On a balmy May afternoon in the sun-drenched far south-western suburbs, Heath Davis orchestrates a festive scene inside a weathered house graciously provided for the shoot. The resourceful do-it-yourself filmmaker, renowned for the rugby league drama "Broke" and the clever high school comedy "Book Week," finds himself immersed in the creation of "Christmess." In this comic drama, Steve Le Marquand takes on the role of Chris Flint, a renowned actor navigating life post-rehab as a shopping center Santa.
In this unconventional Christmas tale, Flint dons his red suit for the amusement of his halfway house companions: a spirited sobriety sponsor portrayed by Darren Gilshenan and a free-spirited musician portrayed by Hannah Joy. The gritty setting in Campbelltown, on the outskirts of Sydney, along with the film's title, suggests that "Christmess" diverges from the conventional holiday film formula. While it exudes warmth, it sheds the saccharine sentimentality and the cheerful "most wonderful time of the year" clichés, offering a genuine portrayal of the Christmas experience.
Heath Davis describes "Christmess" as a "real Christmas movie," delving into the common stresses, anxieties, tears, and laughter that accompany gatherings of friends and families during this season. The film captures the essence of the holiday beyond the shiny exterior, portraying a more authentic and relatable narrative.
This surge in Australian Christmas films marks a departure from the past when such productions were rare, with notable exceptions like the 1947 and 1983 versions of "Bush Christmas." However, the current cinematic landscape boasts a tinsel-trimmed boom, with approximately 10 Christmas films released since 2020. Among them is a film based on Paul Kelly's "How to Make Gravy," recently wrapped in Queensland. "Christmess," hitting cinemas this week, follows closely on the heels of Madeleine Dyer's comedy "A Savage Christmas," which opened two weeks earlier.
As Australian filmmakers unwrap the complexities of the holiday season, this cinematic surge provides audiences with an alternative perspective on Christmas, exploring the nuances that make it a time of both challenge and celebration.
In conclusion, the recent surge in Australian Christmas films signals a departure from the conventional festive movie landscape. "Christmess," directed by Heath Davis, stands as a testament to this evolving trend, offering a refreshing take on the holiday season. By delving into the complexities, stresses, and laughter that accompany Christmas gatherings, the film embraces authenticity over traditional sentimentality.
This cinematic shift marks a departure from the past when Australian Christmas films were a rare occurrence, with only a handful of notable exceptions. The current boom, featuring around 10 Christmas films since 2020, showcases the industry's creative exploration of diverse narratives set against the backdrop of the holiday season.
As "Christmess" hits cinemas, following closely on the heels of "A Savage Christmas," these films present audiences with a more genuine and relatable portrayal of Christmas. By moving away from the stereotypical trappings of the genre, Australian filmmakers are contributing to a richer, more nuanced cinematic representation of the holiday—one that reflects the challenges, joys, and idiosyncrasies inherent in the real-life experience of the festive season.