Christmas, Again Film Review – This Laidback Tale of a Forlorn Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Genuine Charm
This constitutes a New York drama so laidback that it required 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, taking place largely 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; through his lens Christmas tree lights flash like police lights. But with its subtle approach, he pitches his film perfectly for a little squeeze of festive warmth.
A Weary Seller in the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley portrays Noel (someone had in the film to joke about his name before I twigged). Noel returns for his fifth year selling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, standing outside in the freezing cold and sleeping in a not-much-warmer caravan parked next to the trees. A few customers inquire after 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 many 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 frozen to the bone in body and spirit; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s subtle performance makes it clear that he hadn't always been like this.
Understated Moments and Flickers of Hope
Frankly, not much happens. Noel comes to the aid of 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, delivering trees – 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 regrettable – it is unmatched for naturalness and ease, and it’s filmed on gorgeously textured 16mm film.
The picture of understated appeal and real mood, portraying the solitude and fleeting warmth of the holidays.
Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.
