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Christmess

Play trailer 1:51 Poster for Christmess 2023 1h 39m Comedy Holiday Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 6 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
A once famous actor is now performing as Santa Claus in a mall because of his alcohol addiction. After accidentally meeting his estranged daughter he seeks help for his recovery in order to win his daughter's forgiveness.

Critics Reviews

View All (6) Critics Reviews
Stephen Romei The Australian If you are looking for a different Christmas movie, this sad sack Santa will deliver. Rated: 3.5/5 Dec 16, 2023 Full Review Graeme Tuckett Stuff.co.nz Christmess occasionally betrays its tiny budget and tight schedule, but this film feels like it occupies a genuine, lived-in space, populated by people who have a life outside of the screen. Rated: 4/5 Jan 5, 2024 Full Review Cris Kennedy The Canberra Times (Australia) Sydney filmmaker Heath Davis presents this dark comedy-drama as something of an antidote to those photogenic coupled-up saccharine Christmas rom-coms that fill up our streaming services at this time of year. Rated: 4/5 Dec 20, 2023 Full Review Cain Noble-Davies FILMINK (Australia) … a solid holiday character piece with a lot of heart and an appreciable lack of artifice. Rated: 15/20 Dec 12, 2023 Full Review Simon Foster Screen-Space For an auteur whose trajectory as a character-driven storyteller continues to rise, Heath Davis understands the voice of the fallen everyman with remarkable insight. Rated: 4/5 Dec 12, 2023 Full Review Nadine Whitney The Curb Heath Davis has not only made one of the best Australian films about Christmas, he’s made one of the best films about Christmas in recent cinema. Christmess is the major miracle independent Australian cinema needs. Dec 12, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (8) audience reviews
BrettSplained It's amazing to read some of the glowing reviews of this movie and think that's the same movie I watched. Or that said reviews came from professional critics, paid to write them. This was one of the worst movies I've seen for a while, whose story was devoid of interest, and whose attempt at anything drew little or no reaction. Poor script, poor characters, poor acting. If you're after racking up WOFTAM experiences, then I highly recommend Christmess. Otherwise, steer clear, because, Christ, it's a mess. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 12/30/23 Full Review Craig M If you are looking for a feel good Christmas movie that gives you a sense of hope and optimism for the future, then this is not it. Scroll on. However, if you want a gritty masterpiece that tells it like it is in a matter-of-fact Australian laconic manner with a good touch of dry, dark humour , then this is the movie of 2023 that you need to watch. Filled with flawed, but likeable complex characters, this is the film that will make you remember that Christmas is far more that tinsel, happy families and abundance. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/23/23 Full Review Paul M Great film! not quite what I expected but well worth a watch, great characters and lots of heart. Darren Gilshenan was exceptional. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/22/23 Full Review Bruce R Really simple, special film with a fresh take on the emotional experience of Christmas for so many people. Fractured families dealing with the hurt of abandonment and addiction and the need for forgiveness. Give it a go! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/21/23 Full Review Libby H Actually amazing. I really cared about the characters, and as the movie went on, I grew MORE invested, not less (which doesn't always happen these days, as we're so used so quick videos). I thought the script was the greatest strength. I adore the Aussie subtlety. The three main characters' chemistry was fantastic. It's Aussie suburban Christmas nostalgia but it genuinely stings. It is not in the least saccharine. I know I'm going to watch this movie again and again. It has Little Fish vibes. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/18/23 Full Review Liz S Really enjoyed seeing the Christmess premiere which is certainly not your usual happy, fun-filled Christmas storyline. This movie is funny, insightful and thought-provoking with fabulous characterisations by the actors who portray the reality of what can be a typical dysfunctional Aussie Christmas and the particular stressors that some families have to deal with. Great to see a movie filmed in the local South Western Sydney area with terrific local talent, Nicole Pastor I highly recommend this film which is definitely one to add to your "Must See" watch list Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/17/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Christmess

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis A once famous actor is now performing as Santa Claus in a mall because of his alcohol addiction. After accidentally meeting his estranged daughter he seeks help for his recovery in order to win his daughter's forgiveness.
Director
Heath Davis
Producer
Daniel Fenech, Rick Beecrof, Heath Davis, Nicola Nossal
Screenwriter
Heath Davis
Production Co
Crash House Productions, Brick Studios
Genre
Comedy, Holiday
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 39m