Director Glen Grefe's first full-length feature film is a testament to why Independent features are produced. This self proclaimed "no budget" thriller kept me enthralled from beginning to end. Unlike other films that finish their character development within the first half hour or so, Nutcracker's characters are ever changing and evolving which keeps the viewer's interest better than many big budget films. The first reason I decided to view this film was the inclusion of David Hess to the cast. Hess has been one of my favorite Horror/Suspense actors since the mid 1980s, so naturally this film was a must-see for me. In addition to Hess, I found the film to be solidly acted throughout. I thought Bill Bragg turned in a great performance as Dr. Carlton Fairfax, and I absolutely loved Darian O'Toole's performance as the Vampiress who is not quite ready to face the world without her beloved therapist, and of course, the most subtle and underlying character in this movie was the setting itself, the gorgeous city of San Francisco, whose beauty is skillfully displayed with the film's excellent camera work. This film is also paced very nicely, and with a relatively short running time (approx. 1:20), it is an easy film to digest. I highly recommend this film to fans of Suspense Thrillers or Giallo films, as well as any fans of the work of the unmistakable David Hess! Currently, you can purchase the film on Amazon or at the film's official website but I have heard a rumor about a special Blockbuster Edition of this film possibly coming in early 2007, we can only hope! A funny side note, the film has great audio, so convincing in fact that when Carlton rings Sierra's doorbell, my 2 dogs go absolutely bonkers! Probably the only movie I own that gets a reaction like that, my hat's off to whoever mixed the audio!

This is what I would call "One of the prettiest thrillers,I've seen", Not sure how to explain beyond that.Grefe is helped by Director Of Photography Brian"Bloody Bender"Hoehn,and his lead is the very good,David"Last House On The Left"Hess.The plot,title is a play on Xmas and Psychology-cute huh ? The use of Northern California wine country is most welcome,again very pretty my fiends.To see this cast get a chance to show their best,makes you happy to discover a NEW talent to watch.The lead suspect is amply played by David Hess,who also has quite a singing career-Nice mental picture of this villain portrayer strumming. Available on Amazon.com too. Side note: How is Glen Grefe related to William Grefe,who gave us "Death Curse of Tartu" cult film ?

And yes - David Hess is the man - enjoyable performance where he gets free reign of his talent for character. Subtle humor bites around the plot because we love to hate this Carlton Fairfax egomaniac. Highly reccomended especially around the holidays.

Okay, first I hated it, then I loved it - and it was only later when I realized why, the second time I saw it - its because the main character is so unlikable, that you thoroughly despise him... and it becomes cathartic fun! The movie is kind of like a shot-on-video Hitchcock and Lynch under severe hypnosis, which, although confusing at times, wraps itself at the end in a noir sort of way, towards self-destructive destiny - does that make sense? It reminded me of the Cabinet of Dr. Caligari in a way with a underlying theme of seething revenge and spite. Anyway, David Hess (you know - 'Krug' from Craven's cult hit "Last House on the Left") is one of the main characters (and one of the main reasons I bought it) and he really kicks ass performance wise -almost carrying the unique and quirky independent film. Hope to see more from Grefe (I'm wondering if he is related to 70's exploitation filmmaker, William "Stanley" Grefe...).