Bad Santa (2003) is a dark comedy that subverts the traditional holiday spirit with its irreverent humor and an unconventional anti-hero. Directed by Terry Zwigoff, the film follows Willie T. Soke (Billy Bob Thornton), a cynical, foul-mouthed, and alcoholic conman who works as a mall Santa each year, using the position as a front to rob department stores with his partner, Marcus (Tony Cox), a short-statured criminal who plays his elf.
Willieโs life is a chaotic mess, marked by self-destructive behavior, heavy drinking, and a disregard for morality. The duoโs annual routine involves securing mall Santa gigs during the Christmas season, gaining access to the storeโs safe, and disappearing before their crimes are discovered. However, their latest job in Phoenix starts to unravel as Willieโs worsening alcoholism and erratic behavior attract unwanted attention.
Complications arise when Willie befriends Thurman Merman (Brett Kelly), a naรฏve and overweight boy who believes Willie is the real Santa Claus. Thurman, bullied and lonely, invites Willie to stay at his home, which he shares with his senile grandmother. Despite his initial indifference, Willie begins to form a bond with Thurman, whose unwavering belief in him stirs a semblance of humanity within the jaded criminal.
Adding to Willieโs troubles is Gin (Bernie Mac), the mallโs suspicious security chief, who discovers their scheme and demands a cut of the loot. Meanwhile, Sue (Lauren Graham), a bartender with a Santa fetish, becomes romantically involved with Willie, offering him moments of solace amid the chaos.