The Film Christmas, Again Film Review – This Laidback Tale of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Has Authentic Charm
The is a New York drama so laidback that it has taken a decade to arrive on the UK’s cinema screens. First released in the US in 2015, it’s an ultra-low-budget debut from first-time director Charles Poekel, set almost entirely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style remains decidedly genuinely independent and naturalistic to become slushy or sentimental about Christmas; in his view Christmas tree lights blink 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 portrays 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 resting in a barely 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 working the night shift.
There’s an observational quality to many of the scenes, with customers asking idle and peculiar questions. One woman requests the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (the story is set in 2014). Noel looks frozen to the bone in body and spirit; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s subtle performance makes it clear that he wasn’t always like this.
Quiet Encounters and Flickers of Connection
Frankly, not much happens. 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 drives around New York, making tree deliveries – and these moments could spark a little flicker of good cheer in the grinchiest of hearts. Poekel hasn’t made a feature since this, which is a shame – it is unmatched for naturalness and ease, and it’s filmed on gorgeously textured 16mm film.
A film of quiet charm and authentic atmosphere, portraying the loneliness and brief warmth of the holidays.
Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.
