A Christmas tale that's anything but saccharine, "Christmas, Again" tells the story of Noel, a worn-out Christmas tree seller in Brooklyn who's lost his sparkle. This ultra-low-budget debut from first-time director Charles Poekel is as laid-back as it gets, with a style so authentic and unaffected that it refuses to get overly sentimental about the festive season.
Kentucker Audley stars as Noel, a man on his fifth year selling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, but this time he's working alone. The cold winds howl around him as he stands outside in the freezing night air, his spirit broken by heartbreak and disillusionment. Yet, despite being weary and emotionally frozen, Audley brings a subtlety to Noel's character that makes his backstory all too relatable.
The documentary feel of many scenes adds to the film's natural charm, with customers asking pointless questions and one woman requesting a Christmas tree that was featured in the Obamas' home. It's a far cry from traditional holiday fare, but in its own low-key way, "Christmas, Again" manages to squeeze out a little festive warmth.
The turning point comes when Noel rescues a drunk woman named Lydia (Hannah Gross) who stumbles into his life once again. Poekel captures these moments beautifully, with genuine poignancy that could spark even the grumpiest of hearts. Shot on gorgeous 16mm film, "Christmas, Again" is a visual treat that showcases its director's skill.
Unfortunately, it's been a decade since this low-budget gem was first released in the US, and it seems Poekel hasn't made a feature film since. But if you haven't seen it yet, now's the perfect time to get cozy with "Christmas, Again".
Kentucker Audley stars as Noel, a man on his fifth year selling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, but this time he's working alone. The cold winds howl around him as he stands outside in the freezing night air, his spirit broken by heartbreak and disillusionment. Yet, despite being weary and emotionally frozen, Audley brings a subtlety to Noel's character that makes his backstory all too relatable.
The documentary feel of many scenes adds to the film's natural charm, with customers asking pointless questions and one woman requesting a Christmas tree that was featured in the Obamas' home. It's a far cry from traditional holiday fare, but in its own low-key way, "Christmas, Again" manages to squeeze out a little festive warmth.
The turning point comes when Noel rescues a drunk woman named Lydia (Hannah Gross) who stumbles into his life once again. Poekel captures these moments beautifully, with genuine poignancy that could spark even the grumpiest of hearts. Shot on gorgeous 16mm film, "Christmas, Again" is a visual treat that showcases its director's skill.
Unfortunately, it's been a decade since this low-budget gem was first released in the US, and it seems Poekel hasn't made a feature film since. But if you haven't seen it yet, now's the perfect time to get cozy with "Christmas, Again".
. This one's like the anti-Elf or Home Alone – it's actually pretty realistic about how hard the holiday season can hit you. The cinematography is on point, btw 
, and Kentucker Audley's performance is so underrated. I mean, who plays a character that's just a hot mess of emotions, but in a good way? 
And don't even get me started on the Obamas' Christmas tree – what's up with that?! 
. And let's be real, 16mm film is SO underrated right now 
. It adds this retro charm that makes the whole movie feel cozy and intimate. I'm so down for a rewatch, anyone got a copy? 
. Scientists are saying we're on track for a temperature increase of up to 3°C above pre-industrial levels by then, which is super bad news for the planet and all its inhabitants. Also, droughts in California have reached historic lows, leaving many farmers worried about their crops 
. And just yesterday, another devastating hurricane hit the coast of Mexico...
and I gotta say, it's so refreshing! 
The way the director captures Noel's emotional struggles is super relatable. You can tell he's not trying to sugarcoat anything, you know? 
The 16mm film shots are gorgeous, btw 
. I love how it's not your typical holiday flick – it's more like a quiet chat with an old friend. 
Has anyone else seen this one? 
. I mean, think about it - a low-budget debut film that was released over 10 years ago and now only gains momentum on nostalgic platforms. Meanwhile, our politicians are still debating whether or not to invest in arts programs for underrepresented communities 
. It's like we value the creative expression of individuals but neglect the infrastructure needed to support them. And what's even more interesting is that this film's success shows us that there are other ways to bring people together during the holiday season - through storytelling and human connection 
finally found a Christmas movie that doesn't make me roll my eyes, you know? It's like the filmmakers took all the cheesy parts and just... didn't do them. And Kentucker Audley's performance is so underrated - he brings this quiet intensity to Noel's character that's actually really compelling. The 16mm film thingy is also super cool, it adds to the whole laid-back vibe of the movie. 
. kentucker audley as noel is like, so relatable, u feel me? 
. anyway, i'm adding this to my watchlist ASAP! 
! It's not that cheesy, feel-good movie we all know and hate. The dude playing Noel is like, woah, so relatable 
, you feel me? And the way they shot it on 16mm film, it's like a breath of fresh air 
. I mean, who needs fancy effects when you got real people, real emotions? It's like Poekel just captured this vibe of...I don't know, normalcy or whatever 
the whole movie is just so relatable lol u feel me? noel's struggles are real, he's just tryna make a livin' but nobody cares about him... meanwhile, this one woman asks for a tree that was in obama's house, smh what a waste of money 
also, i'm still thinkin bout that drunk woman lydia, poor thing 
but u know what? it actually kinda works... the film has this chill vibe to it, like ur just watchin a friend's life go by 
It's like, so not your typical cheesy holiday flick. The lead actor Kentucker Audley is amazing as the worn-out Christmas tree seller Noel - he brings such depth to his character that you can't help but feel for him. And the way the director Charles Poekel captures these quiet moments between characters is just beautiful... it's like a big ol' hug in a box! 
The film has this super relatable vibe, like we've all been there at some point or another, feeling like we're stuck and just need someone (or something) to spark us back to life. 
Anyway, I highly recommend giving "Christmas, Again" a watch - it's the perfect antidote to the chaos of the world right now. 
. On one hand, it's so relatable to anyone who's ever felt like they're stuck in a rut during the holidays, you know? But on the other hand, it's also super depressing 
. The cinematography is gorgeous, btw - I love how they shot it on 16mm film 
. Anyway, if you're feeling down and need a little pick-me-up, "Christmas, Again" is def worth checking out 
– I mean, who can't relate to feeling broken and disillusioned after a rough year? But what really gets me is how the film balances its natural charm with some genuinely poignant moments that'll tug at your heartstrings 
.
. And I love how Poekel keeps things real, no fancy special effects or over-the-top sentimentality – just a raw, honest story that feels like a warm hug from an old friend 
. It's totally perfect for getting cozy on a winter night – trust me, you won't be disappointed!
. And that rescue scene? *chef's kiss* 
. This one just lets the story breathe, and it feels so much better for it