🔗 Share this article

This constitutes a New York drama so laidback that it required a decade to arrive on 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, set almost entirely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style remains decidedly genuinely independent and naturalistic to become slushy or sentimental about Christmas; in his view Christmas tree lights flash like police lights. But in its own low-key way, he positions the movie just right for a modest dose of festive warmth.

The Jaded Seller in the Brooklyn Cold

Kentucker Audley portrays 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 parked next to the trees. Several patrons inquire after the girl assisting him last year. But this year Noel works solo, heartbroken and working the night shift.

There’s an observational quality to a lot of the scenes, with customers posing pointless random questions. A customer requests the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (this is 2014). Noel looks numb with cold in body and spirit; he’s exhausted and disenchanted, though Audley’s understated acting makes it clear that he wasn’t always like this.

Quiet Moments and Glimmers of Hope

Frankly, the plot is minimal. Noel rescues 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 has not directed a feature since this, which is regrettable – it is unmatched for naturalness and ease, and it’s shot on beautifully grainy 16mm film.

The picture of understated appeal and authentic mood, portraying the solitude and brief warmth of the season.

Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.