The Film Christmas, Again Review – This Relaxed Tale of a Forlorn Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Genuine 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 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 flash like police lights. But in its own low-key way, he pitches his film just right for a modest dose of festive warmth.
A Weary Seller Amid the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (it took someone in the film to joke about his name for the connection to be made). Noel is back for his fifth year peddling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, working outdoors in the freezing cold and sleeping in a barely warmer caravan parked next to the trees. Several patrons ask about the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel is alone, heartbroken and working the night shift.
There’s an observational quality 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 in body and spirit; he’s weary and disillusioned, though Audley’s subtle performance clearly indicates that he hadn't always been like this.
Quiet Encounters and Flickers of Hope
Frankly, the plot is minimal. Noel comes to the aid of a woman, Lydia (Hannah Gross), who has collapsed drunk on a bench. She reappears later in truly poignant scenes as Noel travels through New York, making tree deliveries – and these moments could spark a little flicker of good cheer even in the most cynical viewer. Poekel has not directed a feature since this, which is a shame – you can’t beat it for naturalness and ease, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film.
A picture of understated appeal and real atmosphere, portraying the loneliness and brief connection of the season.
Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.
