An Almost Christmas Story

An Almost Christmas Story follows Moon, a spirited young owl who accidentally becomes a stowaway in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Plaza. As he tries to find his way out of the bustling city, he meets Luna, a lost little girl. Together, they embark on a touching adventure, discovering the true magic of the holiday season.

Review: A Modern Twist on Classic Christmas Magic

Directed by David Lowery and produced by Alfonso Cuarón, An Almost Christmas Story is a nostalgic holiday short that combines the charm of classic festive tales with a fresh, modern approach. Running for just 24 minutes, the film perfectly captures the magic of Christmas, creating a full and enchanting experience despite its brief runtime.

Narrated by John C. Reilly, the story introduces us to Moon (voiced by Cary Christopher), a mischievous young owl who accidentally ends up in a Christmas tree headed for Rockefeller Plaza. Separated from his father (voiced by Jim Gaffigan) and with a broken wing, Moon finds himself lost in the city. He crosses paths with Luna (Estella Madrigal), a young girl who is also trying to navigate her own struggles. Together, the two form an unlikely bond and embark on a heartwarming journey through the snowy streets of New York, discovering the true meaning of Christmas.

At the heart of An Almost Christmas Story is Moon, whose sincerity and determination make him instantly lovable. Cary Christopher’s voice performance is a revelation, capturing the playful yet vulnerable spirit of the character. Unlike many animated films that rely on seasoned voice actors, the decision to cast Christopher, a young child, gives Moon a raw and authentic quality, making him feel like a classic Christmas character in the vein of Rudolph or Frosty. His natural delivery adds depth to the character, showcasing his talent and potential.

The rest of the voice cast also shines. Estella Madrigal brings warmth and empathy to Luna, while Jim Gaffigan’s portrayal of Moon’s father adds a layer of humor and tenderness. However, the film’s charm isn’t just in its characters; it’s also in its unique visual style.

An Almost Christmas Story uses stop-motion animation inspired by paper crafts, giving the film a handcrafted, whimsical aesthetic. The characters are intricately detailed, while the world around them feels like a collection of cardboard cutouts. This artistic choice gives the film a childlike, dreamlike quality that enhances the holiday magic. New York, depicted through this simplified lens, comes alive with the energy of Christmas, though the backgrounds are intentionally minimalistic, keeping the focus on Moon and Luna’s emotional journey.

In terms of storytelling, An Almost Christmas Story doesn’t break new ground. The “kid meets talking animal” plot is familiar, and some of the story’s beats feel predictable. The film touches on the theme of two outsiders finding solace in each other, especially as both Moon and Luna face physical challenges—Moon with his broken wing and Luna with her prosthetic arm. While this parallel adds emotional weight, it feels underexplored and could have been developed further.

Another interesting aspect of the story is the communication between Moon and Luna. Though they can’t directly speak to each other (an owl and a human), they communicate through gestures, expressions, and shared understanding. This creative approach adds charm, though the film occasionally bends the rules for convenience, which may feel inconsistent at times.

Despite these minor flaws, the film’s conclusion delivers a heartwarming message about the true spirit of Christmas. While Moon may not fully understand the holiday, he learns that it’s about coming together to share kindness and goodwill—an uplifting sentiment that captures the warmth and optimism of the season.

Plus Points of An Almost Christmas Story:

1. Heartwarming Story: The film captures the true spirit of Christmas, focusing on themes of kindness, friendship, and the magic of the holiday season. The bond between Moon and Luna is sweet and emotionally engaging.
2. Unique Animation Style: The stop-motion animation, inspired by paper crafts, gives the film a whimsical, handcrafted feel. The minimalistic backgrounds and charming character designs add to the film’s festive charm.
3. Strong Voice Performances: Cary Christopher brings sincerity and youthful energy to Moon, while Estella Madrigal and Jim Gaffigan provide strong support, adding warmth and humor to the story.
4. Short but Sweet: With a runtime of just 24 minutes, the film is a quick yet satisfying experience, making it an easy watch during the holiday season.
5. Creative Communication: The way Moon and Luna communicate through gestures and expressions instead of speech is a creative and endearing element that adds charm to the film.

Minus Points of An Almost Christmas Story:

1. Predictable Plot: While the story is heartwarming, it follows familiar tropes, particularly the “kid meets talking animal” storyline, which can feel a bit formulaic and predictable.
2. Underexplored Themes: The parallel between Moon’s broken wing and Luna’s prosthetic arm is a meaningful element, but the film doesn’t delve deeply into this theme, leaving it somewhat underdeveloped.
3. Inconsistent Communication: Although the idea of non-verbal communication between Moon and Luna is creative, the film sometimes bends the rules of this setup for convenience, which can feel inconsistent.
4. Limited Conflict: The film’s conflict is minimal, and the story doesn’t offer much in terms of obstacles or challenges that push the characters to grow. It’s a feel-good story but lacks deeper emotional stakes.
5. Short Length: While the 24-minute runtime is generally a strength, it also means that the film doesn’t have much time to explore its themes or characters in depth, which may leave some viewers wanting more.