The Film Christmas, Again Review – A Laidback Tale of a Forlorn Christmas Tree Seller Has Authentic Charm
The is a New York drama with such a relaxed pace that it has taken a decade to arrive on the UK’s cinema screens. Initially unveiled in the US in 2015, it’s an ultra-low-budget debut from first-time director Charles Poekel, set almost entirely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style remains decidedly authentic-indie and naturalistic to get slushy or sentimental about Christmas; through his lens Christmas tree lights flash like police lights. But with its subtle approach, he pitches his film perfectly for a little squeeze of festive warmth.
The Weary Seller in the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley portrays Noel (it took someone in the film to comment on his name before I twigged). Noel is back for his fifth year selling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, standing outside in the freezing cold and resting in a barely warmer caravan parked next to the trees. A few customers inquire after the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel is alone, broken-hearted and on the night shift.
There’s a documentary feel to a lot of the scenes, with customers posing idle and peculiar questions. A customer wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (the story is set in 2014). Noel looks frozen to the bone physically and emotionally; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s understated acting clearly indicates that he wasn’t always like this.
Understated Moments and Glimmers of Connection
Frankly, not much happens. Noel rescues a woman, Lydia (Hannah Gross), who has collapsed drunk on a bench. She reappears later in truly poignant scenes as Noel drives around New York, making tree deliveries – and these moments could ignite a small glimmer of good cheer in the grinchiest of hearts. Poekel hasn’t made a feature since this, which is regrettable – you can’t beat it for naturalness and ease, and it’s shot on beautifully grainy 16mm film.
A picture of understated charm and real atmosphere, portraying the solitude and fleeting connection of the season.
Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.
