AceShowbiz - 'Twas the Fight Before Christmas is the upcoming holiday action comedy currently being filmed by Louise Linton, the actress and filmmaker known for her previous directing work. At 44 years old, Linton is stepping behind the camera once again for her third feature film as a director.

Describing the new movie to Rambling, Linton compares it to a mashup of classic holiday and action films, saying it’s essentially Home Alone meets Die Hard. The story centers on two sisters with very different personalities and social standings. Alexandra Dreyfus portrays a white-trash woman married to a wealthy, refined British man, while the sister, Abigail, played by Brandi Burkhardt, is much more serious and sophisticated.

The tension between the sisters is palpable, as they "absolutely loathe each other," setting the stage for a mix of physical comedy. However, when the wealthy husband is away on Christmas Eve, the sisters must put aside their differences to defend their luxurious estate during a break-in. Their combined efforts lead to inventive and humorous ways of protecting their home.

Linton has not disclosed the film’s budget, mentioning that her producing partner is overseeing financial details. The shoot is notably brief, lasting just 10 days in locations around Los Angeles and Camarillo, which suggests a modest budget. Despite this, she has invested in experienced crew members, including stunt coordinator Mike Gunther. Gunther’s impressive background includes work on major blockbusters such as Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, Transformers, and Bad Boys for Life, ensuring that the film’s action sequences are expertly choreographed.

Unlike her previous films, Me You Madness (2021) and Chick Flick (2023), Linton has chosen to limit her on-screen presence to a small cameo as a maid, allowing her to focus fully on directing. She admits that juggling both acting and directing roles is challenging, especially when costumes and heels are involved, and is enjoying dedicating herself completely to the directorial process.

The film promises a blend of holiday spirit, comedy, and action, with a unique dynamic between two very different sisters forced to work together. Linton appears to be embracing a genre mashup that offers both thrills and laughs, set against the backdrop of an opulent Christmas estate under siege.

This story was featured in the May 6 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.