🔗 Share this article The Film Christmas, Again Film Review – A Relaxed Tale of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Has Genuine Charm This is a New York drama with such a relaxed pace that it required a decade to arrive on 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 unaffected to get slushy or sentimental about Christmas; in his view Christmas tree lights flash like police lights. But with its subtle approach, he positions the movie just right for a modest dose of festive warmth. A Weary Seller in the Brooklyn Cold Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (it took someone in the film to joke about his name before I twigged). Noel is back for his fifth year selling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, working outdoors in the freezing cold and sleeping in a not-much-warmer caravan stationed beside the trees. Several patrons ask about the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel works solo, broken-hearted and working the night shift. There’s a documentary feel to many of the scenes, with customers posing pointless random questions. One woman requests 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 clearly indicates that he wasn’t always like this. Understated Encounters and Glimmers of Hope In truth, not much happens. 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 truly poignant scenes as Noel travels through New York, making tree deliveries – 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 – it is unmatched for authenticity and fluidity, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film. The picture of understated appeal and authentic mood, capturing the solitude and fleeting connection of the holidays. Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.