Cast
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Brett Dalton
as Chris Dempsey
Aimee Teegarden
as Heather Krueger
Lolita Davidovich
as Judy
Steve Bacic
as Jack
Martin Roach
as Dr. Jenkins
Nancy Sorel
as Kathy Krueger
Cassandra Potenza
as Ashley Krueger
Beverly Ndukwu
as Nurse Rachel
Heidi Fielek
as Audrey
Danika Frederick
as Sadie
Melissa Marie Elias
as Jennette
Thom Zimerle
as Bill Krueger
Micheline Marchildon
as Rosa
Ray Strachan
as Hotel Manager
Darren Martens
as Andy
Crew
Director
- Gary Yates
Writer
- Shannon Fopeano
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Once Upon a Christmas Miracle 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 Gary Yates 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 Once Upon a Christmas Miracle took approximately 25 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 144 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1636 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- 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 Once Upon a Christmas Miracle shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Brazil, which focuses more on action than character development, Once Upon a Christmas Miracle subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Groundhog Day and Merry Christmas, Baby explore similar territory, Once Upon a Christmas Miracle 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: December 2, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
