Netflix’s That Christmas marks Locksmith Animation’s sophomore film, after 2021’s Ron’s Gone Wrong, released in partnership with 20th Century Studios. The film adapts a collection of Richard Curtis’ children’s stories “The Empty Stocking”, “Snow Day” and “That Christmas” into one film, perfect for families this festive season.
Brian Cox’s Santa offers an overarching narration as we see the intertwining stories of a number of characters living in Wellington-on-Sea, from the run-up to Christmas to a blistery, chaotic Christmas Eve.
CURTIS’ CHRISTMAS
As a writer, Richard Curtis has always excelled in exploring the many complexities that come with the idea of human connection, and That Christmas is no exception.
However, unlike some of his previous titles, Curtis’ signature interconnected storytelling struggles here. The pacing in That Christmas feels overloaded, like they’re trying to stuff far too much into the Christmas turkey, leaving it bursting at the seams.
By the final act, the tone becomes overly dramatic, with a slightly chaotic blend of action and sentimentality that undermines the film’s earlier charm.
Curtis is clearly no stranger to Christmas stories, first with Love Actually, then followed up by last year’s Genie which he wrote for a Peacock original, starring Melissa McCarthy and Paapa Essiedu.
IT’LL BE LONELY THIS CHRISTMAS.
Many of the film’s strongest moments come to life when they focus on the shared theme of community, particularly one very special line in the film’s closing moments… “A community is for life, not just for Christmas.”
At first, it may sound like a really forced and cheesy tagline, but as the narrative unfolds leading up to that final moment, its resonance deepens and perfectly captures the heart of the film’s collective message.
The film wonderfully highlights that Christmas isn’t always a time of togetherness for everyone, as many face the festive season in isolation, separated from loved ones and the warmth of communal celebrations.
It’s a sobering reminder of the loneliness that can exist throughout the festive cheer, a reality that’s often overlooked during this time of year – and something I’m grateful Curtis’ writing has decided to shine a light upon.
LET IT SNOW
Only the smallest of notes but I can’t get over how nice the snow looks in That Christmas – developments in animation now are truly spectacular that the white powder looks incredibly real throughout the film, rather impressive.
Outside of the snow, the animation feels familiar, with a style that, while pleasant, doesn’t offer anything particularly distinctive or memorable – somewhat similar to Locksmith’s last film Ron’s Gone Wrong. In a time when recent animation hits have experimented with their visual identity, it feels odd that other studios aren’t taking the same risks that others are taking.
FIONA SHAW.
Of the film’s varying names of talent, Fiona Shaw stands out above the rest, not just because of her library of work – but her contribution to the film, and overall highlight as Miss Trapper.
Shaw brings depth to Miss Trapper, the school teacher who quietly carries the weight of loneliness during the festive season. Her journey towards connection is one of the film’s standout elements. In a somewhat average, and predictable Christmas film, Miss Trapper’s story offers a heartfelt and meaningful core that lingers long after the credits roll.
NETFLIX GETS CHRISTMAS
Netflix is no stranger to Christmas hits – Klaus, Falling For Christmas, Love Hard, The Christmas Chronicles, The Princess Switch, Jingle Jangle, Robin Robin, and this year’s hottest release Meet Me Next Christmas – a film revolving around a couple fighting to get tickets for a sold-out Pentatonix concert on Christmas Eve.
Their constantly growing library of festive originals is a great place for some watching this Christmas, in addition to their regularly licensed content.
There’s loads of fun moments throughout That Christmas that share a lot of the expected humour in a Christmas film, especially those set in the UK. Also, clear references to music and film, then just outright slapstick and sarcasm which all land relatively well.
I think this film will really appeal to younger audiences and families this festive season, and whilst it won’t be for everyone – some of it’s inner messaging deserves to be seen to remind those of people who are less fortunate than us at Christmas.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whilst this family-friendly, festive flick is full of heart and delivers compelling messages about belonging and community during the festive period, it didn’t quite land as much as I’d hoped. The short runtime feels overloaded, with Curtis’s over-reliance on his well-known formula on full display.
Younger audiences will eat it up, though I don’t see this becoming a regular Christmas fixture like Love Actually, sadly.
That Christmas releases on Netflix on December 4. Check out the trailer below:
Fancy reading something else? Check out: Disney+ Marvel 2025 Slate: Confirmed Titles and Premiere Dates
The Review
'That Christmas'
Whilst this family-friendly, festive flick is full of heart and delivers compelling messages about belonging and community during the festive period, it didn’t quite land as much as I’d hoped. The short runtime feels overloaded, with Curtis’s over-reliance on his well-known formula on full display.
Very cool, JMJ!