Cast
View AllVanessa Lachey
as Abby Hewitt
Brendon Zub
as Ryan Cooper
Sarah Smyth
as Brooke
Rick Fox
as Dr. Thomas Baxter
Christian Convery
as Elliot Hewitt
Karen Holness
as Cheryl
Lina Renna
as Jasmine Cooper
Jason McKinnon
as Terrence
Emma Pedersen
as Emily
Lossen Chambers
as Candace
Parm Soor
as Williams
Hiro Kanagawa
as Chester
Susan Hogan
as Abby's Mother
Matthew James Dowden
as Kenneth
Corina Akeson
as McCoy
Crew
Director
- David Winning
Writer
- Gregg Rossen
- Brian Sawyer
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
A Twist of Christmas represents a fascinating example of Romance/TV Movie/Family 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 David Winning 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 A Twist of Christmas took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 118 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1080 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2018, 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 Twist 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 The Thanksgiving Movie, which focuses more on action than character development, A Twist of Christmas subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mr. Blake At Your Service! and The Nightmare Before Christmas explore similar territory, A Twist of 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: December 1, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 27m