Christmas, Again Review – A Laidback Tale of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Authentic Charm
The 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 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 authentic-indie and unaffected to become slushy or sentimental about Christmas; in his view Christmas tree lights flash like police lights. But with its subtle approach, he positions the movie just right for a modest dose of festive warmth.
A Jaded Seller in the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley portrays Noel (it took someone in the film to joke about his name before I twigged). Noel is back for his fifth year peddling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, standing outside in the freezing cold and resting in a not-much-warmer caravan stationed beside the trees. A few customers ask about the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel is alone, heartbroken and on the night shift.
There’s an observational quality to a lot of the scenes, with customers posing pointless random questions. One woman wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (this is 2014). Noel looks frozen to the bone physically and emotionally; he’s weary and disillusioned, though Audley’s understated acting clearly indicates that he wasn’t always like this.
Quiet Moments and Flickers of Connection
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 some genuinely moving scenes as Noel drives around New York, delivering trees – and these moments could ignite a little flicker 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 gorgeously textured 16mm film.
The film of understated charm and real mood, portraying the loneliness and fleeting connection of the holidays.
Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.
