Cast
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Merritt Patterson
as Sophie Griffith
Jon Cor
as David Murphy
Kwesi Ameyaw
as Ross Reeler
Anita Brown
as Jodi Hall
Terence Kelly
as Simon Baylock
Toby Levins
as Brent Willoughby
Nicole Oliver
as Marissa Myers
Luke Roessler
as Troy Murphy
Paula Shaw
as Louise Griffith
Leandro Guedes
as Auditioner #2
Chelsea Gill
as Prospective Nanny
Madeleine Kelders
as Smiling Parent
Briana Skye
as Chloé
Claude Knowlton
as Client
Richard Lett
as Santa
Crew
Director
- Paul Ziller
Producer
- Charles Cooper
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Picture a Perfect 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 Paul Ziller 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 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 Picture a Perfect Christmas took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 276 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- 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 Picture a Perfect 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 Just Friends, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Picture a Perfect Christmas offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Breaking Surface and All Summer Long explore similar territory, Picture a Perfect 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: November 9, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch
