Disney+ has just released An Almost Christmas Story (2024), a brand new holiday adventure that captures the essence of Christmas with a heartwarming tale about home, family, and friendship. Directed by David Lowery, known for his work on Pete’s Dragon (2016) and The Green Knight (2021), this movie is different from the realistic or big budget animation styles that are popular in Hollywood today. Instead, the film uses a more handcrafted, nostalgic aesthetic — and it is visually incredible.
The movie is based on a real story of a tiny owl that got stuck in the Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree in 2020. We follow Moon, a curious little owl — voiced by Cary Christopher — who loves to explore beyond his nest, ignoring his father’s worries. By accident, Moon lands in a tree that’s being transported to Rockefeller Center in New York City. There, Moon embarks on an adventure finding his way home, making friends along the way. Luna, a young girl with a prosthetic leg — played by Estella Madrigal — and a trio of pigeons with authentic New York charm, are some of the new friends that will help Moon through his journey. With dedication from the voice actors, each character’s voice breathes life and wonder into the world.
The 21 minute short film focuses on a family-oriented holiday storyline instead of the consumer driven festivities that are present nowadays. The movie feels like a reminder of older Christmas specials, like The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974) and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer* (1964), showing us the importance of stories that focus on connection rather than spectacle.
John C. Reilly’s narration as “The Folk Singer” adds to the film’s traditional, old school holiday vibe, similar to the narrators in Frosty the Snowman (1969) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!* (1966) who guide viewers through the story. Reilly’s playful and thoughtful commentary brings moments of humour and wisdom, emphasizing the spirit of Christmas.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the film is its animation. Using a mix of paper mache and cardboard, the animation takes on a handcrafted look. The brown and gold colours, combined with the paper texture, turn New York City into a playful setting, giving the cold and gritty city a touch of warmth and nostalgia. Pair this with stop motion animation and the movie’s unique personality transports you into a cozy children’s book. Not only does the design look incredible, but it also enhances the film’s themes by giving the audience a sense of familiarity.
The story uses a lot of typical family holiday tropes, making it somewhat predictable. For some, being predictable could be a drawback, but for me its simplicity is a strength. An Almost Christmas Story* doesn’t need crazy plot twists or convoluted storylines; the beauty of its designs and the warmth of its characters is enough to make an entertaining film.
This film is not just about a little owl’s adventure. It shows what makes the holidays special: companionship, friendship, the warmth of a home, and the beauty of being with your family. In a world so focused on material things, this film is a gentle reminder that Christmas is more than shopping and extravagant gifts: it’s about love for friends and family.
