Christmas, Again Film Review – This Laidback Tale of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Has Genuine Charm
The constitutes a New York drama so laidback that it has taken a decade to reach the UK’s cinema screens. First released in the US in 2015, it’s a micro-budget first feature from first-time director Charles Poekel, set almost entirely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style is far too authentic-indie and unaffected to become slushy or sentimental about Christmas; in his view Christmas tree lights flash like police lights. But with its subtle approach, he positions the movie just right for a little squeeze of festive warmth.
A Weary Seller Amid the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (it took someone in the film to comment on his name for the connection to be made). Noel returns for his fifth year peddling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, working outdoors in the freezing cold and resting in a not-much-warmer caravan parked next to the trees. A few customers inquire after the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel works solo, broken-hearted and on the night shift.
There’s a documentary feel to a lot of the scenes, with customers asking pointless random questions. A customer requests the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (the story is set in 2014). Noel looks numb with cold physically and emotionally; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s subtle performance makes it clear that he hadn't always been like this.
Understated Moments and Flickers of Hope
Frankly, the plot is minimal. Noel rescues a woman, Lydia (Hannah Gross), who has collapsed drunk on a bench. She pops up again later in some genuinely moving scenes as Noel travels through New York, delivering trees – and these moments could ignite a small glimmer of good cheer even in the most cynical viewer. Poekel has not directed a feature since this, which is regrettable – you can’t beat it for authenticity and fluidity, and it’s shot on beautifully grainy 16mm film.
The film of understated charm and real mood, capturing the loneliness and brief connection of the holidays.
Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.
