I don't think I've seen any of Joe Swanberg's movies before, so I entered 'Happy Christmas' with fresh eyes. I must say, this is much different - and much better - than I expected. The very premise suggests a rather typical faux-indie dramedy like those that proliferated in the early to mid-2000s. That's true to a small extent, but to my pleasure, this film adopts a very low-key, uncomplicated, realist approach that declines any embellishment. Unmistakably and definitely low-budget, that facet is no reflection on quality, but only serves to accentuate how concretely the picture refuses to dress up the simple, unbothered narrative as it presents. Direction, camerawork, production values, soundtrack - every last aspect says "just enough," as in "all it needs to be." Moreover, given Swanberg's apparent proclivity as a filmmaker to emphasize improvisation in his scripts - combined with that straightforward style, the cast is allowed all the more to not just embrace but to fully explore their characters. Every possible nuance, personality quirk, and earnest emotion is drawn forth with fantastic, honest performances that feel wonderfully real and down to earth.
What plot presents certainly echoes the slant that pervades the whole feature, and the sketched, minimal screenplay. 'Happy Christmas' is the loose story of mild family discord, belatedly growing up, and finding oneself in the process - at Christmastime, for a touch of flavor. Everything else - all the details beyond Swanberg's outline - are provided by the cast themselves. And I thoroughly enjoy the contributions of all involved: Swanberg himself is a portrait of harried warmth as Jeff; Melanie Lynskey exemplifies the put-upon "stay at home" mom with Kelly; and Anna Kendrick, as Jenny, very ably realizes the characterization of someone who still needs to mature and get themselves together, however well-meaning they are. With these dynamics established, and a concept of narrative guiding the process, the picture is otherwise allowed to naturally become what it will.
Swanberg's film-making and storytelling approach surely isn't for everyone; I can appreciate how the uninvolved tone of this feature will be off-putting to some. Yet especially compared to more contrived, often bombastic fare that such a story would represent in others' hands, to me 'Happy Christmas' was like a breath of fresh air, a pleasant surprise and a welcome change of pace. The laidback style here makes the movie feel genuine in a way that many holiday-themed titles struggle to achieve. I had different expectations when I began watching from what I ultimately got, and I'm glad for it: though perhaps not wholly absorbing, I think 'Happy Christmas' is an engaging, satisfying film of strong performances and able storytelling that's worth checking out if one is receptive to the tack it takes.
What plot presents certainly echoes the slant that pervades the whole feature, and the sketched, minimal screenplay. 'Happy Christmas' is the loose story of mild family discord, belatedly growing up, and finding oneself in the process - at Christmastime, for a touch of flavor. Everything else - all the details beyond Swanberg's outline - are provided by the cast themselves. And I thoroughly enjoy the contributions of all involved: Swanberg himself is a portrait of harried warmth as Jeff; Melanie Lynskey exemplifies the put-upon "stay at home" mom with Kelly; and Anna Kendrick, as Jenny, very ably realizes the characterization of someone who still needs to mature and get themselves together, however well-meaning they are. With these dynamics established, and a concept of narrative guiding the process, the picture is otherwise allowed to naturally become what it will.
Swanberg's film-making and storytelling approach surely isn't for everyone; I can appreciate how the uninvolved tone of this feature will be off-putting to some. Yet especially compared to more contrived, often bombastic fare that such a story would represent in others' hands, to me 'Happy Christmas' was like a breath of fresh air, a pleasant surprise and a welcome change of pace. The laidback style here makes the movie feel genuine in a way that many holiday-themed titles struggle to achieve. I had different expectations when I began watching from what I ultimately got, and I'm glad for it: though perhaps not wholly absorbing, I think 'Happy Christmas' is an engaging, satisfying film of strong performances and able storytelling that's worth checking out if one is receptive to the tack it takes.