SPECIAL EDITION BONUS CHRISTMAS MOVIE REVIEW: “CHRISTMAS AS USUAL"

 Kwei

"CHRISTMAS AS USUAL"

Kanan Gill and Marit Andreassen in “Christmas As Usual”
(Image: DALL-E portrayal)

Plot Overview

"Christmas As Usual" is a captivating romantic drama on Netflix set against a traditional Norwegian Christmas backdrop. The plot centers around Thea, a Norwegian native who returns to her rural hometown for the festive season. This year, however, she brings a significant twist: her Indian boyfriend, Jashan. The storyline unfolds as these contrasting cultures collide, challenging preconceived notions and deep-seated family traditions. The narrative elegantly weaves through humor, conflict, and heartwarming resolutions.

Casting Highlights

Kanan Gill, portraying Jashan, stands out with his charismatic and nuanced performance. Marit Andreassen, as Thea, delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman torn between her love and heritage. Mads Sjøgård Pettersen supports with a noteworthy performance, adding depth to the story. The chemistry between Gill and Andreassen is believable and endearing, forming the core of the movie's appeal.

Behind The Scenes

Based on a true story, the film's authenticity in portraying cultural clashes and personal dilemmas is evident. Directorial decisions in keeping the narrative close to actual events add to the film's genuineness.

Commentary

While "Christmas As Usual" largely succeeds in portraying cultural fusion and individualism, it does address uncomfortable and controversial topics, including racism. These issues are presented in an unnecessary and jarring manner. It could be clearer whether these elements were part of the true story on which the film is based, but they sometimes disrupt the narrative flow within the movie's context.

The character arc of Thea’s mother, though designed to add depth to the plot, feels too contrived and lacks authenticity; the episodic boorishness of Jashan seemed dubious. This results in a storyline that, while engaging and culturally rich, occasionally veers off course. Similarly, though generally well-crafted, the screenplay suffers due to these narrative choices.

Wrap-Up and Rating

Considering these concerns, the film's overall rating is  3.5 stars. 

• Storyline: While engaging, it occasionally loses focus with unnecessary elements.
• Screenplay: Affected by the storyline's deviations and some less convincing dialogues.
• Acting: Strong performances, particularly from the leads
• Direction: Thoughtful, with a clear vision that respects the source material
• Character Arcs: Not entirely believable, particularly Thea's mother.

BOTTOM LINE

Despite these critiques, "Christmas As Usual" remains a significant film that offers a unique perspective on cultural differences and love. Its exploration of challenging themes and commendable performances make it a noteworthy watch, albeit with some reservations.