That Christmas Christian Review
It’s that time of year again. You know, the season when the air smells like cinnamon, the radio won’t stop blasting carols, and streaming platforms overflow with Christmas movies vying for your attention. Among this year’s contenders is That Christmas, a movie that tries—really tries—to be a heartwarming addition to your holiday watchlist. Directed by Richard Curtis in his first foray into animation, this film carries all the sentimental DNA you’d expect from him. Think Love Actually meets digital animation, with a pinch of holiday magic thrown in for good measure. But is it enough to stand out in the crowded Christmas movie market? Let’s unpack that.
A Story That Feels Familiar
The movie’s core message is, without a doubt, admirable. It’s about community, kindness, and doing good—things we can all agree the world needs more of. These themes echo throughout the story, reminding us of the timeless values that make Christmas special. In a way, it’s a return to the basics: no cynical twists, no dark subtext, just a straightforward celebration of the better angels of our nature.
But here’s the thing: while those values are certainly universal, they don’t feel particularly unique in That Christmas. The story doesn’t break new ground or deliver those ideas in a way that feels fresh or surprising. It’s like receiving a nice sweater on Christmas morning. You’re glad to have it, but it’s not exactly the gift you’ll rave about to your friends.
The Curtis Touch, but Slightly Muted
Richard Curtis has a knack for capturing the messy, heartfelt, and often awkward beauty of human connections. His earlier works—Love Actually, Notting Hill, and Four Weddings and a Funeral—resonate because they feel so authentic. With That Christmas, you can see his fingerprints in the emotional beats, the moments of connection that aim to tug at your heartstrings.
But here’s the catch: animation is a different beast. Without the raw vulnerability of live-action performances, those emotional beats sometimes feel… diluted. The characters, though beautifully rendered, don’t quite leap off the screen the way Curtis’s live-action ensembles do. There’s charm, sure, but it’s missing that spark, that sense of unpredictability that makes his best work unforgettable.
Animation with a British Twist
Visually, the film is a treat. The animation is cozy, warm, and unmistakably British. From the architecture to the rolling landscapes and even the muted color palettes, there’s a sense of place that feels deeply rooted and genuine. If you’ve ever dreamed of spending Christmas in a quaint English village, this movie might just transport you there for an hour and a half.
That said, while the animation captures the setting beautifully, it sometimes outshines the story itself. The backdrop feels richer and more detailed than the characters who inhabit it. It’s like wandering through a stunningly decorated Christmas market only to find that the stalls are selling the same trinkets you’ve seen a hundred times before.
The Good, the Bad, and the Sentimental
There’s no denying the film’s earnestness. It wears its heart on its sleeve, unashamedly sentimental and unabashedly feel-good. And in a world that often feels too cynical, that kind of sincerity is refreshing. But it’s also a double-edged sword.
Some moments feel overly saccharine, like a Christmas cookie with just a little too much icing. Other times, the humor comes across as a bit too smirky, as if it’s trying to wink at the audience but doesn’t quite land the joke. It’s a delicate balance, and while the film gets it right in places, it doesn’t always stick the landing.
Would Three Shorts Have Worked Better?
Here’s an interesting thought experiment: what if That Christmas had been a series of three shorts instead of a single feature-length film? The structure of the story, with its smaller, self-contained moments, almost seems tailor-made for a trilogy of bite-sized tales.
As it stands, the movie feels like it’s stretching itself a bit thin to fill the runtime. Certain segments drag, and the pacing can feel uneven. In shorter, more focused bursts, those sentimental and humorous moments might have shone brighter. Instead, we’re left with a film that works in fits and starts—a string of good ideas that don’t quite coalesce into a great whole.
What About the Reason for the Season?
Now, let’s talk about what the movie doesn’t do: dive into the spiritual side of Christmas. Yes, it’s a holiday movie, and yes, it’s filled with messages of kindness and generosity. But there’s little to no acknowledgment of the deeper, faith-based significance of the season.
For Christians, Christmas isn’t just about community and goodwill—it’s about celebrating the birth of Christ, the ultimate act of love and redemption. While That Christmas nods to universal values that align with Christian teachings, it stops short of exploring the spiritual foundation that gives those values their weight and meaning. It’s a missed opportunity, especially for a holiday film.
So, Is It Worth Watching?
Here’s the bottom line: That Christmas isn’t going to knock your socks off. It’s not the next The Polar Express or A Charlie Brown Christmas. But it’s also not trying to be. It’s a cozy, low-stakes holiday movie that delivers a pleasant, if somewhat forgettable, viewing experience.
If you’re looking for something to watch with a cup of hot cocoa on a snowy evening, it’ll do the trick. But if you’re hoping for a Christmas classic you’ll return to year after year, this probably isn’t it. And that’s okay. Not every holiday movie needs to reinvent the wheel.
Final Thoughts
That Christmas is like a warm, familiar hug—comforting and nice but not particularly memorable. It has its moments, and its heart is in the right place. But it doesn’t quite rise to the level of Curtis’s best work, nor does it capture the full magic and meaning of the season.
Still, there’s value in its simplicity. In a world that often feels overwhelming, sometimes a quiet, earnest story about kindness and community is enough. Just don’t expect it to stay with you long after the credits roll.
My Rating: 6.5/10
It’s a solid effort, with a lot of charm and a few standout moments. But like that sweater you get on Christmas morning, it’s nice to have—just not something you’ll be talking about all year long.
