A gathering of relatives in a remote location during extremely hot weather, with traditional treats and a car parked outside with a trailer attached – this is truly a classic Australian Christmas movie.
Anticipate subdued amusement instead of uproarious laughter from Stan’s latest holiday production by director Stef Smith and writer Tegan Higginbotham. This cheerful but chaotic dramedy relies on the interactions between characters and situational comedy, rather than the poignant and impactful atmosphere it strives for but ultimately misses the mark.
The movie opens with a sequence of traditional holiday scenes – a gingerbread house, a calendar with days marked off, and scattered presents – set to the song “It’s Christmas in Australia (And I Am Upside Down)” by Clive Smith. This overwhelming and unpleasant experience hints at a film that may be loud, mismatched, and tacky, similar to the 1998 comedy “Crackers” which includes a scene of a dog being burned by an exploding barbecue and crass dialogue like “You have a face like a slapped butt.”
The Jones family Christmas is a more pleasant and calmer event, with a strong sense of sentimentality. Heather Mitchell, who was recently seen in Love Me, leads the cast with a very charming and gentle performance as Heather, the matriarch of the Jones family. When we first encounter her, she is busy getting ready for the gathering while her husband Brian (Neil Melville) acts a bit scatterbrained and their daughter Alex (Max McKenna) is upset and pacing around the house due to a recent breakup.
Christina, the daughter of Heather and Brian, comes to visit from England with her young son William and her sophisticated lawyer husband Mishan. However, Mishan is not used to the rural lifestyle of the area, with its hot weather, dangerous creatures, and primitive bathrooms that emit odors that seem to never go away (as described by a famous Australian poet). When Danny, Heather’s son, arrives, it is revealed that he is unaware that his girlfriend Flick was recently in a relationship with Alex. This sets the stage for a potential confrontation or at least some interesting discussions during dinner.
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The initial section has a similar structure to a small-scale production, bringing together characters in one location and gradually revealing their histories and personalities. I found the mustard-like color scheme fitting for the sense that these individuals are somewhat unsettled and not at their best – not overwhelmed, but headed in that direction. I also appreciate the liveliness of these initial scenes: it’s evident that both Smith (director of last year’s humorous and poignant SBS series It’s Fine, I’m Fine) and Higginbotham were determined to infuse it with energy and excitement, with dialogue that is precisely crafted and delivered with a cheerful pace.
Several mentions are made about the potential threat of a bushfire, which seems to be significant information for the story. Therefore, it is not surprising when a warning is issued and the family chooses to evacuate. This causes the story, and even the film itself, to become uncertain as the setting changes and we are taken to a new place. It almost feels like we are starting over, with new situations, various settings, and some new characters who are not very compelling or well-developed.
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Mishan’s unfortunate vacation experience is perhaps the most entertaining diversion, but it takes a backseat as more substantial content takes center stage and the cheesiness becomes more noticeable. The introduction of a book club in a small town, delving into the themes of Pride and Prejudice, particularly one member’s observation about personal growth, causes the film to struggle. Despite Smith and Higginbotham’s efforts to keep a light-hearted tone, the drama escalates in both volume and intensity.
It can be difficult to strike the right balance, especially in this situation. When one character declares that “the fires are approaching”, the statement lacks any sense of fear. This does not bode well for the final act, which caused me to audibly groan at one point. The characters eventually come to a realization of What Truly Matters and share a group hug.
To find more compelling bushfire-related plays, watch the collection Fires. And for a higher quality holiday comedy – available on Stan – enjoy the charming A Sunburnt Christmas.
Source: theguardian.com
