British filmmaker Richard Curtis debuts in animation with That Christmas, a heartfelt story of family and friendship during a snowy festive period. Featuring Ed Sheeran’s original song, the film combines humor, social themes, and universal appeal for all generations.
Two decades after the global success of Love Actually, British filmmaker Richard Curtis is embarking on a new adventure with his first animated film, That Christmas.
The 68-year-old writer and director has co-adapted his trilogy of children’s books and enlisted his longtime friend Ed Sheeran to create an original song for the project. That Christmas brings its heartwarming tale to both big and small screens.
Featuring the voices of Brian Cox (Succession), Bill Nighy (Love Actually), and other talents, the film debuts in select UK cinemas this week, with a worldwide Netflix release scheduled for December 4. Richard Curtis, celebrated for box office hits like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, reflected on the challenges of animation, a genre he tackled for the first time.
"I've been shocked by how time-consuming it is," Richard Curtis admitted during the film's premiere at the London Film Festival. However, he found joy in the process, noting, "It’s like a long-term relationship. Animation isn’t a fling; it’s a journey, and I loved every minute of it."
A Modern Festive Tale
That Christmas weaves interconnected stories of family, love, and friendship set in a snowbound English coastal town. Despite its family-friendly tone, the film boldly addresses contemporary issues like climate change and abortion while maintaining humor and accessibility.
One standout moment includes a character comparing Jesus to a hipster. "We wanted to be modern, edgy, and satirical without crossing major red lines," Curtis explained. The film’s humor complements its poignant moments, such as Mrs. Williams telling her son, "If love were easy, your dad wouldn’t have run off with his 25-year-old dental nurse."
Talent-Driven Collaboration
Veteran actress Fiona Shaw (Harry Potter) was thrilled to bring her voice to the film, praising the enthusiasm and attentiveness of younger audiences. "They watch with such accuracy and memory," she noted. "I hope they love Ms. Trapper as much as I did playing her."
Simon Otto, renowned for his animation work on How to Train Your Dragon, makes his directorial debut with That Christmas. He highlighted the film's uniqueness, saying, "Multi-threaded storylines are rare in animation, which typically centers on a single hero. This blend of real-life tales and animation felt like a perfect match."
Music at the Heart
Ed Sheeran’s original song, Under the Tree, became a central element of the film. Written quickly after Curtis shared the project, the song enhances the story’s emotional climax. "Ed epitomizes Suffolk, where the story is set, and his music truly captures its heart," Curtis shared. Otto added, "The song ties everything together and elevates the final moments of the film."
That Christmas promises to enchant audiences with its heartfelt storytelling, contemporary relevance, and the creative synergy of Curtis, Otto, and Sheeran.
With AFP
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