🔗 Share this article Christmas, Again Review – A Relaxed Story of a Forlorn Christmas Tree Seller Boasts Genuine Charm This constitutes a New York drama so laidback that it has taken a decade to reach the UK’s cinema screens. Initially unveiled in the US in 2015, it’s a micro-budget first feature 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 naturalistic to get slushy or sentimental about Christmas; through his lens Christmas tree lights blink like police lights. But with its subtle approach, he pitches his film perfectly for a modest dose of festive warmth. The Weary Seller Amid the Brooklyn Cold Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (it took someone 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 resting in a not-much-warmer caravan stationed beside the trees. A few customers inquire after the girl assisting him last year. But this year Noel is alone, broken-hearted and working the night shift. There’s an observational quality to a lot of the scenes, with customers asking idle and peculiar questions. One woman wants the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (this is 2014). Noel looks numb with cold physically and emotionally; he’s weary and disillusioned, though Audley’s understated acting makes it clear that he hadn't always been 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 reappears later in truly poignant scenes as Noel travels through New York, making tree deliveries – and these sequences could ignite a little flicker of good cheer even in the most cynical viewer. Poekel has not directed a feature since this, which is a shame – you can’t beat it for naturalness and ease, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film. A film of understated charm and authentic atmosphere, portraying the loneliness and fleeting connection of the holidays. Christmas, Again arrives in UK cinemas from 12 December.