Cast
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Natalie Knepp
as Rachel
Michael Rady
as Jack
Bonnie Bedelia
as Joy
Steve Bacic
as Stuart
Marc Senior
as Paul
Chiara Guzzo
as Bridget
David James Lewis
as David
Jillian Walchuck
as Suzy
Jordan Ninko
as Mayor
Bobby Stewart
as Dennis
Jaime Maclean
as Natalie
Françoise Robertson
as Brenda
Connor O'Mahony
as Max
Mischa Karwat
as Juliette
Grace Chin
as Tv Reporter
Crew
Director
- Allan Harmon
Writer
- Heather Provost
- Scott Damian
Producer
- John Prince
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Joyous 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 Allan Harmon 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 2017, 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 Joyous Christmas took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 114 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1609 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Joyous 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 The Man Who Invented Christmas, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, A Joyous Christmas subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Martin's Close and Silent Night explore similar territory, A Joyous Christmas stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 26, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 23m
Where to Watch
