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It’d be almost criminal if Widdicombe’s short dark comedy
didn’t at least garner a cult following, I mean “Santa Baby” is almost
“Fatal Attraction” sans the sex, and murder. To some “Santa Baby” may be
utterly disturbing, and while it is rather demented and twisted—oh fuck
it, this film is
utterly disturbing, but man is it good. It’s the story of a girl short
on love who visits Santa Claus for the first time ever. And then falls in
love with him. Not crushing, but sheer utter love that results deeper
and deeper into obsession, and stalking. She appears at the store
everyday, confronts him about talking to other little girls, writes him
numerous love letters, drops presents everyday at his house,
and then it gets frightening. But funny.
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Oh so
frightening. But still, very funny. Who knew being a minimum
wage Santa could ruin your life, eh?
Widdicombe’s story is so utterly
repulsive, yet you still can’t help laughing at the fact of
such a little girl could doom this hapless man just looking
for a job on the holidays. The character Amelia proves to be
the ultimate femme fatale and touch of doom as this pure snake with a smile
who decides she’s in love with this man, Santa or not, and
will not leave him alone regardless of his actions. |
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Widdicombe’s script is sick, but his
humor is utterly priceless taking a concept of a girl seeking solace
in this fake Santa, and turning it into a full on dark comedy. The
performances are wonderful, particularly from Jordan Todosey as this
chubby cheeked doll who uses her disadvantages to her advantage
sneaking in and out of his life, manipulating him in to doing what
she wants,
while Hardey T. Lineham is hilariously hopeless as this man dealing
with demon seed who will not relent in her passion for him; he gives
her a pep talks, he attempts reverse psychology, and even wards her
off with no avail. She'll be damned if Santa will reject her
affections. Widdicombe’s
story is hilarious, morbid, and, in a creepy twist, very possible.
Widdicombe’s short is not what I expected,
and that’s what makes “Santa Baby” such a bitter drink of comedy. It
fools you into thinking we’re getting a sweet tale of a lonely girl, and
we’re essentially left with a twisted comedy that, granted, is filled
with great acting, an original script, and tight direction, is
altogether disturbing. Oh, and remind me never to tell a child they’re
my special friend.
- Accolades:
Winner, Best Film Comedy - Los Angeles International Short Film
Festival
Winner, Best Actress - Yorkton Short Film & Video Festival
Winner, Best Screenplay, Worldwide Short Film Festival, Toronto
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