🔗 Share this article Christmas, Again Film Review – This Laidback Tale of a Lonely Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Authentic Charm The is a New York drama with such a relaxed pace that it has taken a decade to arrive on the UK’s cinema screens. First released in the US in 2015, it’s a micro-budget first feature from first-time director Charles Poekel, taking place largely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style remains decidedly authentic-indie and unaffected 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 perfectly for a modest dose of festive warmth. The Jaded Seller Amid the Brooklyn Cold Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (someone had in the film to joke about 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 parked next to the trees. A few customers inquire after the girl assisting him last year. But this year Noel works solo, heartbroken and working the night shift. There’s a documentary feel to a lot of the scenes, with customers posing idle and peculiar questions. One woman wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (this is 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 hadn't always been like this. Quiet Moments and Flickers of Hope Frankly, 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 truly poignant scenes as Noel travels through New York, delivering trees – and these sequences could spark a little flicker of good cheer even in the most cynical viewer. Poekel hasn’t made a feature since this, which is regrettable – it is unmatched for authenticity and fluidity, and it’s filmed on beautifully grainy 16mm film. The picture of understated charm and real atmosphere, capturing the solitude and brief warmth of the season. Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.