The holiday season is often associated with warmth, joy, and festive lights, but what if that cheer concealed something far more sinister? Screenwriter Genevieve Sipperley has crafted a chilling holiday horror with Dark Twinkle Holiday, a story where the magic of Christmas takes a deadly turn. Inspired by a real-life experience with 3D holiday glasses, this screenplay transforms a seemingly innocent tradition into a terrifying game of survival. As an award-winning script, Dark Twinkle Holiday offers a unique blend of festive charm and unsettling horror, proving that even the most joyous celebrations can harbor shadows. In this exclusive interview, Sipperley shares the origins of her screenplay, the creative challenges of merging horror with holiday spirit, and what the future holds for this hauntingly original story.

The Inspiration Behind Dark Twinkle Holiday

The concept of Dark Twinkle Holiday was born from a simple but surreal experience. The story follows a group of strangers hired to work in a remote, undeveloped suburb to create special 3D glasses for holiday events. However, when a storm traps them in isolation, a murder occurs, and they soon discover that the killer can only be seen through their custom glasses—manifesting as eerie holiday-themed images.

As a lifelong horror fan, I always felt that there weren’t enough holiday horror films out there, so I wanted to create one myself. Years ago, I attended a 3D zoo lights event with my family, where we wore glasses that transformed the holiday lights into whimsical shapes. We kept the glasses, and on the drive home, someone in the car wore them while looking out the back window. The way the headlights reflected made it look like gingerbread men were chasing us. It was hilarious at the time, but the idea stuck with me—what if, in a horror story, the killer could only be seen through 3D glasses? The mix of humor and terror felt like the perfect foundation for a unique holiday horror tale.

Blending Horror with Holiday Cheer

Creating a balance between horror and the festive holiday atmosphere was a challenge I eagerly embraced. The holiday theme is integral to the story—the protagonist wouldn’t exist without it. Since much of the film revolves around holiday lights, decorations, and traditions, the fusion of genres came naturally. I focused on ensuring that every scene contained either a horror element or a holiday theme without overloading either aspect.

The Underlying Themes of Dark Twinkle Holiday

One of the recurring questions I get about Dark Twinkle Holiday is about its deeper themes. I wanted to explore the idea that, despite the cheerful facade of the holiday season, there’s an underlying tension that many people feel. Some fear the holidays due to past experiences, while others find themselves in unfamiliar situations during this time of year. The film also delves into the dynamic of being stranded with strangers during such a significant period and how people react when placed in high-stakes situations.

Standing Out in the Horror Genre

As an award-winning screenplay, Dark Twinkle Holiday managed to capture the attention of audiences and judges alike. I believe what made it stand out was its unique take on the holiday horror concept. Rather than relying on clichés, the script balances lighthearted moments with tension-filled mystery, strategic comedic relief, and a plot twist that encourages a second read to uncover hidden clues. Most importantly, it leaves audiences with a satisfying, feel-good ending—something not always common in horror.

The Most Rewarding Part of the Process

The best part of writing Dark Twinkle Holiday has been the connection to the night that inspired it. My family is spread across Alaska, Colorado, and Chicago, so whenever I see the script gain recognition, it takes me back to that moment with them. Who would have thought that a night of laughter would spark a horror screenplay? It’s a reminder of why I continue writing in the holiday horror genre.

Defining Moments in the Story

There are a few key scenes in the script that I’m particularly proud of, but without giving too much away, one of them revolves around my personal fear of an open window behind me with the curtain drawn—because you never know what might be lurking there. I also love leaving my stories open-ended, so while Dark Twinkle Holiday stands on its own, there’s always the possibility of a sequel. Not that it necessarily needs one, but you never know!

The Future of Dark Twinkle Holiday

My ultimate goal is to see Dark Twinkle Holiday turned into a film! I’ve started pitching it, though I know that’s a challenging journey. Writing screenplays comes naturally to me, but pitching is a whole different skill set. That said, since holiday horror is a niche market with limited releases each year, I believe this script has the potential to catch a filmmaker’s eye. A horror film set during the holiday season would be a fantastic addition to the genre.

Where to Follow Genevieve Sipperley’s Work

For those interested in reading Dark Twinkle Holiday, the script has been published in book format and is available on my website, http://www.gennasipperley.weebly.com. There, you can find all of my screenplays along with their cover designs and loglines.

The only social media I use is Instagram, where you can follow me at @writergennasip. I post updates about my writing projects along with glimpses into my personal life to keep things fresh and real. Stay tuned for more holiday horror to come!