Christmas Eve In Miller’s Point: There’s no Christmas cheer here…

Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point starts off as your conventional Christmas feel good movie but unfortunately quickly derails.

An extended family gathers in Miller’s Point on Long Island for Christmas Eve. The chicken is roasting in the oven, the presents are under the Christmas tree waiting to be unwrapped and there are happy smiles all around.

But there are thorns amongst the roses. The elderly mother’s health is deteriorating owing to Alzheimer’s and the debate is on behind closed doors as to whether she should be put in a nursing home.

“We have to sell mother’s house. There is just so much we can do for her. But what is the right decision?” one of the siblings asks.

Tension builds as the dark issues of life persevere even during this festive period.

The mood quickly changes. Old family films are watched, and the camera follows different groups catching portions of their conversations. One of the young women is pregnant – there’s much happiness in what is a once in a year catch up for many of these family members.

Suddenly all the teenagers leave and brave the icy coldness to drive into the deserted town….

The problem with this movie is that it lacks substance thus fails to maintain interest. Most of the dialogue feels unscripted and the desperate attempt at generating laughter through two expressionless policemen is pointless and nonsensical.

The storyline of the sickly mother is left untouched except for when one of the sons announces, “The house has been sold.” There was room for expansion in this storyline, but the story veered off to lesser subplots which just seemed like time fillers.

A huge cast of predominantly unknowns did the best they could with the material they were given to work with but ultimately, this was excruciating viewing only made bearable by an atmospheric selection of songs played throughout. Most audiences may leave cinemas feeling somewhat underwhelmed.

Perhaps this movie was meant to be a tribute to family and an exploration of life in a small boring town, but nevertheless it was disengaging.

One of the characters happily states in the beginning; “It’s gonna be a good night!” Perhaps so, however not for those watching this very average movie.

Nope — there’s no Christmas cheer here folks!

Christmas Eve In Miller’s Point

**1/2

In cinemas November 14