Cast
View All
Katrina Law
as Jessica Lew
Carlo Marks
as Max Darlington
Steve Bacic
as Charles Darlington
Islie Hirvonen
as Emma Darlington
Anthony Bolognese
as J Henry Darlington
Madeline Hirvonen
as Abby Darlington
Morgana Wyllie
as Zoe
Brenda Matthews
as Mrs Brooks
Robyn Bradley
as Lena Thomas
James Yi
as Victor Lee
Quinnie Vu
as Kate
Stephen Adekolu
as Brad
Jag Bal
as Hal
Cameron MacLeod
as Delivery Guy
Arthur Corber
as Gus
Crew
Director
- Catherine Cyran
Writer
- Tracy Andreen
Producer
- Mandy Spencer-Phillips
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Christmas with the Darlings represents a fascinating example of Romance/TV Movie 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 Catherine Cyran 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 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Christmas with the Darlings took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 922 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 220 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Christmas with the Darlings 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 Knight Before Christmas, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Christmas with the Darlings offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Don't Go Breaking My Heart and All Summer Long explore similar territory, Christmas with the Darlings 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 8, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 23m
Where to Watch
