The Film Christmas, Again Film Review – A Relaxed Story of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Authentic Charm
This constitutes 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, set almost entirely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style is far too genuinely independent 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 pitches his film 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 joke about 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 not-much-warmer caravan stationed beside the trees. A few customers inquire after the girl assisting 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 idle and peculiar questions. A customer wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (this is 2014). Noel looks numb with cold physically and emotionally; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s subtle performance makes it clear that he wasn’t always like this.
Quiet Moments and Glimmers of Connection
Frankly, 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 travels through New York, making tree deliveries – and these sequences could ignite a little flicker 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 naturalness and ease, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film.
The film of understated appeal and real atmosphere, portraying the loneliness and fleeting connection of the holidays.
Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.
