‘That Christmas’ Netflix Movie Review - A Heartfelt Tangle of Festive Stories

Netflix’s 2024 animated film That Christmas feels like a warm, well-worn sweater—cozy and familiar, though not without its loose threads. Adapted from Richard Curtis's children’s books, it brings his characteristic interweaving of heartfelt and humorous stories to a family-friendly, animated format. Set in the fictional seaside town of Langton, the movie follows three primary narratives, all revolving around the chaotic and tender beauty of Christmas. While the film doesn’t completely avoid the genre's predictable pitfalls, it manages to capture the charm and emotional depth that Curtis’s name promises.

The first storyline introduces a young girl determined to find her runaway dog, setting the stage for a narrative that’s as much about personal growth as it is about a pet adventure. Another thread centers on a couple navigating the uncharted waters of a holiday arrangement gone awry—an amusing and surprisingly poignant exploration of compromise and connection. The third, perhaps most touching, focuses on a lonely teenager yearning for a real family Christmas, a tale that evokes the universal longing for belonging and tradition.

The cast is a major highlight, boasting the likes of Olivia Colman, Jim Broadbent, and others who infuse their animated counterparts with personality and warmth. Colman shines brightest, delivering a performance that balances sincerity with humor, even when the dialogue veers into sentimentality. The voice acting adds depth to characters that, at times, risk becoming one-dimensional due to the sheer volume of plotlines.

Visually, That Christmas leans into an aesthetic that blends stop-motion nostalgia with digital polish. The design of Langton—a picturesque coastal town—creates a palpable sense of place, almost becoming a character in itself. The animation style complements the whimsical tone, with sequences that sparkle, particularly during moments of community celebration or emotional catharsis. It’s the kind of world you’d want to visit during the holidays, brimming with fairy lights, snow-dusted streets, and quirky characters.

Where the movie truly succeeds is in its ability to evoke a festive atmosphere. It nails the essence of Christmas—awkward family reunions, the chaos of last-minute shopping, and the warmth of unexpected kindness. Curtis’s screenplay finds humor in relatable situations without feeling too contrived, and the film’s best moments come from these grounded, universal experiences. It’s a love letter to the imperfections of the holiday season.

However, for all its charm, the movie struggles under the weight of its ambitions. At just over 90 minutes, That Christmas tries to pack in too much, leaving some storylines feeling underdeveloped. The pacing is uneven; poignant moments often give way to rushed resolutions or unnecessary subplots. While the intertwining narratives are a Curtis hallmark, here they sometimes feel like they’re competing for attention rather than complementing one another.

Another weak point is its reliance on sentimentality, which occasionally crosses the line into the overly saccharine. While this is forgivable in a holiday film, some viewers might find it cloying, especially when emotional beats are telegraphed from a mile away. Additionally, the humor, while effective in places, occasionally falls flat, relying on tropes that feel more tired than timeless.

Despite these shortcomings, the movie’s heart is in the right place. It’s a film that believes in the magic of Christmas—not the glitzy, commercialized kind, but the messy, heartfelt connections that define the season. It’s a refreshing take in a genre often dominated by predictable romances or overly dramatic redemption arcs.

If "That Christmas" were a gift, it might be a beautifully wrapped box with a few dents in the contents—imperfect but still meaningful. It’s the kind of film best enjoyed with family, a mug of hot chocolate in hand, and low expectations for narrative complexity. While it may not break new ground, it offers enough warmth and wit to earn its place in a holiday movie marathon.

Ultimately, That Christmas is a love-it-or-leave-it kind of movie. Fans of Curtis’s previous work will likely find it endearing, while others might see it as overly sentimental fluff. Regardless, it’s a film that captures the spirit of the holidays in its own imperfect way, reminding us that Christmas, like life, is all about the people we share it with—even if things don’t go according to plan.

So, is it a Christmas classic in the making? Not quite. But is it worth a watch? Absolutely—because, sometimes, a little holiday cheer is all you need.

Final Score- [5.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times