Things have been intense on screen for Jane Widdop lately. As Laura Lee on Showtime’s addictive horror show Yellowjackets, the poor girl’s desperate plan to save her stranded friends tanked when the plane she was piloting exploded and crashed. Flash forward to It’s a Wonderful Knife, currently in theaters, and we find Widdop’s character Winnie Caruthers fending off a masked murderer in a holiday horror comedy that’s a wicked blend of Scream and It’s a Wonderful Life.

The tale chronicles Winnie’s plight in a small seaside town filled with secrets. One year after saving her town from a diabolical killer on Christmas Eve, Winnie is struggling with the aftermath. She wishes she’d never been born, then suddenly finds herself in a nightmare parallel universe where her wish has become a reality, much like George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life. But life without Winnie isn’t that great. The killer has returned, and she’s forced to team up with the town misfit to thwart any further danger, and hopefully get back to her own reality.

It’s a Wonderful Knife is directed by Tyler MacIntyre (Tragedy Girls; V/H/S/99) and written and produced by Michael Kennedy (Freaky). The film also stars Joel McHale (Community, Animal Control), Justin Long (Barbarian), Katharine Isabelle (Ginger Snaps), Jess McLeod (One of Us is Lying), and Cassandra Naud (Influencer). Jane Widdop shares more about shooting the film in this exclusive MovieWeb interview, and you can watch the video interview above.

It’s a Wonderful Knife Release Date November 10, 2023 Director Tyler MacIntyre Cast Joel McHale, Katharine Isabelle, William B. Davis, Justin Long, Jane Widdop, Jess McLeod Rating R Runtime 1hr 30min Main Genre Horror

How Yellowjackets Informed the Role
RLJE Films

From the moment Jane Widdop read Michael Kennedy’s inventive script, they knew they wanted to be in the film:

I was a fan of Freaky, and as soon as I read the script, I just absolutely loved it. I loved the way that [Michael] described Winnie, and I loved that, even though it is a scary slasher film, I loved the heartwarming gooey center it has. It fills my heart. I actually saw it last night, and it still makes me happy every time I see it.

Curiously, starring in Yellowjackets helped form their character here. Widdop is often seen running — and running and running — and screaming. It’s hard work trying to kill a masked killer, after all. As they explained, “Being on Yellowjackets definitely informed me in stunts, because I did my own stunt for episode eight where I dive into the pool, and I hit my head. So, I was already versed in that and how important it is to get a take of a stunt quickly. You have to get it done as quickly as you can because there’s not a lot of time.” They added:

“With all the stunts, I felt really taken care of. We had an amazing stunt team, and camera and stunt worked so well together to make sure we got the shot, and everybody was safe. It all flowed cohesively. I will say, running in those boots for that long definitely aggravated my shin spurs, which is not fun, but that’s okay, I pushed through. I probably wouldn’t recommend running in those boots.”

RELATED: Yellowjackets: Best Theories Heading Into Season 3

Jane Widdop Loves the Horror Genre
RLJE Films

Like the Scream, Halloween, and Friday the 13th franchises, a psychotic, mask-wearing killer is on the loose in It’s a Wonderful Knife. Director Tyler MacIntyre told MovieWeb that he collaborated on the eerie blank look of the mask with the creative team. Widdop says they weren’t all that freaked out by the appearance:

“I think because I saw the pictures of each stage that the angel costume went through — from the very bare-bones beginning — I wasn’t as scared. Also, the stunt coordinator who plays our angel, his name is Cody, he was just so nice that it was hard to see him in this and be like, ‘You’re a mean person. Even though you look scary, you’re so nice.’ When he’s chasing you down with an ax or a knife, it is pretty scary, and it makes your heart rate go and your fight or flight is kicked in, and they’re like, ‘Ah, I’m not actually in danger, but I feel it.’”

Related: The All-Time 15 Best Christmas Horror Movies That Need to be Added to Your Holiday Rotation

Widdop went on to say they have been a fan of the horror genre for some time:

I think the first horror movie I ever saw was in like fourth or fifth grade, and it was by M. Night Shyamalan. And it didn’t scare me at all. I have a weird thing. I love scary movies, and they really don’t scare me a lot. I’ve always loved them. And I especially love the ones that add in the comedic humor, you know. Those always have a soft spot for me.

They also chatted about working with Joel McHale and Justin Long in the MovieWeb video interview, noting their professionalism and how Long was on set for just a week because he was shooting Goosebumps. They also note several hilarious photos of McHale and Long, which are posted on Widdop’s Instagram feed.

Meanwhile, a bit of fun wordplay in the clip reveals that Widdop prefers It’s A Wonderful Life over Miracle on 34th Street, the song “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” over “Silent Night,” Yellowjackets over Yellowstone (of course!), and more. Up next for Widdop: they’re excited about finishing their B.A. in English. And who knows, by the looks of it, there is plenty of room left open for It’s a Wonderful Knife, Part Two. Two knives are always better than one in a horror romp, after all.

Stream It’s a Wonderful Knife on Shudder December 1st, and you can check out the trailer below in the meantime: