Filthy Billy: Why Black Christmas at 50 remains so relevant

Regardless of how many times I’ve seen the movie “Black Christmas”, it continues to give me chills. Although it has some dark humor that hints at the comedic films directed by Bob Clark, such as “Porky’s” and “A Christmas Story”, it remains a potent and haunting slasher film. Its impact was felt throughout the late 1970s and the slasher trend of the 1980s. Fifty years later, the themes in “Black Christmas” – particularly Jess’ (Olivia Hussey) storyline about her pregnancy and choosing to have an abortion, and the portrayal of masculine threats against a sorority of women – seem strikingly contemporary as we approach 2024.



