The Film Christmas, Again Film Review – This Relaxed Tale of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Authentic Charm
This constitutes a New York drama with such a relaxed pace 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 debut filmmaker Charles Poekel, taking place largely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style is far too authentic-indie and unaffected 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.
The 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 returns for his fifth year peddling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, standing outside 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, broken-hearted and working the night shift.
There’s an observational quality to a lot of the scenes, with customers asking idle and peculiar questions. A customer wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (the story is set in 2014). Noel looks numb with cold physically and emotionally; he’s weary and disillusioned, though Audley’s understated acting makes it clear that he wasn’t always like this.
Quiet Encounters and Flickers of Hope
In truth, the plot is minimal. Noel rescues a woman, Lydia (Hannah Gross), who has passed out 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 moments could ignite a small glimmer of good cheer even in the most cynical viewer. Poekel has not directed a feature since this, which is regrettable – it is unmatched for authenticity and fluidity, and it’s filmed on gorgeously textured 16mm film.
A picture of quiet appeal and real atmosphere, portraying the loneliness and brief connection of the holidays.
Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.
