Cast
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Aimee Teegarden
as Vanessa Hall
Andrew W. Walker
as Kristopher
James Tupper
as Richard
Kendall Cross
as Pauline
Georgia Orchard
as Emilia
Ava Telek
as Caitlin
Colby McClendon
as Aiden
Lisa Paxton
as Grandma Helene
Aadila Dosani
as DeeDee
Kapila Rego
as Shelby
Monique Helbig
as Mrs. Holden
V.G. Winter
as Mr. Holden
Aiden Wang
as
Allan Wang
as
Nyha Huanga Breitkreuz
as
Crew
Director
- Jason Bourque
Writer
- Mark Hefti
Producer
- Charles Cooper
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, My Christmas Family Tree 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 Jason Bourque 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 2021, 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 My Christmas Family Tree took approximately 34 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 138 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1905 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 398 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While My Christmas Family Tree shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Air Bud: Golden Receiver, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, My Christmas Family Tree offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Good Boy! and Tad, the Lost Explorer, and the Secret of King Midas explore similar territory, My Christmas Family Tree 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 13, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 24m
Where to Watch
