, the temporary banning of the film catapulted it to legendary cult status. Silent Night, Deadly Night became a franchise with four sequels and one remake, or reimagining, if you prefer.
It’s been over a dozen years since the last installment in the franchise. Silent Night was released in 2012. But axe-wielding Santa has triumphantly returned. And this time, there’s a sinister twist. According to VVS Films, “After witnessing his parents’ brutal murder on Christmas Eve, Billy transforms into a Killer Santa, delivering a yearly spree of calculated, chilling violence. This year, his blood-soaked mission collides with love, as a young woman challenges him to confront his darkness.”
Ruby Modine plays Pamela Sims, Billy’s love interest. But could she also be his massacre muse? There’s a moment in the trailer when things get more than a little steamy, and Billy begins taking off his Santa suit — the psychological prompt that allows Billy to slip into “something else.” However, instead of encouraging him to transform back into Billy, Pamela pleads (breathlessly), “Wait, wait, wait. Keep it on!” This adds a whole new level to “it’s complicated.” And we can’t wait to see how all the pieces fit together!
Although Ruby is famously tight-lipped about spoilers, Entertaining Options wanted to ask her a few questions about the film and her previous roles. We also wanted to know what she thought about a couple of hypothetical scenarios.
Since I favor horror, to me, you are a scream queen. But throughout your impressive career, you have played all kinds of characters in all types of roles. Do you have a favorite character? If so, which one and why?
Thank you for the compliment! I’d have to say at this point in time that my two favorites are Jill from Dead Giveaway and Pamela from Silent Night, Deadly Night. I was able to become these women in a way that I haven’t in the past and had so much fun with the experimentation and range. Both are wild and loving women who are navigating life and doing the best they can to be the best versions of themselves in a really raw kind of way.
In your reaction video to the trailer of Silent Night, Deadly Night, you go through a wide range of emotions, from shouting to laughing to a little bit of tears. Can you explain what was going on while you were watching the trailer?
I have a difficult time watching the violence, so scary. I have a physical reaction, like when you see someone fall on their back, you grab yours and shout. That was the first time I had seen the trailer though, so I was in awe and just over the moon to see where the film continues to go. There was so much hard work, laughter, and love poured into it. For it to be getting such a great reaction makes me smile… Hence the shouting and teary eyes in that reaction video.
Do you think Silent Night, Deadly Night could be taking place in the same universe as Satanic Panic?
I think Satanic Panic is in its own plane of existence. Like Judi says, “We’re in the veil of shadows; it’s all f*cked up here.”
Who would win in a fight: Lori Spengler (Happy Death Day) or Pamela Sims (Silent Night, Deadly Night)?
I really think it would be a pretty fair fight. They’d battle it out until they were both exhausted on the floor, side by side.
Did you watch the original Silent Night, Deadly Night? Did it inform your acting in any way?
I did watch the original, but no, Mike [Mike P. Nelson, writer/director] created a very unique take on this film. It pays homage in many moments, but this is a very creative and beautiful take on the story. I think (hope) that the really diehard fans enjoy this new take on it.
Were there any behind-the-scenes stories that you’ll always cherish or laugh about?
One memory that I revisit when I need a good laugh is “the pooping incident” day on set… Rohan, Mike, and I were sobbing with laughter, literally catching tears. The laughter was every day though, and what a gift to work with such incredibly talented and kind artists that you’re learning from every day.
Is there anything else you’d like to bring up? Any upcoming roles, projects, songs, etc. that you want to make fans aware of?
YES! I’ve got a new single out feat. Tommy Roulette of Ill Niño. It’s titled LINEAR. The music video drops in the next few days (directed by Daniel Diaz). I’ve got 3 songs to be released before the end of 2025. There are some great features coming up alongside some tour dates that will be announced soon, new song releases, a new album… I’ll have to come back and tell you about all of that another time though.
If the trailer is any indication, Silent Night, Deadly Night looks to be a wildly violent and bloody Christmas romance film. “Have you been naughty?” The movie opens in theaters on December 12.
Ruby Modine Links:
Instagram• Spotify
Silent Night, Deadly Night Links:
website• Instagram• Facebook• X• TikTok
Entertaining Options 