The Film Christmas, Again Review – A Laidback Tale of a Forlorn Christmas Tree Seller Has Authentic Charm
This constitutes a New York drama with such a relaxed pace that it has taken a decade to reach the UK’s cinema screens. First released 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 get slushy or sentimental about Christmas; in his view Christmas tree lights blink like police lights. But in its own low-key way, he positions the movie perfectly for a modest dose of festive warmth.
A Jaded Seller Amid the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (someone had in the film to joke about his name before I twigged). Noel returns for his fifth year peddling 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 ask about the girl assisting him last year. But this year Noel is alone, broken-hearted and working the night shift.
There’s a documentary feel to a lot of the scenes, with customers posing idle and peculiar questions. A customer wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (the story is set in 2014). Noel looks frozen to the bone physically and emotionally; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s subtle performance makes it clear that he hadn't always been like this.
Quiet Encounters and Glimmers of Hope
Frankly, not much happens. 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 travels through New York, making tree deliveries – and these moments could spark a little flicker of good cheer even in the most cynical viewer. Poekel has not directed a feature since this, which is a shame – it is unmatched for authenticity and fluidity, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film.
The film of understated appeal and real atmosphere, capturing the loneliness and fleeting warmth of the season.
Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.
