The Film Christmas, Again Review – A Relaxed Story of a Forlorn Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Authentic Charm

The constitutes a New York drama so laidback that it required 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 is far too genuinely independent and naturalistic to become slushy or sentimental about Christmas; through his lens Christmas tree lights blink like police lights. But with its subtle approach, he positions the movie just right for a little squeeze of festive warmth.

The Weary Seller in the Brooklyn Cold

Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (someone had in the film to joke about his name before I twigged). Noel returns for his fifth year selling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, standing outside in the freezing cold and sleeping 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 works solo, broken-hearted and working the night shift.

There’s an observational quality to many of the scenes, with customers posing idle and peculiar questions. A customer wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (this is 2014). Noel looks frozen to the bone physically and emotionally; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s understated acting makes it clear that he hadn't always been like this.

Quiet Encounters and Glimmers of Connection

In truth, the plot is minimal. Noel comes to the aid of a woman, Lydia (Hannah Gross), who has passed out 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 ignite a little flicker of good cheer in the grinchiest of hearts. Poekel hasn’t made a feature since this, which is a shame – it is unmatched for authenticity and fluidity, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film.

A film of understated appeal and authentic mood, portraying the solitude and fleeting connection of the holidays.

Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.