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A Boy Called Christmas

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A Boy Called Christmas

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Summary

Seasonal adventure starring Henry Lawfull, Toby Jones and Sally Hawkins, based on the bestseller by Matt Haig. At Christmas, three children are told the story of Nikolas, a young Finnish boy searching for a magical elf kingdom. Along for the ride are a talking mouse and a friendly reindeer, as Nikolas embarks on a quest that will see his name go down in history.

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Emma Simmonds

Festive fantasy mingles with brutal reality in this beautifully realised Father Christmas origin story based on the novel by Matt Haig. Maggie Smith plays the aunt of three young Londoners who are grieving the loss of their mother. In an attempt to ease their pain, she tells them the tale of the titular woodsman's son, transporting us into long-ago Finland, where little Nikolas (Henry Lawfull) embarks on a quest to uncover the mythical Elfhelm. Young Lawfull delivers a noble if thuddingly earnest performance, and is supported by a spirited cast including Michiel Huisman as Nikolas's father, Kristen Wiig his deliciously wicked aunt, and Toby Jones a kindly elf. Meanwhile, Sally Hawkins is spellbinding as Elfhelm's fearsome ruler, whose puritanical tendencies mask a certain sadness. The film takes time to find its feet, but it's ultimately quite daring, presenting an admirably complex picture of human nature. Elfhelm and its inhabitants are a splash of confectionary colour set upon a blanket of snowy white, but while the visuals enchant, it's the film's emotional depth and frankness that makes it. Fuelled by a child's wide-eyed wonder and faith in the impossible, A Boy Called Christmas adds up to something pretty magical.

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6.7/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameNikolasHenry LawfullFather TopoToby JonesMother VodolSally HawkinsAunt CarlottaKristen WiigJoelMichiel HuismanThe Truth PixieZoe Margaret CollettiMiikaStephen MerchantKingJim BroadbentAunt RuthMaggie Smith

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Crew

rolenameDirectorGil Kenan

Details

Released on

2021-11-26

Languages

English

Available on

DVD

Formats

Colour

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