Fictional and jolly Christmas movies are a staple for most of us during the holiday season. But what if you could see a holiday film that is both moving and humorous, while remaining deeply grounded in reality and resonates with most people around? One of the indie holiday gems titled Christmess
directed and written by Heath Davis manages to ditch the cliche formula of joyous holiday movies and provides a unique take on how Xmas might look different for everyone, especially for those experiencing tough times out there.
Since the holiday film’s debut at the Austin Film Festival, last year, it has been lauded for its cast performances, honest portrayal of the holiday season, and touching themes, taking the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions. It follows a once famous and now alcohol addict, working as Santa Claus in the mall. However, an interaction with his daughter leads him on a path of recovery and redemption. The cast includes singer, Hannah Joy in her acting debut alongside Steve Lemarquand (The Dressmaker) and Darren Gilshenan (A Savage Christmas). Moreover, Daniel Fenech, Davis, Rick Beecroft, and Nicola Nossal served as producers.
A few days back, I had the chance to interview Davis, who gave valuable insights on the creation of Christmess, his upcoming projects, working with the cast, and more. So, without any further ado, let’s hop on to the interview.
As a writer for Christmess, what inspired you to pen down this wonderful script that captures an honest portrayal of holiday times for many people around?
I wrote this film during the COVID-enforced lockdown. I watched all the bad Christmas movies over the course of one holiday season and not one movie depicted anything remotely close to the Christmas experiences that I have endured or anyone I know. So I thought it was time to finally make something real and honest that captured the anxiety, stress, and emotional turmoil the festive season can bring to so many as well as the alcoholism. I know a lot of people who turn to booze just to get through Christmas. So there was a lot of rich soil to plant the seeds for drama and humor, with a strong message that had the potential for real emotional resonance.
What’s your favorite scene from the movie and what makes it so special for you?
There are so many and the more I watch the film my favorite scenes change. But I think it's the role-play sequence where the housemates rehearse with Chris the lead character his encounter with his long-estranged daughter. One moment there's great humor and the next great pathos. And the wonderful chemistry between the three characters is really beautiful.
The movie is making a lot of waves on the internet, given its realistic premise. Do you have any plans to make more such movies in the future that likely bring to light more genuine stories about Christmas or any other topic?
This is my fourth film as a writer/director and the first time people are demanding a sequel. Initially, I laughed it off but recently I've started thinking seriously about it as there's still so much we don't know about these characters and they are all still very much a work in progress in their respective recovery journeys. So who knows? I have a title called Christmess in Recovery, which I really like, and a very strong plot. But all my films generally tackle some form of social issue in their own weird and wonderful ways. I'm really interested in exploring The Cost of Living. That's something that's impacting everyone, especially in Australia. Making ends meet has never been harder for many.
Were there any difficulties/challenges you faced while bringing this movie from page to screen?
The hardest challenge we faced - despite never having enough money like all indie films - was COVID-19. It was an enormous logistical challenge. We made the film in a bubble but everyday we didn't know what was going to happen. Would everyone get COVID and the entire production shut down tomorrow? But we got through somehow to the wrap party where almost everyone got covid.
After reading the audience reception for the movie, where there any constructive criticism, that made you look at your creation (movie) differently?
Oh - everyone has their opinions. Everyone's a critic. That's just human nature. People interpret themes and messaging in their own ways. There's been some great feedback from various religious sectors, which I've found interesting. Despite their belief differences, everyone has connected to the human kindness and the heart of the movie, which I just love.
Are there any Christmas movies from other filmmakers that you have loved watching and that you find unique?
I've got to say it was a very short list. But I really loved Alexander Payne's The Holdovers which was released a month after Christmess in Australia. There were so many parallels, which was wild. I'm like that's Christmess if we had a budget and Paul Giamatti.
During the movie’s development stage, did you already have a cast in mind, whom you believed would be suitable to portray characters? Or how did you go about the whole casting thing? Given, the roster consists of new and renowned personalities.
On these small-scale films, the strength is very much in the casting and chemistry. So I often write for the talent. And then we generally develop it together for about a year. So by the time we roll the camera everyone knows their characters inside out and the actors have built a wonderful rapport together. But one of the actors - Darren Gilshenan - came in late and that was just one of those happy accidents that can happen in filmmaking. I can't imagine the movie without him. Also, Hannah Joy is a rock star in her band Middle Kids. She'd never acted before in her life. But I just had a gut feeling she'd be amazing. And she was/is. But she worked hard like everyone.
Lastly, what are you working on next? You could share a hint or some details.
We are currently in early production on a documentary on the life of Jack Karlson the internet meme sensation known for The Succulent Chinese Meal/Democracy Manifest video which went globally viral. Jack passed away recently. His truly remarkable story and the film are really going to blow minds. Hopefully, that will be out next Christmas, or just say Christmess lol.