Cast
View All
Jen Lilley
as Kate Jordan
Thomas Beaudoin
as Daniel Forsythe
Robert E. Walsh
as Walter Rafferty
Bates Wilder
as Sheriff Noah Bell
Kati Salowsky
as Lilly
Brett Leigh
as Harry
Joanna Herrington
as Molly Bell
Christopher Tarjan
as Oliver
Steven A. Miller
as Charles
Alexander Gauthier
as Laird
Neil Casey
as Mr. Murray
Crew
Director
- David Jackson
Writer
- Tracy Andreen
Producer
- Andrea Ajemian
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Spirit of 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 David Jackson 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 2015, 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 The Spirit of Christmas took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 131 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 449 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Spirit of 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 Just Friends, which focuses more on action than character development, The Spirit of Christmas offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Haunted Mansion and Breaking Surface explore similar territory, The Spirit of Christmas stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 28, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 31m
