🔗 Share this article The Film Christmas, Again Review – This Relaxed Story of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Authentic Charm The constitutes a New York drama so laidback that it has taken a decade to reach the UK’s cinema screens. First released in the US in 2015, it’s an ultra-low-budget debut from first-time director 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 become slushy or sentimental about Christmas; in his view Christmas tree lights flash like police lights. But with its subtle approach, he positions the movie perfectly for a modest dose of festive warmth. The Weary Seller in the Brooklyn Cold Kentucker Audley portrays Noel (it took someone 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, 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 assisting him last year. But this year Noel works solo, heartbroken 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 (the story is set in 2014). Noel looks frozen to the bone in body and spirit; he’s weary and disillusioned, though Audley’s subtle performance clearly indicates that he wasn’t always like this. Quiet Encounters and Flickers of Hope 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 reappears later in some genuinely moving scenes as Noel travels through New York, making tree deliveries – and these moments could ignite 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 naturalness and ease, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film. The film of understated appeal and authentic mood, capturing the solitude and fleeting warmth of the holidays. Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.