Phil Roberts 
That Christmas is a fun, fresh take on the festive formula that delivers a joyous time in the snow-covered countryside. Although the concept is far from original, the film boasts enough festive cheer, iconography, and gorgeous animation to see it across the finish line.
It’s that time of year again when we dust off our beloved festive favorites for their annual Christmas rewatch. From The Polar Express to White Christmas, there’s a sleigh full of old classics to sit through. But, if you’re in the mood for something fresh, this year brings a host of new movies ready to compete for a spot on our cherished watchlist. We’ve already seen Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans flexing their festive muscles in RED ONE, but now Netflix is throwing its hat into the ring with an animated gem titled That Christmas.
Now, given I saw this film way before the Halloween festivities got underway, I was surprised at how festive this film made me feel. Typically, it’s The Muppet Christmas Carol that gets my Christmas juices flowing. However, That Christmas unexpectedly sparked a festive joy I didn’t realize I was missing. But can this animated kid-centric Christmas film truly stake a claim on our annual watchlist? Or is That Christmas another noteworthy attempt that doesn’t cut the Yule Log?
REVIEW
Fear not, dear readers, because That Christmas is a fun, fresh take on the festive formula that delivers a joyous time in the snow-covered countryside. Although the concept is far from original, the film boasts enough festive cheer, iconography, and gorgeous animation to see it across the finish line. Sadly, the film isn’t without issues, but they don’t detract from a solid addition to the Christmas watchlist. Simon Otto has delivered a delightful gem in his directorial debut and deserves credit for his work. With its all-star cast boasting the talents of Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy, Netflix has a certified festive hit on its hands.
The film perfectly captures the essence of the festive season, embracing every classic trope you can think of. As the last day of school buzzes with excitement, Wellington-on-Sea, a small rural English town, bursts into a whirlwind of holiday cheer, setting the stage for a hilarious rollercoaster of mischief and mayhem. What’s genuinely captivating is how the story weaves together the lives of its characters, showing their parallel journeys that ultimately converge in a heartwarming Christmas celebration. While the film serves up its fair share of laugh-out-loud calamities, it also delivers deeply touching moments that resonate long after the credits roll.
SANTA CLAUS
The responsibility of saving Christmas from inevitable failure rests on the shoulders of jolly old Saint Nick, the legendary Santa Claus, played by Brian Cox. But with the worst snowstorm on record hampering his mission and a virus sidelining all but one of his reindeer, even Santa has his work cut out for him this year. With Santa’s hands full this holiday season, the film beautifully weaves together three heartfelt stories that converge in time for the finale. While some of the plotlines may feel familiar or slightly predictable, they manage to bring a sense of festive warmth and charm.
The first story touches on the experience of a young boy who spends Christmas with his strict teacher, a situation brought on by his mother’s work commitments and his father’s absence. It’s a poignant reminder of how the holiday season can sometimes present unexpected challenges for those we care about. The second tale focuses on twin sisters who navigate their unique relationship despite being utterly different in personality. Lastly, the third story features a group of kids who find themselves home alone after their parents are involved in a car accident, leaving them to wait a whole day for their return. Given that the narrative propels every kid’s dream into reality, one can foresee how the film will unfold, and believe me, it does so hilariously.
SECRET SANTA GONE AWRY
With Santa’s calming narration propelling the story along, we follow these stories as they deliver bags of festive cheer, tales of family and friendship, and exploration of the true meaning of Christmas. The film has a deep and meaningful message that will resonate with everyone in the audience and remind us of the importance of family, which is a rare commodity nowadays.
Unfortunately, the film falls short due to its persistent effort to make the kids trendy and Instagram-worthy. As a result, many of the young characters spend the entire movie creating social media content. While this may reflect reality somewhat, it undermines and contradicts the valuable message of family and togetherness that the film has worked so hard to establish. In the end, it leaves the audience with a mixed message that is only diluted further by a bizarre last act that feels so out of place that it feels like a different film altogether.
FESTIVE CHEER
That being said, the witty tongue-in-cheek humor and cheesy Dad jokes more than makeup for any disappointment with the narrative shift. As all festive films should, That Christmas culminates with a warm and cheerful ending that will warm the hearts of kids and adults alike and leave them ready for every twist and turn Christmas can throw at them. This makes the film the perfect family festive fare to set the tone for a contemporary Christmas.
VERDICT
While some storylines and character arcs may feel familiar, That Christmas still captures the festive spirit beautifully. The animation is visually stunning, and the atmosphere embodies the best the season has to offer. John Powell’s delightful soundtrack fills the air with a joyful ambiance, keeping the film lighthearted and enjoyable. The talented voice cast brings a wonderful energy, making it a solid addition to the holiday watchlist.
In the end, That Christmas is a beautifully crafted, heartwarming, deeply emotional, and funny tale for the whole family. It’s good, clean, harmless fun that ticks every festive box, banishes the Brussels sprouts, and gets us all ready for Christmas. It may not be perfect, but it’s well worth adding to your annual Christmas watchlist. So grab a mince pie or three, light a scented candle, and get ready for a festive flick worth the time invested. Ho ho ho!
That Christmas will premiere on Netflix on December 4th.
Meet Phil Roberts! He’s the dedicated owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. Phil is a budding novelist who turned his passion toward writing about the franchises he loves back in 2016. He’s a huge fan of all things Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Phil is a BFI-accredited journalist and a distinguished member of the Film Critics Association UK.
If he’s not catching a movie at the cinema, you can bet he’s streaming something just as awesome!
