"First released in the US in 2015, it's an ultra-low-budget debut from first-time director Charles Poekel, set almost entirely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel's style is far too authentic-indie and unaffected to get slushy or sentimental about Christmas; through his lens Christmas tree lights blink like police lights. But in its own low-key way, he pitches his film just right for a little squeeze of festive warmth."
"Noel is back for his fifth year selling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, standing outside in the freezing cold and sleeping in a not-much-warmer caravan parked next to the trees. A few customers ask about the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel is alone, broken-hearted and working the night shift. Noel looks frozen to the bone physically and emotionally; he's weary and disillusioned."
Noel returns for his fifth year selling Christmas trees on a 24-hour pop-up stall in Brooklyn, enduring freezing nights and sleeping in a cramped caravan. The film focuses on Noel's solitary night shift as he navigates disillusionment, broken-heartedness and the documentary-like interactions with customers. A chance encounter with Lydia, a drunken woman he rescues, leads to quietly moving scenes during tree deliveries around New York. Charles Poekel directs with naturalness and an authentic indie tone, avoiding sentimentality and rendering Christmas lights as stark, police-like glows. The movie is shot on textured 16mm film and offers modest, tangible festive warmth.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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