Few genres capture the spirit of the season like the holiday animated film. From the stop-motion charm of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to the enduring poignancy of A Charlie Brown Christmas and more modern classics in the making like 2019’s Klaus, these movies have long been a hallmark of winter festivities, reminding us of cozy evenings at home and stoking the fires of childhood memories. Netflix’s That Christmas, directed by Simon Otto, steps into this beloved tradition with a warm, almost whimsical embrace. Adapted from Richard Curtis’s That Christmas and Other Stories, the film wonderfully weaves good-natured humor and a festive heart into an interconnected animated tapestry of yuletide cheer.

The story unfolds through a series of connected tales—families, friends, and even Santa Claus himself navigate the chaos and charm of the holiday season. As with most ensemble comedies, it’s hard to reduce the plot to a simple summary. However, it would be accurate to say that Christmas in Wellington-on-Sea will look quite different for its residents when a snowstorm separates families but unites kindred spirits.  An early visit from Santa might have served as the linchpin for the action, but Curtis lets the real magic develop from the human interactions surrounding his visit.  Exploring this broader connection allows Otto to bring characters to life who are grappling with love, loneliness, and self-discovery, from Fiona Shaw’s prickly Miss Trapper to Bill Nighy’s delightfully sanguine lighthouse keeper.  Typical of a Curtis screenplay, each storyline brings its own spark, adding layers that surprise.

Otto, known for his work as head animator on the How to Train Your Dragon series of films, brings a meticulous eye to his feature directorial debut. The animation is modern yet timeless, with a handcrafted charm that rightfully feels plucked from the illustrated pages of Curtis’s stories. Warm, muted tones with pops of color dominate the storybook aesthetic that draws viewers into its world. Characters are rendered with expressive detail, from the twinkle in Santa’s eye to the scrappy resilience of a group of children left alone on Christmas by their stranded parents.  

The film’s ensemble voice cast elevates the material beyond its already solid foundation, with Brian Cox lending Santa Claus a geniality that’s as endearing as it is unexpected.  Shaw, no surprise, excels at playing brittle, but it’s how her icy edges melt that demonstrates again why she’s one of the best actresses working, whether we see her or not.  The enormous cast of adults and children, playing parents and their kids, create a genuine chemistry, giving each vignette a lived-in quality that avoids saccharine sentimentality. 

Where That Christmas truly excels is in its ability to balance humor with moments that tug at heartstrings made more vulnerable at this time of year. Curtis’s signature touch is evident in the script, which turns everyday scenarios into “all the feels” moments. While the humor is often playful—a turkey-related calamity is very LOL—it never undercuts the more tender beats.  There’s a poignant sequence where several characters grapple with loneliness, something that doesn’t always get highlighted around the holidays, that may catch viewers unaware and have you reaching for the Kleenex. This blend of lightheartedness and sincerity gives the film a universal appeal, making it as rewarding for adults as it is for children.

That said, the storytelling requires a touch of patience. The opening moments feel slightly scattered as the film juggles the introduction of multiple meandering storylines. However, once the film finds its stride, the narrative blossoms into something truly special. Otto’s steady hand as a director becomes evident, guiding the interconnected tales toward a satisfying resolution.

For families seeking a holiday film with a bit more depth, That Christmas is an easy recommendation. While its humor and festive charm will delight younger audiences, its nuanced storytelling, and ability to proudly wear its heart on its sleeve offer plenty for adults to appreciate. Without shying away from exploring the complexities of relationships and self-reflection, it makes for a richer experience than the typical animated holiday fare. It may not rewrite the rules of animated storytelling, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it delivers something more enduring: celebrating the ordinary moments that make the holidays extraordinary.