This week, The Film Jury dives into the 1974 horror classic Black Christmas, the original slasher that helped define the genre long before Halloween or Friday the 13th. Directed by Bob Clark and written by A. Roy Moore, this cult favorite blends holiday cheer with chilling suspense, a creeping sense of dread, and some of the most iconic early slasher techniques in cinematic history.

Starring Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, and John Saxon, the film follows a group of sorority sisters who begin receiving terrifying phone calls and threats during the Christmas holiday. As tension mounts and murders escalate, no one is safe — and the line between safety and horror disappears.

In this episode, the Jury discusses:

• How Black Christmas influenced the modern slasher genre

• The performances of Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, and the ensemble cast

• Bob Clark's use of suspense, framing, and sound design to create terror

• The film's lasting legacy in holiday horror and cult cinema

• Why this classic still resonates with audiences decades later

NEW RANKING SYSTEM — Full Acquittal

• James — Not Guilty

• Kristina — Not Guilty

• Heidi — Not Guilty

The Film Jury delivers a unanimous verdict: Black Christmas (1974) remains a chilling, masterful classic that continues to haunt holiday horror fans.

Tune in for our full discussion, and see why this seminal slasher still holds up as a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.