Almost Christmas

Almost Christmas, directed by David E. Talbert and released in 2016, is a spirited holiday-themed comedy-drama film that brings together a series of emotions, laughter, the past's unresolved issues and the richly layered dynamics of a sprawling family.

The plot pivots around Walter Meyers, played by the talented Danny Glover who is well-known for his roles in popular movies like Lethal Weapon, Predator 2, and The Royal Tenenbaums. Walter is a retired automotive engineer who, after the demise of his beloved wife, finds himself burdened with the task of hosting his dysfunctional family for five days over the Christmas holidays. The film is centred on his earnest attempts to keep the peace among his squabbling adult children and the rest of the family over this emotionally laden and symbolically significant period.

In the ensemble cast, Kimberly Elise of Set It Off, and Diary of a Mad Black Woman delivers a strong portrayal of Cheryl, Walter's headstrong and outspoken eldest daughter, who captures the struggles of stepping into her late mother's shoes and taking on matriarchal duties. Alongside Elise, Omar Epps of Love and Basketball shines as Malachi, a next-door neighbour with an enduring childhood affection for one of Walter's daughters – a thread that adds a heartwarming romantic subplot to the narrative.

Adding a layer of mirth is Academy Award-winning actress Mo'Nique as Aunt May, Walter’s winy sister-in-law. Her character injects the necessary comedic relief to lighten the dramatic tenor of the movie, ensuring that the viewers have an equally entertaining and engaging experience.

J.B. Smoove, well-known for his role in the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, brings his comedic charm to life in the role of Lonnie, Cheryl's basketball-player-turned-coach husband. His presence makes for some hilarious episodes, providing sharp comic jibes that reflect the love-hate dynamics in the family.

Given that the family is congregating for the first time since the matriarch's loss, Walter wants to recreate his late wife's famous sweet potato pie, an embodiment of her love and a signature of their family Christmas tradition. His struggles with pie recipies parallelely intertwine with the simmering issues among his family members. Keeping with the seasonal warmth, Almost Christmas judiciously brings forth the spats and estrangements, slowly leading towards a progression in relationships, hinting at reconciliation, forgiveness and the possibility of a fresh start.

The film articulates the essence of Christmas and family bonding. While humorously showcasing the tensions and hilarious misunderstandings that could occur when a large family comes together, it effectively underscores the importance of love, unity, and acceptance, reminding us that despite our differences, family is irreplaceable.

The cinematography of Almost Christmas is effervescent, with the holiday spirit illuminating each frame through vibrant Christmas decorations, heartwarming candlelight dinners, and frosty winter exteriors. The film is enhanced by its soulful holiday-infused soundtrack that complements the trials and tribulations of the Meyers family, their personal growth and the approaching reconciliation.

In conclusion, Almost Christmas is a delightful and true-to-heart holiday movie. It is a welcome respite from commercial mass-produced cinema, never straying from the authenticity and complexity of family relationships. While it does not shy away from poignantly dealing with loss, misunderstandings and tense relationships, it equally celebrates the spirit of resiliency, unity and the magic of holiday season. The perfect icing on the cake is the stellar ensemble cast, who breathe life into their respective characters, making them relatable and authentic at every step.

Almost Christmas, indeed, is not just a movie, but a holiday experience you share with the Meyers, which leaves an everlasting impression, and perhaps, changes your perspective on family and what it means to be home for the holidays.