I remember I went in to this blind when it was released because of a radio appearances by Paul Giamatti and some fascinating stories he told. It is a lot more thoughtful than the “Christmas comedy” tag would suggest and is full of amazing characters.
I’d welcome any recommendations from the community too if you have any favourite festive movies.
Adding a few more suggestions.
I really liked Violent Night. It is really bloody for a Christmas movie. I ultimately didn’t mind the liberties they took with the myth of Santa. Despite it being a dark comedy/action/thriller with a lot of bloodshed, they kept the magic real.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12003946/
Better Watch Out (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4443658/) is fun, in a Christmas psychopath kind of way.
Likewise, A Christmas Horror Story (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3688406). It’s multiple connected vignettes. If I say it includes Santa Claus fighting a zombie outbreak among the elves at the North Pole, I don’t know if it sells it or turns folks off. Covers all the bases: zombies, ghosts, changelings, etc.
Going back to the Rom-Com Christmas, there’s
Your Christmas or Mine? (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21994906/) and Your Christmas or Mine 2 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27446495/)