Christmas specials, especially original ones, aren’t as common as they used to be. These days, we often see holiday-themed movies, many of them released in theaters or on streaming services.
While these films have their own charm, there’s something special about those classic Christmas shorts, the ones that run under 35 minutes and are perfect for watching by chance when you turn on the TV.
These are the types of specials that made a lasting impression, especially those created by Rankin/Bass, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, and A Year Without a Santa Claus. These are the kind of heartwarming, simple tales that have stood the test of time, and many people still watch them every holiday season.
It’s clear that the new holiday short An Almost Christmas Story from Disney+ is heavily influenced by the works of Rankin/Bass. Directed by David Lowery and produced by Alfonso Cuarón, this short film seems like a nod to those bygone days of holiday storytelling.
While it’s easy to see the connections to those older works, An Almost Christmas Story brings enough personality and warmth of its own to stand out as a unique piece in the holiday lineup. Although the film follows some familiar storylines, it has enough charm and heart to make up for its predictable moments.
The Story: A Tale of Friendship and Adventure
The film is narrated by a mysterious figure known only as the Folk Singer (voiced by John C. Reilly), who tells the story of a young owl named Moon (voiced by Cary Christopher). Moon is a lively, energetic bird who gets separated from his Papa (voiced by Jim Gaffigan) while trying to find his way home.
Through a series of unusual events, Moon finds himself stuck in a tree above Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, far from the forest where he grew up. His wing is broken, and with no way to get home, Moon is stuck in the big city during the holiday season.
Just when things seem hopeless, Moon meets a kind young girl named Luna (voiced by Estella Madrigal). Luna is dealing with her own struggles, as she has lost one of her legs, but she doesn’t let that stop her from being optimistic and adventurous. Together, Moon and Luna set out on an unexpected journey through the snowy streets of New York, facing challenges and finding moments of magic along the way.
The Characters: A Fresh Cast with Lots of Heart
With a runtime of under 30 minutes, An Almost Christmas Story has the difficult task of making the audience care about its main character very quickly. Luckily, the film does an excellent job of this. Cary Christopher’s performance as Moon is a standout, making the owl feel like an instantly lovable character.
He brings Moon to life with a perfect balance of innocence, wit, and charm. Unlike many animated films where child characters are voiced by well-known actors or seasoned voice artists, An Almost Christmas Story makes a bold but successful choice by casting an actual child for the role.
Christopher’s voice work is strong for his age, showing impressive delivery and timing. His performance might even be the breakout one that becomes iconic for this generation of Christmas specials, similar to how Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s protagonist left a lasting impact.
John C. Reilly, who voices the Folk Singer, brings a different type of charm to the film. The Folk Singer is a wanderer with no permanent home, much like Moon, and he adds a sense of warmth and wisdom to the story.
Unlike some of the more frightening drifter characters in holiday films, like the one in The Polar Express, the Folk Singer feels comforting and reliable. Reilly’s musical talent also shines in this role, with several catchy new songs that help drive the film’s emotional beats.
The rest of the cast adds depth to the story as well. Estella Madrigal’s performance as Luna is touching and heartfelt. Luna may be facing her own challenges, but she is a brave and determined girl who doesn’t let her disability hold her back.
Jim Gaffigan, known for his comedy, plays Moon’s Papa, a loving and caring father who wants the best for his son. Gaffigan brings the same warmth to his role that he’s known for in other animated films like Luca. There’s also Natasha Lyonne, who voices Pat, a tough pigeon leader who commands a group of street-smart pigeons, reminiscent of the hyenas in The Lion King.
The Visual Style: Stop-Motion with a Twist
One of the most striking features of An Almost Christmas Story is its visual style. The film uses stop-motion animation, which immediately sets it apart from other animated holiday specials. While studios like Aardman and Laika are known for their stop-motion work, An Almost Christmas Story adds its own unique twist by using a minimalist approach.
The main characters, like Moon and Luna, are made from detailed figures that are full of life and personality. But the minor characters, background elements, and even the setting of New York City are made using cardboard cutouts and simple materials like paper mâché.
This artistic decision creates an interesting contrast, where the world around the main characters seems flat and simplistic, while the central figures are vibrant and full of depth. The way the city is represented through these simple materials adds a sense of surreal charm to the story.
The cardboard and paper effects give the film a handmade, almost vintage look, which ties in perfectly with its themes of nostalgia and simpler times. This approach isn’t just a visual choice; it helps tell the story, as the focus is on Moon and Luna and their adventure, with the world around them serving as a backdrop to their personal journey.
A Familiar Story with a Heartfelt Twist
The plot of An Almost Christmas Story might seem familiar to many viewers. It’s a classic “kid meets and befriends a talking animal” story that we’ve seen in many holiday specials and films. While the film doesn’t stray too far from traditional story beats, it makes up for this with emotional depth and charm.
There are moments where the film plays on the relationship between Moon and Luna, and though it would have been nice to see the parallels between the two shown more deeply, their friendship is still heartwarming.
One of the more interesting aspects of the film is how Moon and Luna communicate. Since Moon is an owl and Luna is a human, they can’t speak the same language. However, the film plays with this idea by having them converse in their own ways, guessing what the other is saying through actions and expressions.
While this concept is charming, the film doesn’t always stay consistent with the rules of communication. There are moments when the two characters suddenly understand each other perfectly for the sake of plot convenience, which might be a bit jarring for some viewers. Despite this, the heartfelt connection between the characters still shines through.
The Meaning Behind the Title: What Is Christmas Really About?
You might wonder why the film is called An Almost Christmas Story. The title is more than just a playful reference to the classic A Christmas Story from 1983; it holds a deeper meaning. While Christmas is often associated with religious themes, it has evolved into a time of unity and goodwill for many people around the world.
In the film, Moon doesn’t fully understand what Christmas is, but he comes to recognize its true meaning. Christmas is about people coming together, spreading kindness, and celebrating togetherness, no matter where they come from or what they believe.
This optimistic message is central to the film’s theme, and it’s what makes An Almost Christmas Story feel so heartwarming.
The film might not have a traditional Christmas ending, but it captures the essence of the holiday in a way that feels real and meaningful. It reminds us that, even in a world full of challenges, there is always room for kindness, and that’s what makes Christmas special, even for a young owl like Moon.
A Sweet, Short Holiday Gem
An Almost Christmas Story is a delightful holiday special that brings something fresh and new to the table while still honoring the timeless charm of classic Christmas stories. The film’s heartwarming characters, memorable performances, and unique visual style make it a standout addition to the holiday season.
While it might not stray far from familiar storylines, its sincerity, charm, and sweet message make it an enjoyable experience for viewers of all ages.
Premiering on Disney+ on November 15, An Almost Christmas Story is sure to become a new favorite for families looking for a quick but meaningful holiday film. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, the most heartwarming stories come in small packages, and that’s exactly what this film delivers.
Whether you’re a fan of classic holiday specials or looking for something new, An Almost Christmas Story is sure to bring a little extra holiday cheer into your life.
