An interesting thing.

On the one hand <em>'This is Christmas'</em> is ultra, military grade, extra mature cheddar cheese and I've rarely been as uncomfortable watching a scene as I was during the initial speech on the train by Alfred Enoch's Adam - that sorta stuff, fake positivity/togetherness, is just something that makes me cringe, I can't help it.

However, in fairness, the film actually manages to play it off well. I was fearing the worst at that aforementioned moment, though as the scenes go by the characters actually do feel like they are getting to know each other in a relatively believable way - therefore making the earlier cringe actually befitting, given it would initially be awkward.

The cast help the film come to life in that way. Alfred Enoch is good value in the lead role, as is Kaya Scodelario alongside. I wouldn't say they have amazing chemistry, but what's there is most definitely enough. Timothy Spall chews the heck out the scenery, but eventually his character's story is probably my standout - as he is predominantly joined onscreen by Jack Donoghue, who plays his role nicely. The rest of 'em? All decent.

It made me cringe early on, but I did end up liking and respecting the message that it sends. Overall, it's solid Xmas viewing.

I love this movie. I joined this platform just because I saw there weren't any reviews for this and a desire to add more pictures from it.

I wrote a review late november 2024 that I'll paste in below
--

I just love this movie. I teared up at like 4 different places. Granted the first one was out of sheer joy and disbelief that It's nearing christmas and I get to watch it again.

I watched it for the first time last year and added in straight away to my Letterboxd top 4. Ended up watched it a couple of times last christmas season
Now upon a rewatch a year later, I do not regret it.

I just really connect with this film. I can relate to aspects of pretty much every character as well as identity their archetypes in persons in my own life. As a hardcore christmas lover, this movie also filled me with the christmas warmth.
Also want to shout out how sweet the music is.

My longing for christmas the rest of the year combined with how incredibly adorable I found Kaya Scodelario in this film has also lead me to 100% her on Letterboxd this year,- I became a big fan of hers which I am also greatful for. I'd go as far as to call her a "comfort actor" for me in the same way people have "comfort tv-shows"

_**"This party. I thought I wanted to get everyone on the the train to be friends. Thought it would be a good thing to do... Maybe I just wanted to hang out with you"**_