Angels And Ornaments

Angels and Ornaments is a Christmas-themed film from 2014, directed by Alan Goluboff and starring Jessalyn Gilsig, Sergio Di Zio, and Graham Abbey. Set amidst the enchanting holiday season, the movie beautifully intertwines romance, magic and the spirit of Christmas. Perfectly capturing the essence of holiday miracles and the power of love, this film delivers an unforgettable message about hope, faith, and the magic that lies within the Christmas season.

The plot orbits around Corrine (played by Jessalyn Gilsig) – a warmhearted, single woman who still has a gaping void in her life because she never found true love. Despite her many failed attempts at maintaining a long-term romantic relationship, Corrine still holds unwavering faith in a "miracle love" that she believes is destined for her. Gilsig portrays Corrine's struggle with such sensitivity and warmth that you can't help but empathize with her situation.

Just as the Christmas season begins, Corrine, an employee at a vintage retail store, crosses paths with a charismatic man, Dave (played by Sergio Di Zio), who works as a delivery man. After he delivers a striking angel Christmas ornament to Corrine's store, they are drawn inexplicably to each other and a magical connection begins to take root. Di Zio instills Dave with an honest charm, warmth and mystery that contributes to the movie's captivating narrative.

Graham Abbey plays the character of Harold, the guardian angel, who reveals a sense of wisdom, warmth and certain charm of someone eternally stuck in a by-gone era. Harold is intrinsically intertwined with the mystery surrounding Dave, yet maintains a concern and bond with Corrine. His character aids in delivering the underlying message of hope and faith.

The film beautifully captures the mystical ambiance by focusing on a memorable angel ornament that has a mind of its own and appears to be connected to the potential romance between Corrine and Dave. As the holiday season unfolds, the angel ornament tends to play music of its own accord, suggesting a celestial influence on earthly matters. This serves as a central plot device, intricately blending the supernatural into the more traditional romantic aspects of the storyline.

However, this is not just a screenplay filled with serendipity and mystic happenings. The narrative also eloquently reflects on themes of loss, longing, and redemption and how these experiences often shape human lives, a credit to the skillful writing of Gary Goldstein. The profound balance of these themes not only gives the audience a deeper understanding of the characters' lives but adds to the magic and charm of this Christmas movie.

The backdrop encompasses a small, whimsical town, beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, creating the perfect setting for this heartwarming holiday love story. The film is rich in Christmas spirit with beautifully shot scenes that include cozy fireplaces, twinkling lights, snow-covered streets and festive Christmas decorations. Adding another layer to this visually appealing backdrop, is the soulful Christmas music that weaves through every scene in the film. The filmmakers were careful to sculpt a charming tableau, evoking nostalgic sentiments in the audience, transporting them to their favorite Christmas time.

The cast, led by Gilsig, Di Zio, and Abbey, put forth stellar performances, authentically manifesting their characters' emotional journeys and growths. Their ability to showcase vulnerability with strength adds a realness to their characters, making the audience easily connect with them.

Despite being a story set during Christmas, Angels and Ornaments digs deeper than mere festive cheer and holiday miracles. With it's touching story of love, personal growth, and magic, the film explores deeper human emotions and the enormous effect of faith and miracles in shaping human lives. This is why Angels and Ornaments isn't just a movie to watch during the holiday season, but a film that holds valuable insights to revisit throughout the year.

All in all, Angels and Ornaments is an enchanting, heartwarming, and uplifting movie that transmits an essential message of love, hope, and faith. With its compelling plot, captivating performances, and an intricate balance of romance and supernatural elements, the film is a charming Christmas tale not to miss.