Like a lot of films, FATMAN (2020) was another one that got treated badly because of the COVID pandemic.  Originally made to be a full theatrical film to be seen everywhere and anywhere, it got relegated to a limited release and then a November 2020 “straight-to-VOD” to release afterwards.  Though written and directed by lesser known brothers Eshom and Ian Nelms, the film has two strong leads in Mel Gibson and Walton Goggins.

When Billy Wenan (Chance Hurstfield) receives coal from Santa (Mel Gibson), he becomes tilted and searches out “fixer” and hitman, Jonathan Miller (Walton Goggins), to get vengeance on Santa.  Miller has had his own troubles with Santa and agrees immediately on the work.  As this occurs, Santa has his own troubles.  More than 50% of children are now receiving coal, and he’s running out of money to continue his work.  Seeing this opportunity, the U.S. government and its military branch propose a solution.

In a fantastic performance, Mel Gibson brings to the screen a pessimistic version of Santa struggling with the world he sees today.  However, in a screen stealing performance, Walton Goggins plays the unhinged and yet miserable hit man chasing his own childhood demons.  Dark Discussions takes a look at this future cult classic and gives their thoughts.