The Film Christmas, Again Review – A Laidback Story of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Has Authentic Charm
The constitutes a New York drama so laidback that it required 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, taking place largely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style remains decidedly genuinely independent and naturalistic to get slushy or sentimental about Christmas; through his lens Christmas tree lights blink like police lights. But in its own low-key way, he positions the movie just right for a modest dose of festive warmth.
The Weary Seller Amid the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (it took someone in the film to joke about his name before I twigged). Noel is back for his fifth year peddling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, working outdoors in the freezing cold and sleeping in a not-much-warmer caravan parked next to the trees. Several patrons inquire after the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel is alone, broken-hearted and on the night shift.
There’s an observational quality to a lot of the scenes, with customers asking pointless random questions. One woman requests 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 subtle performance clearly indicates that he hadn't always been like this.
Understated Moments and Glimmers of Connection
In truth, not much happens. Noel rescues a woman, Lydia (Hannah Gross), who has passed out 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 little flicker of good cheer even in the most cynical viewer. Poekel hasn’t made a feature since this, which is a shame – you can’t beat it for authenticity and fluidity, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film.
The film of quiet charm and real mood, capturing the solitude and brief warmth of the holidays.
Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.
