Christmas As Usual Review: Also known as Så Var Det Jul Igjen, the film is directed and written by Petter Holmsen. This Norwegian romantic comedy stars Kanan Gill as Jashan, Ida Ursin-Holm as Thea, Marit Andreassen as Anne-Lise, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen as Jørgen, Jonas Strand Gravli as Taxisjåfør, Veslemøy Mørkrid as Hildegunn, and Erik Follestad as Simen. The Netflix film has a runtime of 89 minutes.
Christmas As Usual Plot
When Thea decides to introduce her Indian boyfriend, Jashan, to her family in their rural Norwegian hometown for a traditional Christmas celebration, she unwittingly sets the stage for a collision of cultures. As they gather for the festive season, Thea’s family finds themselves facing unexpected challenges as their long-held beliefs and cherished traditions clash with the arrival of Jashan, igniting a heartwarming yet eye-opening journey of understanding, acceptance and the beautiful chaos of embracing diversity during the holiday season.
-The Review Contains No Spoilers-
Christmas As Usual Review
During the winter season, the quest for holiday movies brimming with love becomes almost instinctive. It’s one of those sought-after elements that adds warmth to the season, and this particular movie encapsulates that essence splendidly. While not solely centred on romance, it masterfully intertwines the themes of love, comedy, and the holiday spirit.
The narrative unfolds seamlessly, revolving around Thea and Jashan, two individuals deeply enamoured with each other. Their love story takes a significant turn just a few weeks before Christmas when Jashan decides to propose to Thea, longing to solidify their bond through marriage. However, their backgrounds couldn’t be more diverse, with Thea hailing from Norway and Jashan rooted in Indian culture.
To bridge this cultural gap and introduce Jashan to her family, Thea makes a heartfelt decision to take him to her hometown for the holiday season. Amidst the festive cheer, the movie beautifully explores the blend of traditions, the warmth of familial ties, and the humorous moments that arise from cultural differences. It’s a heartwarming tale that not only celebrates love but also highlights the beauty of embracing diversity and the joy of uniting different worlds during this magical time of the year.
Holmsen’s direction shines, capturing the essence of both traditions with remarkable detail. The clash of cultures unfolds in uproarious yet touching scenarios, crafting a perfect blend of humour and heartfelt moments. The film doesn’t just rely on laughs; it beautifully portrays the challenges that love faces when spanning cultural divides. The plot involving the ex-boyfriend felt unnecessary as it lacked depth. However, the introduction of each new Christmas tradition and Jashan’s reactions to them were sure to make you laugh and conveyed the essence of the challenges people face when different cultures meet, especially for the sake of love.
The best part was its subtlety in depicting Thea’s family not just accepting him, but poetically showcasing the clashes when two cultures meet. It illustrated how understanding that things are different is crucial. For instance, it portrayed the Indian love for spicy food, which was overwhelming for a Norwegian palate. Similarly, some Christmas traditions were out of place for Indians. Yet, the beauty lay in his efforts to participate, revealing the depth of his love for her.
Ida Ursin-Holm’s authenticity in portraying Thea, combined with Kanan Gill’s comedic finesse, elevates the narrative, supported by a talented cast that adds depth and humour to the storyline. Christmas as Usual seamlessly weaves romance, humour, and cultural exploration, solidifying its place within the holiday movie genre. The portrayal of love transcending cultural barriers is heartening and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on togetherness during the festive season.
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While I wouldn’t necessarily label it as the ultimate Christmas movie, something is comforting about indulging in a light-hearted, silly romance during the holiday season. Sometimes, we crave a movie that allows us to unwind and chuckle without taxing our minds too heavily. The captivating visuals effortlessly evoke the festive spirit, immersing us in a world filled with the magic of Christmas. And, of course, the joy of watching Kanan on screen never fails to uplift the experience, adding an extra layer of delight to the whole viewing.
Christmas As Usual Review: Final Thoughts
In a charming blend of laughter, love, and cultural exploration, Christmas As Usual radiates the heartwarming essence of the holiday season. While not without its minor detours, the film masterfully intertwines romance, humour, and the celebration of diverse traditions. Holmsen’s direction impeccably captures the clash and eventual harmonisation of cultures, showcasing the beauty of understanding and embracing differences for the sake of love.
Despite occasional narrative distractions, the movie’s authenticity, coupled with standout performances by Ida Ursin-Holm and Kanan Gill, crafts a tale that beautifully illustrates the triumph of love over cultural barriers. As the credits roll, the movie leaves a lingering warmth, reminding us that amidst the festive cheer, there’s comfort in a light-hearted, delightful romance that effortlessly captures the enchantment of the holiday season.
Kanan Gill’s Christmas As Usual is now streaming on Netflix.
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