As a lifelong lover of heartwarming Christmas tales, I can confidently say that “That Christmas” has made its way onto my list of all-time favorites. Having grown up with Richard Curtis’s enchanting narratives, it was a delight to see him venture into animation with this charming masterpiece. The movie manages to strike the perfect balance between whimsy and realism, making it a breath of fresh air amidst the sea of overly-saccharine holiday films.
The traditional holiday, Christmas, starts off with a recurring quandary: On Christmas Eve, Santa encounters challenging weather conditions as he makes his way to deliver eagerly awaited presents.
In this rendition, we encounter the kind-hearted figure, portrayed by Brian Cox, navigating a harsh winter blizzard marked by fierce gusts and poor visibility. A severe illness has reduced his team to just one reindeer (Guz Khan) for pulling the sleigh. The relationship between them is fraught with tension that leads Santa to consider purchasing a self-driving sled for the upcoming winter season. However, as the odds seem heavily stacked against our protagonist, the joy of children worldwide – particularly those residing in the fictional English coastal town where the story unfolds – hangs in the balance, relying on him to conquer these challenges.
Making its debut at the BFI London Film Festival, the enchanting animation “That Christmas” from Locksmith Studios (“Ron’s Gone Wrong“) is poised to become a timeless classic. It’s understandable to be skeptical about a new Christmas film, as authentic holiday spirit can be hard to capture and if you’re not the target demographic for Hallmark-style sentimentality, festive offerings may evoke more frustration than delight. However, this one, adapted by Peter Souter and Richard Curtis from Curtis’ series of children’s books, cleverly steers clear of typical schmaltz by rooting its fantastical narrative in the raw and complex emotions of everyday life.
Under the guidance of director Simon Otto (from “How to Train Your Dragon”), this Netflix production boasts a robust voice cast and a storyline that strikes a balance between playful self-awareness and the immersive, believable atmosphere essential for holiday stories. This is Curtis’s debut in animation, but even though the characters are digitally crafted, the tale resonates with the same genuine emotions that made his previous works endearing.
Much like the movie “Love, Actually,” (with a delightful wink to the audience), “That Christmas” explores how the lives of various individuals intertwine in unexpected ways. The story unfolds through Santa’s narration, who takes us to Wellington-on-Sea, a close-knit, vibrant multicultural community in England. This town would soon become the stage for one of Santa’s most challenging Christmases. The narrative starts a few days before the festive season, when the local children put on an energetic and modern spin on the classic play “Three Wise Women.
Bernadette (India Brown), a bold 15-year-old director, joins forces with her anxious friend Sam (Zazie Hayhurst) in a creative project. This venture features modern renditions of popular songs and swaps shepherds for organic farmers. It challenges traditional norms and paints a picture of a revolutionary and eco-friendly future. Simultaneously, it serves as a chaotic spectacle, effectively highlighting the main characters of this interwoven storyline.
In the small town, it’s Danny (Jack Wisniewski), the fresh face, who serves as the central figure in the unfolding stories. He harbors feelings for Sam, yet their timid natures – she’s nervous and he’s introverted – could potentially keep their affection merely a longing from afar.
When not lost in thoughts about Sam, young Danny often imagines the upcoming Christmas with his father, who he hopes will visit for the holiday. With his mother (Jodie Whittaker) working long hours as a nurse, Danny’s life revolves around keeping himself occupied. A subplot of “That Christmas” eventually unfolds, highlighting a blossoming friendship between Danny and his neighbor and teacher Ms. Trapper (Fiona Shaw), a rather grouchy woman who appears downright cheerful compared to the Grinch.
As Danny grapples with loneliness following his parents’ separation and the emotional upheaval that comes with it, Sam frets about her sister Charlie, who is intent on creating trouble, potentially spoiling Sam’s Christmas gifts from Santa. The tricks Charlie pulls, which cause embarrassment for Sam and frustration for their guardians (Rosie Cavaliero and Andy Nyman), contribute some of the movie’s funniest moments and action sequences, preserving its overall lighthearted atmosphere.
In another part of the city, Bernadette and her little sister Evie (Bronte Smith) are getting ready for the holidays with their parents, the amusing McNutts duo (played by Lolly Adefope and Rhys Darby), along with some close family acquaintances. The dedication to the acting and the richness of these characters, who vary not only in physical appearance but also in personality, bring That Christmas to life, making it a movie that continues to delight with unexpected charm.
Once Bernedette’s parents and their companions (Mrs. Mulji, voiced by Sindhu Vee, and the Forrest family, with Alex MacQueen and Katherine Parkinson providing their voices) depart for a wedding outside of town, the real excitement begins. It’s quite daring to tie the knot so near Christmas, but the adults, yearning for some kid-free time, can’t wait to escape the island. As a fan, I find this decision intriguing!
Even though I was thrilled about the unexpected snow day from school, and the foggy horizon added a mystical touch, it wasn’t until after the wedding when we learned that the ferry service had been discontinued that the gravity of the situation hit us hard: The unpredictable weather might hinder our journey home, potentially causing us to miss spending Christmas with our dear ones.
Despite focusing heavily on its storyline, the movie That Christmas seldom gives short shrift to any character or their development. Occasionally, you may notice that certain scenes seem like a fusion of different books, but generally, Curtis and Souter’s script skillfully navigates these interwoven threads. This agility in storytelling reinforces the sense that this Christmas tale is more than just a single narrative; it’s a vivid portrayal of an entire community. The attempt to authentically depict a neighborhood lends credibility to the more fantastical or contrived aspects of the movie.
I truly savor each of the 91 minutes in That Christmas, ensuring it never feels rushed or disjointed. The keen attention to detail – from the meticulous way the lighthouse keeper (Bill Nighy) updates the town bulletin daily, to the slow-burning grudges between various villagers – makes this movie feel incredibly real and alive. It’s as if I’ve stepped right into that fictional village myself.
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2024-10-19 17:25