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.
Still from An Almost Christmas Story (Credit: Disney)
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.
The Diplomat is a political thriller that shows the complex and sometimes murky relationships between the U.S. and the UK. At its center is Kate Wyler, the American Ambassador to the United Kingdom, played by Keri Russell. Kate is smart, diplomatic, and caught in the middle of a high-stakes game that involves both international politics and personal power struggles.
Alongside her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell), a former influential figure in the American government, Kate faces a world filled with political intrigue and the constant pressure of maintaining diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The series presents a fast-paced narrative that revolves around a deadly bombing of a British aircraft carrier. The attack, which kills over 40 Royal Navy personnel, sets off a chain of events that uncovers a conspiracy with deep political ramifications.
At first, Kate suspects the UK Prime Minister, Nicol Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear), might be involved. However, when that theory proves false, she realizes there’s a much darker and more complex truth hiding beneath the surface.
Season 2 of The Diplomat pushes the story even further, bringing the audience into a deeper conspiracy that involves not only British and Russian relations but also U.S. politics. It’s revealed that Vice President Grace Penn, played by Allison Janney, is the mastermind behind the plot to blow up the British aircraft carrier.
This discovery is a game-changer, turning the entire narrative upside down and making Kate and Hal reevaluate everything they thought they knew about loyalty, power, and the cost of political decisions.
The Role of Vice President Grace Penn in the Conspiracy
At the heart of this season is Vice President Grace Penn, whose actions are central to the ongoing conflict. At first, Penn is portrayed as a strong, capable, and highly ambitious political figure.
However, as the plot unravels, it becomes clear that she is not just a mere politician doing her job—she is the person responsible for orchestrating the attack on the British ship, an event that is initially blamed on both Iran and Russia.
The explosion is part of a larger plan to manipulate global political outcomes, and Penn is the one pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Penn is not only involved in the attack but has also played a key role in the deaths of important figures within the story, including MP Merritt Grove (Simon Chandler) and Kate’s colleague Ronnie (Jess Chanliau).
The further Kate digs into the conspiracy, the more she realizes how far-reaching Penn’s influence is, with the Vice President even manipulating the British Prime Minister, Nicol Trowbridge, to cover up her involvement in the attack.
What makes Penn’s character so compelling is that her actions are not purely driven by malice. While she is undeniably responsible for the attack, her motivations are more complex. She justifies her actions by presenting a view of the greater good.
According to Penn, the deadly strike was not part of her plan, but things went wrong, and the loss of life was an unfortunate outcome of a decision she believed was necessary for the survival of the United Kingdom and, by extension, the United States.
Grace Penn’s Justification for the Attack
Penn’s reasoning for her involvement in the bombing begins to unfold when she confronts Kate Wyler. During their tense exchange, Penn acknowledges that the attack was not supposed to be as deadly as it turned out to be. She admits that things spiraled out of control, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
However, she also maintains that the attack was necessary to keep the United Kingdom united, particularly to prevent Scotland from seceding from the UK.
Still from The Diplomat (Credit: Netflix)
According to Penn, Scotland’s potential independence posed a serious threat to the U.S. military. With the American nuclear base on Scottish soil serving as a strategic deterrent to Russian aggression, Penn feared that if Scotland broke away from the UK, it would no longer allow the U.S. to maintain its presence there.
This would leave the east coast of America vulnerable to Russian attacks, something Penn simply could not allow. In her eyes, the loss of life in the bombing, though tragic, was a necessary evil to prevent a larger catastrophe.
As Penn lays out her reasoning, she comes across as rational and even sympathetic, despite the deadly consequences of her actions. She explains that, in her position as Vice President, she had to make difficult decisions, ones that others might not fully understand.
She believes that Kate, if given the same power, would have made similar choices to protect national security, even if those choices meant sacrificing a few lives for the greater good.
Kate’s Struggle with Penn’s Motives
Kate’s internal struggle with Penn’s justification is a key theme in Season 2. At first, she sees Penn as a villain who must be stopped, a person whose actions are unforgivable. However, as Kate listens to Penn’s reasoning, she begins to see the complexities of the situation.
While Kate still feels morally conflicted, she comes to understand that Penn is not purely evil; she is a politician faced with impossible choices, trying to face a world of international tensions and the need to protect her country’s interests.
Kate’s realization about Penn’s motivations forces her to reevaluate her own role in the political show. She has always been insecure about her influence and her ability to hold power.
In stark contrast to Penn, who exudes confidence and power, Kate often feels unsure of herself. Yet, as the stakes get higher, Kate must step up and decide whether she will continue to challenge Penn or work with her to achieve her own goals.
One of the most significant developments in Season 2 is Kate’s decision to run for the Vice Presidency, replacing Penn. This move not only challenges Penn’s authority but also marks a major shift in Kate’s character.
As Kate steps into the political arena, she becomes more aware of the personal and professional sacrifices required to succeed in such a high-stakes world. She no longer sees herself as a passive observer of political events; she is now an active participant, ready to take on the responsibilities of a high office.
Hal and Kate’s Relationship with the Government
Throughout the season, Kate and her husband Hal have conflicting ideas about how to handle the situation with Penn. Hal, despite his past in government, prefers to stay out of the political spotlight, even though his own actions play a crucial role in the story.
He begins to work with Eidra (Ali Ahn) to gather evidence and make a secure call to the authorities about Penn’s involvement in the bombing. However, Hal’s inability to stick to the plan leads him to take matters into his own hands. Instead of following through with the prearranged contact, Hal decides to go directly to President Rayburn (Michael McKean) with his findings.
This decision sets off a chain of events that ends in a shocking and tragic twist: President Rayburn dies as a result of the revelation. The circumstances surrounding the President’s death are left unclear, but it is clear that Hal’s actions played a pivotal role in the shocking turn of events. As a result, Vice President Grace Penn is suddenly upgraded to the position of President of the United States.
What Does the President’s Death Mean for Kate Wyler?
With the sudden death of President Rayburn, the political show has shifted dramatically, and Season 3 promises to show what happens next. Now that Grace Penn is the President, Kate’s future is uncertain. Her confrontation with Penn, which exposed the truth about the bombing, has put Kate in a precarious position.
While Penn might choose to work with Kate, bringing her into her inner circle and perhaps even making her Vice President, it’s also possible that Penn could see Kate as a threat and work to eliminate her from the political scene altogether.
Kate’s future is now in the hands of President Penn. If Penn sees Kate as an ally, she could offer her a new position in the government, potentially even as her Vice President. On the other hand, Penn might view Kate’s actions as a betrayal and choose to shut her out, pushing her to the sidelines of American politics. Kate’s choices will determine not only her future but also the direction of the country.
The Complex Nature of Grace Penn’s Character
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Diplomat is the ambiguity of Grace Penn’s character. Is she a villain or a hero? The answer is not clear-cut. Her actions, though deadly and morally questionable, were driven by a desire to protect the United States and prevent a much larger disaster.
Still from The Diplomat (Credit: Netflix)
In the high-stakes politics world, difficult decisions must be made, and Penn’s decisions, while controversial, were made with the aim of securing national interests.
Ultimately, Season 2 leaves the audience with a much more complicated view of Penn. She is neither purely good nor purely evil, but instead, a character caught in the gray area between the two.
As the show moves into Season 3, it will be fascinating to see how her relationship with Kate evolves and what role each woman will play in shaping the future of American and international politics.
The Diplomat is now available to stream on Netflix in the U.S., and with its shocking twists, complex characters, and political intrigue, the series continues to be a must-watch for fans of political dramas.
