The Film Christmas, Again Film Review – This Relaxed Tale of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Has Genuine 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. Initially unveiled in the US in 2015, it’s an ultra-low-budget debut from debut filmmaker Charles Poekel, set almost entirely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style remains decidedly genuinely independent and naturalistic to get 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 (someone had in the film to joke about his name before I twigged). Noel is back for his fifth year selling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, standing outside in the freezing cold and sleeping 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 is alone, heartbroken and on the night shift.
There’s an observational quality to many of the scenes, with customers posing idle and peculiar questions. A customer wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (this is 2014). Noel looks frozen to the bone in body and spirit; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s subtle performance clearly indicates that he wasn’t always like this.
Understated Moments and Flickers of Hope
Frankly, 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 truly poignant scenes as Noel drives around New York, making tree deliveries – and these sequences could ignite a small glimmer of good cheer in the grinchiest of hearts. Poekel has not directed a feature since this, which is regrettable – you can’t beat it for authenticity and fluidity, and it’s filmed on beautifully grainy 16mm film.
The film of quiet charm and real atmosphere, capturing the solitude and fleeting connection of the holidays.
Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.
