That Christmas

Simon Otto's That Christmas represents an ambitious effort to translate Richard Curtis' beloved trilogy of children's books into an animated feature. By interweaving three distinct storylines, each centered on the themes of love, loneliness and family, the film aims to be a heartfelt celebration of the holiday season. However, in its attempt to balance multiple narratives and a multitude of characters, the film struggles to find its rhythm, emotional depth and cohesion, ultimately leaving its potential for timeless holiday charm underexploited.

At the heart of That Christmas is the picturesque coastal town of Wellington-on-Sea, a tight-knit community preparing for the most wonderful time of the year. As the plot unfolds, viewers are introduced to an ensemble cast, each facing their own set of challenges. Shy, socially isolated Danny Williams, played by Jack Wisniewski, struggles with the pangs of loneliness while his mother, played by Jodie Whittaker, works long hours as a nurse, leaving him to navigate Christmas largely alone. Meanwhile, Sam Beccles (Zazie Hayhurst) and her twin sister Charlie Beccles (Sienna Sayer) grapple with the sibling dynamic, with Sam, reserved and conscientious, worrying about Charlie's mischief and his place on Santa's naughty list. Finally, feisty Bernadette McNutt (India Brown) proves an unexpected leader when a snowstorm leaves her and her youngest children to fend for themselves while their parents are stranded out of town.

Narrated by Santa Claus, whose voice is expertly animated by the imposing Brian Cox, the film integrates these disparate narratives into a single story around the chaos and redemption of Christmas. The title character introduces Wellington-on-Sea as a place where extraordinary events take place, particularly during the festive season. This framing device lends an air of magical realism to the narrative, anchoring the fantastical elements in the familiar warmth of community life. However, while Santa's narration brings cohesion and charm, the film's overall structure seems overloaded and uneven, reflecting his attempt to adapt three books into a singular cinematic experience.

The main challenge of Ce Noël-là lies in its ambitious scope. By juggling multiple subplots, the film risks losing focus, and indeed, some characters and stories receive less attention than others. Danny's story is the film's emotional anchor, exploring themes of abandonment, resilience and unexpected friendship. The evolution of his relationship with Mrs. Trapper (Fiona Shaw), a stern but lonely teacher, is tenderly crafted and provides the film's most heartfelt and poignant moments. Their unlikely bond, fueled by shared isolation, unfolds with subtlety and warmth, offering a nuanced depiction of human bonding during the holiday season.

The story arc around Sam and Charlie, while charming, feels rushed and lacks the emotional depth necessary to fully captivate the audience. The moral dilemma surrounding the concept of “naughtiness” and how it shapes a person's perception in Santa's eyes is intriguing but insufficiently explored. Similarly, Bernadette's journey as an impromptu babysitter for a group of children showcases her spirited leadership, but relies heavily on slapstick humor and clichés, diminishing the weight of her arc. This narrative imbalance is compounded by the film's pace. The first act introduces a multitude of characters and conflicts, often to the detriment of clarity and focus. As the story progresses, the constant switching from one plot to another disrupts the emotional flow, preventing viewers from becoming fully invested in either plot. While the climax attempts to tie these threads together in a heartwarming resolution, the convergence feels contrived, recalling the film's struggle to reconcile its ambitious scope with its limited running time.

Visually, That Christmas is a feast for the eyes, though it relies more on conventional aesthetics than revolutionary innovation. Simon Otto's experience as animator on How to Train Your Dragon is evident in the detailed rendering of Wellington-on-Sea, from its snow-covered streets to its cozy houses and bustling square. The animation excels at capturing the festive spirit, with twinkling Christmas lights, swirling snowflakes and warmly lit interiors creating a welcoming atmosphere. However, the character design is less successful. Although functional, they lack the distinctive character and charm to make them truly memorable. Exaggerated features, such as bulbous noses and overly simplistic expressions, don't fit with the richly textured environments, resulting in a visual inconsistency that detracts from the overall experience. What's more, the animation style, while polished, fails to push the boundaries of the medium, giving the film a sense of visual security rather than innovation.

That Christmas captures the bittersweet complexities of the holiday season. It recognizes that Christmas is not universally joyous, and explores the struggles of its characters with sincerity and compassion. Danny's sense of abandonment, Sam's anxiety over his sister's behavior and Bernadette's quest to prove herself all reflect the multifaceted holiday experience. The film's willingness to engage with these emotional realities sets it apart from more saccharine vacation films. However, this emotional depth is often undermined by an over-reliance on humor and spectacle. Pithy gags, while entertaining for young audiences, are out of place in moments that demand genuine pathos. The film's comic tone, combined with its tendency to resolve conflicts too neatly, diminishes the impact of its deeper themes. As a result, That Christmas often feels caught between two identities: a heartfelt exploration of the difficulties associated with the holiday season, and a light-hearted family comedy.

The influence of Richard Curtis is undeniable throughout the film. Whether it's the interwoven plots, witty dialogue or sentimental undertones, That Christmas bears the hallmarks of his storytelling style. Yet whereas these elements worked brilliantly in films like Love Actually, they seem less coherent in this animated format. Curtis's penchant for metaphorical humor, including a self-referential nod to Love Actually, feels more like a distraction than a clever addition, which detracts from the film's authenticity. Curtis's writing shines brightest in the quieter moments, such as the poignant exchange of sticky notes between Danny and his mother, or Mrs. Trapper's lonely reflections in her empty house. These scenes encapsulate the film's potential to move audiences, demonstrating that less is often more when it comes to storytelling.

That Christmas is a film brimming with good intentions, but its execution leaves much to be desired. Its heartfelt themes and moments of genuine warmth make it well worth seeing, especially for families looking for a festive escape. However, its narrative heaviness, uneven pacing and inconsistent tone prevent it from reaching the heights of holiday classics like Klaus or The Polar Express. For younger audiences, the humor and vibrant images may suffice, but for those seeking a deeper emotional connection, the film's shortcomings may leave something to be desired.

Despite its flaws, That Christmas reminds us of the magic and messiness of the holiday season, a time when love, laughter and a touch of chaos converge. While it won't become a perennial favorite, it manages to deliver a message of hope and solidarity that resonates beyond its imperfections. For this reason alone, it's a welcome addition to the growing canon of Christmas cinema.

That Christmas
Directed by Simon Otto
Written by Richard Curtis, Peter Souter
Based on That Christmas and Other Stories by Richard Curtis
Produced by Nicole P. Hearon, Adam Tandy
Starring Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Bill Nighy
Edited by Sim Evan-Jones
Music by John Powell
Production companies: Netflix Animation, Locksmith Animation, DNEG Animation
Distributed by Netflix
Release dates : October 19, 2024 (BFI London Film Festival), December 4, 2024 (Netflix, United States), December 6,2024 (Netflix, France)
Running time : 92 minutes

Viewed on December 6, 2024 on Netflix

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