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The Christmas Contract

The Christmas Contract (2018)

Nov 22, 2018 1h 28m TV Movie Romance Drama

It’s Jolie’s first time going back home to Louisiana since her devastating break-up with Foster Burke. Seeing him is inevitable as their parents run the town’s annual Christmas Market together, but when she discovers Foster is bringing home a new girlfriend, Jolie cannot bear the thought of going home alone and seeing them together. Her best friend Naomi suggests that Jolie bring her flaky brother, Jack, home for Christmas as he has no plans this year. Jolie, a professional web designer, is hesitant; so, Naomi, a lawyer, creates a Christmas contract to give them both something they want—a buffer for those awkward moments around Jolie’s ex and a website to help sell Jack’s upcoming novel. Unbeknownst to them, the Christmas contract proves to be so much more than what they signed up for.

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Directed by Monika Mitchell

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Monika Mitchell
Writer
  • Cassie Doyle
Producer
  • Marcy Holland
  • Daniel Lewis
  • Kenneth M. Badish

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Christmas Contract 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 Monika Mitchell 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 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 The Christmas Contract took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The musical score contains over 54 unique compositions.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • 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 The Christmas Contract 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, The Christmas Contract subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Martin's Close and Silent Night explore similar territory, The Christmas Contract 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 22, 2018
  • Runtime: 1h 28m

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