The Film Christmas, Again Film Review – A Laidback Tale of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Authentic Charm

This constitutes a New York drama so laidback 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 debut filmmaker Charles Poekel, set almost entirely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style is far too authentic-indie and unaffected to become slushy or sentimental about Christmas; through his lens Christmas tree lights flash like police lights. But in its own low-key way, he pitches his film perfectly for a little squeeze of festive warmth.

A Weary Seller Amid the Brooklyn Cold

Kentucker Audley portrays Noel (someone had in the film to joke about his name for the connection to be made). Noel returns for his fifth year peddling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, standing outside in the freezing cold and resting in a barely warmer caravan parked next to the trees. Several patrons ask about the girl assisting 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. A customer wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (the story is set in 2014). Noel looks frozen to the bone in body and spirit; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s subtle performance clearly indicates that he hadn't always been like this.

Quiet Encounters and Glimmers of Hope

In truth, not much happens. Noel comes to the aid of a woman, Lydia (Hannah Gross), who has collapsed drunk on a bench. She pops up again later in some genuinely moving scenes as Noel travels through New York, delivering trees – and these sequences could spark a small glimmer of good cheer even in the most cynical viewer. Poekel hasn’t made a feature since this, which is a shame – you can’t beat it for naturalness and ease, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film.

The film of quiet charm and real mood, capturing the loneliness and brief warmth of the holidays.

Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.