A tremendous movie, extremely well-written, directed, and acted. The writing keeps the viewer in suspense as the story slowly blooms to an ending which settles viewers' guesses and curiosity about the characters and how they inter-relate. The director creates a genuine 50's/60's old-time (though the story takes place in the new century), big-on-emotional-connection small town setting that quietly makes evident the family's suffering without branding it on the audience, a family and their pain that is entirely believable and endearing. The actors are tremendous and use the smallest hesitation, the slightest glance at the ground or regretful, nuanced grimace, the most natural mumbling through a line of Christmas lyrics to make themselves genuine on every level.
And it is so much more touching the second, third and fourth time through...do not miss it. Especially if you are a parent.
And it is so much more touching the second, third and fourth time through...do not miss it. Especially if you are a parent.