This is Christmas

On Sky Cinema in the UK.

Written by Alastair Galbraith and directed by Chris Foggin is this feel good festive film. Adam (Alfred Enoch) is a marketing executive working in London. One day on his daily rail commute his life changes when a fellow passenger, Dean (Jack Donoghue), forgets his rail pass. Dean claims the inspector must know him as he is on the train everyday, the other passengers including Ray (Timothy Spall), Linda (Joanna Scanlan), Judith (Sarah Niles) and Emma (Kaya Scodelario), all come to his aid and back him up. This gives Adam an idea and he decides to invite everyone to a Christmas party and take the opportunity to get to know his other commuters. Adam is not the only one who takes time to get to know others, others also do and learn about each others lives, loves and sadnesses.

The film is wholly predictable and is scattered with some weirdly terrible accents. But what a surprising treat it is. It’s built on a really great premise, what would happen if we just took a little time to know each other and maybe ourselves better? It deals with tough subjects such as loneliness and loss, but does it with real heart and charm.

While, as with all Christmas films, there is a central love story between Adam and Emma. That’s not where the interesting stuff is, it’s the stories about the other characters. There are some lovely performances, Timothy Spall, terrible accent aside, is wonderful as Ray, a former footballer who had been a someone, then had it taken from him and struggled to cope. Joanna Scanlan’s Linda, who is quiet and reserved, but is hiding a deep hurt. It shows beautifully the difference that just taking a moment to take an interest in a stranger can make to their lives.

This is Christmas is a real treat. It’s touching and thoughtful and built on a charming premise that works really well. The performances, accents aside, are well judged and never over sentimental. A real heartfelt, charming and joyous Christmas film.