‘Love Actually’ Fans Should Check Out Netflix’s New Christmas Movie

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  • What Is ‘That Christmas’ About?
  • ‘That Christmas’ Is a Child-Friendly Animation that Hits at the Emotions
  • Is That Christmas Trying to Juggle Too Much?

As someone who has grown up watching countless Christmas movies, I must admit that “That Christmas” is a heartwarming addition to the genre. The film successfully captures the essence of the holiday season – the joy, the community spirit, and the reminders of what truly matters during this time.

Richard Curtis is well-known for creating heartwarming comedies and sentimental Christmas films, including ‘Notting Hill’, ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’, and the much-loved holiday movie ‘Love Actually‘. A distinctive feature of his work is interconnected narratives and characters from the middle class who often stumble or are unaware. These characters struggle to express themselves or carry on a conversation, resulting in some of their most significant encounters. His latest production, ‘That Christmas‘, continues this pattern.

That Christmas is adapted from Curtis’ Christmas book trilogy titled “‘That Christmas and Other Stories’“. Collaborating with Peter Souter on the screenplay, this movie marks the directorial debut of Simon Otto, an accomplished animator who previously led the Character Animation department for the How to Train Your Dragon series. Released on Netflix on December 4, 2024, That Christmas has now become one of many releases geared towards the much-awaited holiday season. The film aims to be family-friendly and spread festive cheer, but its interwoven storylines, although intriguing, may hinder it from reaching its full potential.

What Is ‘That Christmas’ About?

The narrative of this Christmas night begins with Santa Claus navigating a single reindeer through a turbulent storm. During this harrowing flight, which nearly causes him to lose his footing on a rooftop, Santa sets the stage for a story that will recount an extraordinary Christmas in Wellington-on-Sea, a charming village nestled in Suffolk, a transformation that would impact both him and its residents.

As the tale unfolds, viewers are drawn deep into a piece that echoes Curtis’ signature style, weaving together three distinct narratives within one overarching storyline. One thread follows the fresh face in town and his exhausted mother, who is a dedicated NHS nurse, while another scrutinizes a pair of twins who exhibit stark differences, and lastly, it highlights an eclectic mix of friends from various ethnic backgrounds and their offspring.

Under the havoc of a snowstorm, all Christmas gatherings arranged by Lighthouse Bill were called off, leaving families apart and creating a Christmas story for the annals of time. Even a nativity play ended in misfortune as Mary’s watermelon-like baby suffered an unfortunate fate. With Wellington-on-Sea facing such challenges, how will they bring back the spirit of Christmas?

‘That Christmas’ Is a Child-Friendly Animation that Hits at the Emotions

This Christmas movie offers something for everyone, with its heartwarming storyline and relatable characters. Although the main plot revolves around Christmas and its essence, it also delves into multiple subplots. One of these stories follows Danny Williams as he grapples with his distant father. Despite his mother’s efforts to fill the void, Danny longs for a connection with his father, but that never occurs in the film. An unexpected friendship develops between Danny and his stern headteacher, Ms. Trapper. Despite her reputation for being strict and feared by all of Wellington-on-Sea, Ms. Trapper is actually quite lonely.

The story of “That Christmas” delves into another layer, with Christmas serving as a lens to intensify feelings. For some, it amplifies joy and love, but for others, it highlights loneliness and isolation. Ms. Trapper’s character is a perfect illustration of this duality, as she masks her vulnerabilities behind a steely demeanor. It transpires at the end of the movie that she was previously married to someone in the military. A glimpse into her past through an album suggests that she used to be a carefree, cheerful individual who enjoyed building igloos and camping. However, the death of her beloved partner also took away her zest for life.

Furthermore, the movie focuses on twins Sam and Charlie, where one is virtuous (Sam) and the other appears mischievous (Charlie). Contrary to her wild behavior, while Sam embodies goodness, it’s later revealed that Charlie’s naughty antics were actually selfless acts for her sister. Likewise, the character of Ms. Trapper implies a lesson – never judge a book by its cover. In the same vein, Charlie’s journey in the film suggests this very lesson. The movie delves into the powerful bond between siblings, as Charlie goes to great lengths to facilitate the romance between Danny and Sam.

During various narratives, such as one featuring Bernadette McNutt, the eldest daughter, being responsible for looking after the children while their parents are trapped in a snowstorm, this Christmas offers a story for all. In its closing statement emphasizing that Christmas is truly about cherishing the people around you rather than elaborate holiday festivities, the movie delicately stirs viewers’ emotions and serves as a poignant reminder of the genuine essence of Christmas.

Is That Christmas Trying to Juggle Too Much?

Although the story in That Christmas is heartwarmingly charming, it has faced criticism for attempting to handle too many aspects simultaneously. With numerous plotlines and characters each having distinct backgrounds, the movie appears to gloss over certain elements in its eagerness to address multiple themes within a short span of 91 minutes. In essence, despite wrapping up on an optimistic and heartfelt note, it seems that That Christmas stretches a bit too far within the limited time available.

If the movie had centered around a single or at most two interconnected stories instead of multiple ones, it might have given those tales a richer and more profound feel. For instance, the side plot about Danny, a child longing for his father’s affection despite all his mother does to make him happy, could have been developed further to delve into the challenges faced by a single parent during Christmastime.

The story might have beautifully complemented the idea that Christmas amplifies emotions, as it showcases the contrast between the holiday’s joy and laughter, Santa Claus excitement, and the persisting sadness and loneliness. Wellington-on-Sea could have provided Danny with a new supportive community, alleviating his sorrow and enhancing his holiday spirits. Nevertheless, the film primarily focuses on Danny’s interactions with his mother, Ms. Trapper, and his romantic interest, Sam, instead of weaving multiple narratives together.

The movie, “Christmas,” captures the essence of the Christmas season perfectly. Despite dire situations like a vehicle stranded on thin ice ready to shatter or a toddler lost near the ocean, every story concludes optimistically. The spirit of unity and joy prevails as the community gathers for their annual sea swim celebration, overcoming the turmoil caused by the storm.

While it’s true that This Christmas shares many similarities with numerous other holiday films, what sets it apart may be lacking. A single, captivating storyline might have produced a more distinctive and enduring film. Nevertheless, this movie makes for an enjoyable Christmas viewing option this season, particularly for families seeking a heartwarming film to enjoy together on chilly winter evenings. This Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.

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2024-12-15 06:02