2 hours ago
Latest
Update
Latest Updates
Featured Posts
Get in Touch
Location:
123 Innovation Street
Tech District, CA 94105
123 Innovation Street
Tech District, CA 94105
Email:
hello@brand.com
hello@brand.com
Phone:
+1 (234) 567-890
+1 (234) 567-890
Christmas, Again Film Review – A Laidback Tale of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Has Genuine Charm
This is a New York drama so laidback that it has taken a decade to arrive on the UK’s cinema screens. Initially unveiled 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 genuinely independent 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 positions the movie just right for a modest dose of festive warmth.
A Weary Seller Amid the Brooklyn Cold
Kentucker Audley portrays Noel (someone had in the film to joke about his name before I twigged). Noel returns 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 inquire after the girl assisting him last year. But this year Noel is alone, broken-hearted and working the night shift.
There’s a documentary feel to many of the scenes, with customers asking idle and peculiar questions. A customer requests the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (this is 2014). Noel looks numb with cold physically and emotionally; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s understated acting clearly indicates that he hadn't always been like this.
Quiet Moments and Glimmers of Hope
Frankly, 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 drives around New York, delivering trees – and these moments could spark a little flicker 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 authenticity and fluidity, and it’s shot on beautifully grainy 16mm film.
A film of quiet charm and real mood, capturing the loneliness and fleeting connection of the holidays.
Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.
Samuel Berry
A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering esports and indie game developments.
April 2026 Blog Roll
March 2026 Blog Roll
February 2026 Blog Roll
January 2026 Blog Roll
December 2025 Blog Roll
November 2025 Blog Roll
October 2025 Blog Roll
Popular Posts
Sponsored News
Late Strike from Neves Sinks Ireland Following Caoimhín Kelleher Denies Cristiano Ronaldo Spot-Kick
Samuel Berry
18 Apr 2026
'I'd Never Heard Anything Like It': The Altered Instrument Revelations of Pianist Jessica Williams
Samuel Berry
18 Apr 2026
Top Law Officer Calls On Nigel Farage to Say Sorry Over Alleged Antisemitic and Racist Behaviour.
Samuel Berry
18 Apr 2026