Cast
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Torrey DeVitto
as Jessica Winthrop
Chad Michael Murray
as Luke Wilson
Lolita Davidovich
as Aunt Lila
Drew Seeley
as Jax
David Quinlan
as John
Kimberley Shoniker
as Mimi
Lanie McAuley
as Angie Dawson
Madison Smith
as Carter Winthrop
Grant Show
as Tom
Geoff Gustafson
as Todd
Theresa Wong
as Ruth
Max Archibald
as Joshua
Jay Hindle
as Wes
Paula Giroday
as Leslie
Stephen Lobo
as Primo
Crew
Director
- Pat Williams
Writer
- Neal H. Dobrofsky
- Tippi Dobrofsky
Producer
- Charles Cooper
- Harvey Kahn
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Write Before Christmas represents a fascinating example of TV Movie/Romance 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 Pat Williams 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 2019, 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 Write Before Christmas took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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 Write Before 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 Singin' in the Rain, which focuses more on action than character development, Write Before Christmas subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Edward Scissorhands and About a Boy explore similar territory, Write Before 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 17, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
