Christmas, Again Review – A Relaxed Story of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Authentic Charm
This constitutes a New York drama with such a relaxed pace that it has taken a decade to reach the UK’s cinema screens. Initially unveiled in the US in 2015, it’s an ultra-low-budget debut from debut filmmaker Charles Poekel, taking place largely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style is far too genuinely independent and naturalistic to become slushy or sentimental about Christmas; in his view Christmas tree lights blink like police lights. But in its own low-key way, he pitches his film just right for a little squeeze of festive warmth.
A Jaded Seller Amid the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley portrays Noel (someone had in the film to comment on his name for the connection to be made). Noel is back for his fifth year peddling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, working outdoors in the freezing cold and resting in a barely warmer caravan stationed beside the trees. Several patrons ask about the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel is alone, broken-hearted and on the night shift.
There’s an observational quality to many of the scenes, with customers posing idle and peculiar questions. One woman wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (the story is set in 2014). Noel looks numb with cold physically and emotionally; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s understated acting makes it clear that he hadn't always been like this.
Understated Encounters and Flickers of Hope
In truth, the plot is minimal. Noel rescues a woman, Lydia (Hannah Gross), who has passed out drunk on a bench. She reappears later in truly poignant scenes as Noel travels through New York, making tree deliveries – and these moments could ignite a small glimmer of good cheer in the grinchiest of hearts. Poekel hasn’t made a feature since this, which is a shame – you can’t beat it for naturalness and ease, and it’s filmed on beautifully grainy 16mm film.
The film of understated charm and real mood, portraying the loneliness and fleeting warmth of the season.
Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.
