A Christmas Thriller That’s More Naughty Than Nice

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but the Merry Christmas movie is no candy-cane-coated Hallmark affair. This 2022 Malayalam thriller, now streaming on Netflix, trades tinsel and tree-trimming for a tangled web of secrets, lies and forbidden love.

Helmed by debut director Sriram Raghavan, Merry Christmas weaves a dark, twisted tale that’s more likely to send shivers down your spine than fill you with yuletide cheer. But for those who like their festivities spiked with a shot of suspense, this film delivers a gripping rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

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The Set-Up: A Christmas Gathering Gone Wrong

Merry Christmas movie plot kicks off on Christmas Eve, as a dysfunctional family gathers at their ancestral home in Kerala. There’s the stoic patriarch George (Mohan Lal), his dutiful wife Sona (Revathy), their rebellious daughter Jenny (Anikha Surendran), and Jenny’s fiancé Roshan (Roshan Mathew).

The mood is tense from the get-go, with unspoken grievances simmering beneath the surface. When a murder shakes the household on Christmas morning, everyone becomes a suspect. As secrets spill and shocking revelations emerge, it becomes clear that this is one Merry Christmas movie that’s more naughty than nice.

A Stellar Ensemble Cast

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its powerhouse ensemble.

• Veteran actors Mohan Lal and Revathy are in top form as the long-married couple grappling with the cracks in their relationship.

• Anikha Surendran, in her first lead role, is a revelation as the strong-willed yet vulnerable Jenny.

• But it’s Roshan Mathew who steals the show as the charming yet enigmatic Roshan. Fresh off his breakout performance in Kappela, Mathew brings shades of mystery and menace to his character, keeping viewers guessing about his true motivations till the very end.

Style and Substance

Director Sriram Raghavan, known for his edgy neo-noir thrillers like Andhadhun and Badlapur, brings his signature style to the film. Merry Christmas unfolds through a non-linear narrative, jumping between past and present to slowly unravel its mysteries.

• The cinematography by K.U. Mohanan lends a brooding, atmospheric feel, painting the sprawling family home in shadows and secrets.

• Haunting wide shots of mist-shrouded rubber plantations add to the film’s ominous undertones.

• The pulsing background score by Amit Trivedi ratchets up the tension, hinting at the darkness lurking beneath the Christmas cheer.

Themes and Talking Points

At its core, the Merry Christmas movie story is an exploration of the secrets we keep from our loved ones and the lies we tell ourselves. As the film strips away the family’s picture-perfect facade, it delves into themes of:

• Infidelity

• Intergenerational trauma

• Societal expectations

• The price of living a double life

It also offers sharp commentary on class divides and the crumbling institution of marriage. In one poignant scene, Sona laments, “In this family, it’s the women who make the sacrifices. The men just take and take.”

The Big Twist

Of course, it wouldn’t be a thriller without a jaw-dropping twist. While we won’t spoil it here, suffice it to say that the Merry Christmas movie ending packs a punch that will leave you reeling. The final act unravels at a breakneck pace, with shock after shock that forces you to question everything you thought you knew.

Some may find the barrage of twists a tad overwhelming. But there’s no denying the sheer bravura of the film’s climax, which manages to tie up all its loose ends while still leaving some tantalizing questions unanswered.

Did You Know?

Stream It or Skip It?

So, is the Merry Christmas movie worth adding to your holiday watchlist? If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat thrillers with a side of social commentary. Just don’t go in expecting the warm fuzzies.

With Airtel Broadband‘s lightning-fast speeds and unlimited data, you can binge this gripping tale uninterrupted. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a Merry Christmas that’s more grit than glitter.

FAQs

1. Is Merry Christmas movie based on a true story?
   No, Merry Christmas is a work of fiction. However, it draws inspiration from real-life themes and social issues.

2. Can Merry Christmas be watched with family?
   Due to its adult themes and violence, Merry Christmas is best suited for mature audiences. Parental discretion is advised.

3. Is the Merry Christmas movie available on OTT platforms?
   Yes, Merry Christmas is currently streaming on Netflix India. You can watch it with a subscription.

4. Who are the main cast members of Merry Christmas?
   The ensemble cast includes Mohan Lal, Revathy, Anikha Surendran, Roshan Mathew, Lena, and Joju George in pivotal roles.

5. What is the runtime of the Merry Christmas movie?
   Merry Christmas has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes).