The Film Christmas, Again Review – A Relaxed Story of a Forlorn Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Genuine Charm
The is a New York drama with such a relaxed pace that it required a decade to reach the UK’s cinema screens. Initially unveiled 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 unaffected to become 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.
A Weary Seller in the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (someone had in the film to comment on his name for the connection to be made). Noel is back for his fifth year peddling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, standing outside in the freezing cold and resting in a barely warmer caravan stationed beside the trees. A few customers inquire after the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel works solo, heartbroken and working the night shift.
There’s a documentary feel to a lot of the scenes, with customers asking idle and peculiar questions. A customer wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (this is 2014). Noel looks frozen to the bone in body and spirit; he’s weary and disillusioned, though Audley’s understated acting makes it clear that he wasn’t always like this.
Understated Encounters and Glimmers 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, making tree deliveries – and these sequences could spark a little flicker of good cheer in the grinchiest of hearts. Poekel has not directed a feature since this, which is a shame – it is unmatched for naturalness and ease, and it’s shot on beautifully grainy 16mm film.
A picture of quiet charm and real mood, capturing the solitude and brief connection of the season.
Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.
