Movie spotlight
This Is Not a Christmas Movie
In the run-up to Christmas, a family completely misses the point in trying to be good. Brechtje, the mother of the family, gets cancelled by everyone, without understanding why. Her husband, Martijn, falls in love with his younger colleague, but true love can’t be denied (or so he thinks). Justus, the son-in-law, gets lost on a Don Quichotesque quest for his masculinity. While Jos, the middle child, changes the world around with her tolerance and open mindedness – until her girlfriend wants to have a threesome. And all of that happens just before their annual Christmas dinner.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young Black woman faces the complexities of her white adoptive family's traditions and her own identity during the Christmas season. As she navigates potential romance and personal growth, she grapples with feelings of belonging and the true meaning of family, ultimately finding her voice and place.
Critical Reception
This independent drama explores themes of identity, race, and belonging within a family context, particularly around the holiday season. While aiming for a heartfelt narrative, its reception has been mixed, with some appreciating its sensitive portrayal of complex issues and others finding the execution uneven.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its timely exploration of racial and cultural identity within a family.
Some critics noted pacing issues and a somewhat predictable narrative arc.
The performances, particularly from the lead, were highlighted as a strong point.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's limited release. Early feedback suggests appreciation for the film's attempt to address nuanced family dynamics and identity, though some viewers wished for a more robust development of the plot and characters.
Fun Fact
The film was produced independently and aims to bring a unique perspective to holiday-themed narratives that often overlook diverse family experiences.
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