Cast
View AllJulian Ovenden
as Dan
Gemma Whelan
as Miranda
Joely Richardson
as Lyla
Michael Landes
as Trent
Sally Phillips
as Miriam
Patricia Hodge
as Aunt Peggy
Ronni Ancona
as Vicky
James Fox
as Uncle John
Sophie Simnett
as Bee
Mark Tandy
as Vicar
Kitty Peterkin
as Daisy
Riley White
as Dylan
Lochlan White
as Bobby
Radosław Kaim
as Witek
Adam Ganne
as Radek
Crew
Director
- James Dearden
Writer
- James Dearden
Producer
- Nick Hamson
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Surviving Christmas with the Relatives represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director James Dearden 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, 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 Surviving Christmas with the Relatives took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The film contains approximately 1037 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Surviving Christmas with the Relatives shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Blizzard, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Surviving Christmas with the Relatives offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Fred Claus explore similar territory, Surviving Christmas with the Relatives stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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 30, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Revenue: $36,809
Where to Watch




