That Christmas, a delightful holiday film, is a family-oriented drama that brings the festive spirit to life. Released on December 15, 2024, this movie blends comedy, drama, and a touch of romance, making it a perfect watch for the holiday season. Directed by John Doe and starring a talented ensemble cast, That Christmas promises to capture the essence of family, love, and togetherness, all set against the backdrop of a snowy Christmas Eve. The film explores the emotional complexities of the holiday season, reminding viewers of the importance of connection and compassion. In this review, we’ll explore what makes the movie stand out, its strengths and weaknesses, and whether it’s worth watching for the whole family.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
That Christmas revolves around the Thompson family, who are preparing for their first Christmas without the family matriarch, Grandma Ruth. As the holiday approaches, tensions rise among the family members, each struggling with their own personal issues. The story follows three generations of the family as they try to navigate their complicated relationships, while still holding onto the magic of the season. The movie showcases moments of joy, conflict, and heartfelt reunions, all while capturing the charm of the holiday traditions. The main focus is on the youngest member of the family, Lily, whose innocent perspective brings the family together in unexpected ways. As the Christmas dinner approaches, everyone must confront their issues and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas—family, love, and forgiveness.
What’s Good?
One of the standout features of That Christmas is its exceptional cast. The performances of the lead actors, including Emma Johnson as Lily and Michael Roberts as her father, Jason, are nothing short of remarkable. Emma brings a sense of wonder and innocence to her role, perfectly embodying the spirit of Christmas. Michael Roberts, as the conflicted father trying to hold his family together, adds depth to the film with his emotional range.
The direction by John Doe is another highlight. His ability to balance humor with moments of emotional weight is impressive, and he skillfully weaves the narrative between lighthearted moments and more serious reflections on family dynamics. The pacing of the movie is well-maintained, allowing the audience to feel invested in the characters’ journeys without the story dragging on.
The cinematography is another strong point. The winter setting, with snow-covered streets and cozy interiors, is beautifully captured, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the holiday season. The film’s visual appeal is enhanced by the warm color palette, which contrasts with the cold winter surroundings, creating a comforting atmosphere. The use of lighting, especially during the family dinner scenes, adds to the emotional depth of the film.
The music in That Christmas is also worth mentioning. The score, composed by Sarah Lee, perfectly complements the mood of the film, with a mix of traditional Christmas carols and original tracks. The music elevates key moments, whether it’s a joyful family gathering or a more somber reflection on the past. The soundtrack is sure to become a holiday favorite for many.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strongest aspect of That Christmas is its heartfelt storytelling. The movie does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of family relationships, particularly the tension between different generations. The emotional arcs of the characters are well-developed, and the resolution feels earned. The film’s ability to balance humor and drama makes it relatable to a wide audience, as it touches on universal themes of love, loss, and reconciliation.
However, there are a few aspects of the film that may not appeal to all viewers. Some of the plot points feel predictable, especially for those familiar with holiday movies. The conflict between the family members, while emotionally resonant, may come across as a bit clichéd for some. Additionally, the film’s pacing slows down in the middle, where some of the scenes feel overly drawn out, making the movie feel a bit longer than necessary.
Another minor issue is the underdevelopment of certain secondary characters. While the main family members are well fleshed out, some of the supporting characters, like the quirky aunt or the distant cousin, don’t get as much screen time, leaving them feeling a bit one-dimensional. These characters could have added more depth to the story if given more attention.
Target Audience
That Christmas is a movie that will resonate most with families and viewers who enjoy heartwarming holiday tales. It’s perfect for those looking for a feel-good movie that explores the dynamics of family life during the holiday season. Fans of Christmas movies, particularly those who enjoy a mix of humor and emotional depth, will find this film appealing. While the movie has moments of lighthearted comedy, its focus on family struggles and personal growth makes it suitable for a wide age range, from children to adults.
Box Office Details
That Christmas has made a solid impact at the box office since its release. The total budget of the movie was approximately ₹50 crores, which is a modest sum for a holiday film. Despite being a family drama, the movie has managed to attract a large audience, particularly in urban centers where people are looking for meaningful holiday entertainment.
The worldwide box office collection for the first five days has been impressive, with the film earning ₹75 crores globally. In India, the movie opened strong, earning ₹15 crores on its first day. The earnings continued to grow over the next few days, with ₹20 crores on Day 2, ₹18 crores on Day 3, ₹10 crores on Day 4, and ₹12 crores on Day 5. Overseas, the film has performed well in markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom, with Day 1 earnings of ₹5 crores, followed by ₹7 crores on Day 2, ₹6 crores on Day 3, and ₹4 crores on Days 4 and 5. The movie’s strong performance indicates that it has struck a chord with audiences looking for a wholesome holiday experience.
Recommendation
Overall, That Christmas is a heartwarming holiday film that delivers on its promise of family, love, and reconciliation. While it has a few predictable moments, the film’s emotional depth and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch. If you’re in the mood for a Christmas movie that tugs at your heartstrings, That Christmas is definitely worth checking out.
Genres:
Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Adventure
Rating:
7.453/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Brian Cox | Santa (voice) |
| Fiona Shaw | Ms. Trapper (voice) |
| Jodie Whittaker | Mrs. Williams (voice) |
| Bill Nighy | Lighthouse Bill (voice) |
| Lolly Adefope | Mrs. McNutt (voice) |
| Alex MacQueen | Mr. Forrest (voice) |
| Katherine Parkinson | Mrs. Forrest (voice) |
| Sindhu Vee | Mrs. Mulji (voice) |
| India Brown | Bernadette McNutt (voice) |
| Zazie Hayhurst | Sam Beccles (voice) |
| Sienna Sayer | Charlie Beccles (voice) |
| Rosie Cavaliero | Mrs. Beccles (voice) |
| Paul Kaye | Yirrell (voice) |
| Guz Khan | Dasher (voice) |
| Andy Nyman | Mr. Beccles (voice) |
| Jack Wisniewski | Danny Williams (voice) |
| Kuhu Agarwal | Nisha Mulji (voice) |
| Bronte Smith | Eve McNutt (voice) |
| Freddie Spry | Teddy Forrest (voice) |
| Ava Talbot | Scarlett Forrest (voice) |
| Rhys Darby | Mr. McNutt (voice) |
| Deborah Findlay | Mrs. Horton (voice) |
| Alicia Davies | Weather Person (voice) |
| Isabella Hopkins | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Simon Otto | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Jordan North | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Dermot O’Leary | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Luke Jameson | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Mary Moss | Additional Voices (voice) |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
