Netflix's latest holiday release, That Christmas, is poised to join the ranks of iconic Christmas films thanks to its touching storytelling and heartfelt animation. With the voice talents of Brian Cox as Santa Claus, and directed by Simon Otto, That Christmas tells overlapping stories of children and families during the holidays in the quaint seaside town of Wellington-on-Sea. Written by Richard Curtis and Peter Souter, this film manages to balance comedy, poignancy, and holiday magic, delivering a narrative that feels destined to become a new holiday favorite.
A Challenging Christmas Eve for Santa
The film begins with a classic Christmas dilemma: Santa Claus, voiced by Brian Cox, must navigate treacherous weather to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve. But this year, the challenges are greater than usual. Santa, who is battling a terrible cold, is down to just one reindeer—a sassy, talkative animal voiced by Guz Khan. Their bickering creates moments of comic relief, especially when Santa threatens to switch to a self-driving sleigh. But while the odds seem stacked against him, Santa’s determination to spread joy to children, especially those in Wellington-on-Sea, drives the narrative forward.
The stormy weather, a single reindeer, and the strained partnership add tension and comedy right from the start, making Santa’s mission more complex than usual—but also more endearing. This sets the stage for a touching look at what Christmas means to both children and adults.
A Community-Centric Narrative
Similar to Love, Actually (which gets a fun cameo nod in this film), That Christmas features multiple interconnected stories that eventually link up in surprising ways. Set in the close-knit, multicultural English town of Wellington-on-Sea, the story paints a vibrant picture of a community bustling with quirky characters and real emotions. Santa introduces us to the town through voiceover, and we see Wellington-on-Sea come to life just days before Christmas.
One of the first events we witness is the local children staging a play called Three Wise Women, directed by 15-year-old Bernadette, voiced by India Brown, and her best friend Sam (Zazie Hayhurst). The production, full of contemporary pop songs and chaotic creativity, sets the tone for the film—it’s both a riotous disaster and a heartfelt celebration of community spirit. It’s also where we meet several key characters whose lives and relationships form the heart of the film.
Young Love, New Friendships, and Family Bonds
At the core of the story is young Danny (Jack Wisniewski), a new arrival to Wellington-on-Sea who harbors a crush on Sam. Their interactions are painfully awkward but sweetly innocent, capturing the tentative, shy steps of young love. Danny spends much of his time daydreaming about spending Christmas with his estranged father, who he hopes will visit, while his hardworking mother (Jodie Whittaker) pulls long shifts as a nurse.
Danny’s life changes as he strikes up an unexpected friendship with Ms. Trapper (Fiona Shaw), a neighbor and schoolteacher whose prickly demeanor rivals that of the Grinch. Ms. Trapper’s transformation throughout the movie, spurred by her connection with Danny, becomes one of the more touching subplots of That Christmas. The story explores themes of loneliness and the magic that can happen when someone opens their heart to the holiday spirit.
In another part of town, we see Sam struggling with her twin sister, Charlie, who has an affinity for mischief that often lands her in trouble. Charlie’s antics—which include some of the film’s most humorous moments—keep their parents on their toes and add a lighthearted tone to the narrative. Sam’s concerns over Charlie’s behavior are juxtaposed with her fears that Santa might decide she’s too "naughty" to receive any presents, adding both emotional depth and comedy.
Festive Humor and Family Dynamics
The comedic center of That Christmas is the McNutt family, with Rhys Darby and Lolly Adefope voicing Bernadette’s parents. Their warmth, humor, and slightly chaotic household dynamic make them instantly endearing. Alongside the McNutts are their friends, the Forrests (voiced by Alex MacQueen and Katherine Parkinson), and Mrs. Mulji (voiced by Sindhu Vee). Together, they add color to Wellington-on-Sea and amplify the film’s sense of a close-knit community.
The narrative truly kicks into high gear when Bernadette’s parents and their friends decide to leave town for a wedding just days before Christmas. Despite a looming snowstorm, they eagerly board a ferry, relishing the chance to have a "grown-up" adventure. But as the weather worsens and ferry services are canceled, they realize that they may not make it home in time for Christmas—a revelation that adds urgency to their journey back.
These overlapping storylines—Santa struggling to reach Wellington-on-Sea, Danny trying to bring his family together, Sam worrying about her sister, and the parents battling the elements to get home—create a rich tapestry of holiday stories. They blend the ordinary with the magical, delivering a narrative that is poignant, hilarious, and hopeful.
A Standout Voice Cast and Heartfelt Direction
The ensemble voice cast of That Christmas is truly impressive, with each actor bringing their character to life in a distinct and memorable way. Brian Cox’s deep, commanding voice adds gravitas to Santa, while Guz Khan provides fantastic comic timing as his lone reindeer companion. Fiona Shaw’s transformation from cantankerous neighbor to a compassionate ally captures one of the film’s strongest emotional arcs.
Director Simon Otto, known for his work on How to Train Your Dragon, brings a keen eye for both animation and storytelling to his feature debut. The animation style of That Christmas strikes a beautiful balance between the whimsical and the grounded. Wellington-on-Sea is rendered in warm, inviting tones, with careful attention to detail that makes it feel like a real, lived-in town—from the lighthouse to the snow-covered streets.
Richard Curtis, known for his knack for romantic and heartwarming narratives, brings that same magic to this animated feature. His script (co-written with Peter Souter) draws inspiration from his own children’s books and weaves a layered story that touches on love, community, friendship, and the holiday spirit. It’s not overly sentimental but carries enough heart to leave viewers feeling warm and nostalgic.
The Balance Between Fantasy and Realism
One of That Christmas' greatest strengths is its ability to blend fantastical elements with realistic emotions. While Santa battling a storm to reach the town provides the film's fantastical framework, the real magic happens in the quiet, human moments between characters. Danny’s attempts to connect with his absent father, Ms. Trapper’s rediscovery of joy, and Sam’s worries about her sister all speak to real-life experiences that ground the film.
The diverse cast of characters adds to the feeling that That Christmas is not just a holiday tale but a community portrait. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the lives of Wellington-on-Sea’s residents, thanks in large part to the detailed animation and strong writing. The town feels vibrant and alive, which helps to heighten the stakes as Christmas approaches.
Conclusion
That Christmas is a delightful addition to Netflix’s growing collection of holiday films, offering something for viewers of all ages. It captures the essence of the season without being overly saccharine, balancing humor with heart in a way that resonates. The interconnected storylines, colorful characters, and strong voice performances make this film an instant classic for the holidays.
Director Simon Otto, combined with Richard Curtis's storytelling magic, has created a film that is as funny as it is touching, providing audiences with a festive tale that will be enjoyed for years to come. Whether you’re a fan of classic Christmas tales or new holiday adventures, That Christmas is a must-watch that brings warmth, laughter, and a sense of community—all the things that make the holiday season truly special.
FAQs about That Christmas
1. Is That Christmas suitable for children?
Yes, That Christmas is rated PG and is suitable for children and families. The film has a heartwarming story, funny moments, and important life lessons, making it a perfect choice for family movie night.
2. Who voices Santa Claus in That Christmas?
Santa Claus is voiced by Brian Cox, who brings warmth and a touch of humor to the iconic role.
3. Is That Christmas connected to Love, Actually?
While That Christmas is not directly connected to Love, Actually, it does share some stylistic similarities and even has a fun cameo nod to the classic film, as both were written by Richard Curtis.
4. What makes That Christmas stand out from other holiday movies?
That Christmas stands out due to its combination of heartfelt storytelling, humorous moments, strong voice performances, and its focus on community dynamics. It blends magical elements with realistic, relatable emotional arcs.
5. Will there be a sequel to That Christmas?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a sequel, but given the film's positive reception, a follow-up seems possible.
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