So This Is Christmas, acclaimed Irish filmmaker Ken Wardrop's new documentary, lands like a punch to the gut. This is far from a jolly jaunt through the "most wonderful time of the year". In fact, while those words appear across the screen in the opening scenes, they take on a tongue-in-cheek meaning in retrospect.
This must-watch creative documentary, heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure, follows five ordinary Irish people - Shane, Annette, Loretta, Jason and Mary - as they navigate the often-overwhelming festive period. The gulf between the giddy expectations around Christmas and the frequently deflating reality is explored by Wardrop with tenderness and empathy.
Themes of loneliness, grief, financial difficulties and mental health struggles pervade, and each person's story is handled with utter sensitivity and care. Wardrop, who is used to having a cast of hundreds in his previous films including His & Hers, Mom & Me and Making The Grade, said he has gone on a "much deeper journey" with this film. The results are truly remarkable.
The sense of intimacy he creates with each of his subjects elevates this piece of work immeasurably. Their stories will not be soon forgotten. While it is deeply moving and emotionally devastating in parts, the documentary is also peppered with moments of distinctly Irish humour and, crucially, hope.
Beautifully and vividly rendered in 35mm film, each and every shot in this 90-minute wonder is a delight to behold, making the ordinary look cinematic.
So This Is Christmas will inspire you to find joy in the everyday, and to hold those closest to you a little tighter this festive season.
A gift to treasure.
So This Is Christmas is out in cinemas on Friday, 17 November.
