As a lifelong admirer of heartwarming family films that not only tug at our heartstrings but also inspire us to embrace our true selves, I must say that “That Christmas” is an absolute treasure. It’s a breath of fresh air amidst the sea of holiday movies that often revolve around the belief in Santa Claus. The story is rich with characters who grapple with self-doubt and questions about their worth – a journey that resonates deeply with many, especially children.
Sure thing!
Based on a series of three children’s books penned by Richard Curtis, known for his work on “Love Actually”, this heartwarming animated film explores themes of self-doubt among young characters, not just in terms of naughty or nice, but also questioning their worthiness of love. Some major characters grapple with feelings of unworthiness due to absent parents or resistance from figures of authority. Remarkably, Curtis and co-writer Peter Souter offer reassurance that each character’s importance isn’t diminished in the absence of adults. Santa Claus even makes a surprise appearance to bestow thoughtful gifts when most adults are absent.
Nestled within the quaint English seaside town of Wellington-on-Sea, the narrative focuses on a compact coastal community, shedding light on a global trend – the adaptation of traditional holidays to align with contemporary values. This transformation is most evident in the character of Bernadette (portrayed by India Brown), who modernizes the annual Christmas pageant with a more inclusive twist. While her intentions are noble, her execution might have been overzealous, leading to an unintentional spray of watermelon pulp onto the front rows. Though this may be suitable for a Gallagher performance, it’s less than desirable in a school play setting.
Starting off with a hilarious mishap during Christmas time, “That Christmas” immediately establishes its comedic tone and introduces most of the characters. First, we’re introduced to Danny (Jack Wisniewski), who’s embarrassed easily and is dressed up as an oversized chickpea for the occasion – not your typical holiday attire, but perfect for someone as shy as he is. Danny harbors feelings for his classmate Sam (Zazie Hayhurst), but lacks the confidence to express them. Meanwhile, Sam is struggling to control her unruly twin sister Charlie (Sienna Sayer).
This year, it’s not the usual story of joy and family harmony for Danny as his parents are going through a divorce – a situation rarely depicted in traditional Christmas movies. But this unfortunate reality mirrors the complexities that modern children often face during holiday seasons. Despite her busy nursing job, Danny’s hardworking single mom is finding creative ways to show affection, such as leaving heartfelt notes around their home, much like the handwritten messages in “Love Actually.” However, her demanding work means she must sometimes leave Danny alone.
On the eve of Christmas, most other parents are stuck in a snowstorm, leaving Bernadette (who was eager to update the celebrations anyway) in charge. She takes on the responsibility of organizing the festivities based on the title picture book, while Danny and the twins symbolize the stories from companion books “Snow Day” and “The Wrong Stocking.” This results in a nearly overwhelming Christmas for Wellington, but thankfully, the storm isn’t so severe that Santa can’t make it (he’s voiced by Brian Cox in this version, with only one reindeer left).
As a film enthusiast, I find this small town to be an intriguing reflection of contemporary England. It’s refreshing to see diverse characters, such as non-Christian individuals, and the unique portrayal of Bernadette and her younger sister Evie, who share striking red hair and freckles. The diversity in the cast doesn’t feel forced here; instead, it adds depth and vibrancy to a group of characters brimming with personality.
In this production by Locksmith Animation (“Ron’s Gone Wrong” studio), three talented individuals from DreamWorks’ “How to Train Your Dragon” series have teamed up: Simon Otto, who led character animation in the “Dragon” films and is now making his feature directing debut with this project; Bonnie Arnold, producer, who brings her positive influence to the production; and John Powell, composer, whose grand orchestral score adds a sense of grandeur to the entire endeavor. Parents may find Curtis’ name appealing, as they’ll enjoy the humor drawn from inside jokes related to the writers’ other works.
In this narrative, there are numerous plotlines to manage, and they don’t always blend smoothly (for instance, the stocking mix-up is swiftly resolved, whereas the budding friendship between Danny and the school’s formidable teacher unfolds gradually over the entire movie). The English accents lend an endearing quality, but the Boxing Day ending feels a bit unusual, especially for those unacquainted with such holiday customs. Every year introduces numerous new Christmas specials, most of which are quickly forgotten. However, this one stands out as a worthwhile exception, comparable to “Klaus” as another Netflix animated series that you might find yourself rewatching.
“That Christmas” will be available for streaming on Netflix beginning Dec. 4.
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2024-10-19 17:16