Cast
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Lacey Chabert
as Sara Shaw
Paul Greene
as Peter Williams
Andrea Brooks
as Molly
Colleen Wheeler
as Barb
Kendall Cross
as Aunt Lizzie
Michael Ryan
as Mr. Williams
Mark Brandon
as Wilson
Donna Benedicto
as Megan
Howard Storey
as Santa
Brenda Crichlow
as Cortney
Jason McKinnon
as Dirk
Eduard Witzke
as Bryan
Laura Bertram
as Nicole
Amélie Will Wolf
as Amy
Kirby Morrow
as Brant
Crew
Director
- Christie Will Wolf
Writer
- Helen Frost
- Don MacLeod
Producer
- Greg Malcolm
- Vicki Sotheran
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Wish for Christmas examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Christie Will Wolf brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Wish for Christmas took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 80 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Wish for Christmas shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Pentatonix Christmas Special, which focuses more on action than character development, A Wish for Christmas subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Summer '04 and Love Actually explore similar territory, A Wish for Christmas stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 5, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch
