Christmess
Directed byHeath Davis
Screenplay byHeath Davis
Produced by
  • Rick Beecroft
  • Heath Davis
  • Daniel Fenech
  • Jai Kemp
  • Mathew McCracken
  • Cindy Pritchard
Starring
CinematographyChris Bland
Edited byRomain Mongin
Music byMatt Sladen
Production
companies
  • Albert Street Films
  • Brick Studios
Release dates
29 October 2023 (Austin)
30 November 2023 (Australia)
CountryAustralia
LanguageEnglish

Christmess is a 2023 Australian Christmas film from Heath Davis.

Premise

Three recovering addicts try to get through the festive season without relapsing, in Campbelltown in west Sydney, Australia.[1]

Cast

Production

An independent Australian film, it is written and directed by Heath Davis.[2] Davis began writing an “authentic” Christmas film after Christmas 2020 when he spent time in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic without work or family, and watched a lot of “bad Christmas films”.[3] It is produced by Daniel Fenech, Cindy Pritchard and Matthew McCracken. Fundin for the film partially came from crowd-funding.[4]

Casting

The film marks the feature film acting debut of Hannah Joy, the lead singer with rock band Middle Kids. Joy wrote several original songs for Christmess, including Empty Chair, Deadbeat Dads, and Boxing Day and performs all three songs in character during the film. [5]

Filming

Principal photography got underway in Sydney in June 2022 with a three-week filming schedule.[6]

Release

The film had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival on 29 October 2023. It was released in Australia on 30 November 2023.[7][8]

Reception

Nadine Whitney in The Curb described the film as “painful, hopeful, gentle, and funny as hell.”[9] Luke Buckmaster in The Guardian described it as “a very absorbing film, tenderly written and directed”.[10]

References

  1. ↑ Smyrk, Katherine (9 December 2023). "This Australian festive film starring the lead singer of Middle Kids is for people who find Christmas hard". ABC.net. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  2. ↑ Mattes, Ari (November 29, 2023). "Christmess is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas films to emerge – from anywhere – in recent years". The Conversation. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  3. ↑ Young, David James (12 December 2023). ""Christmas Can Be Bleak": Heath Davis On His New Movie 'Christmess'". Junkee. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  4. ↑ "Watch the Trailer for Australian Festive Film 'Christmess'". Variety. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  5. ↑ Lochrie, Conor (4 October 2023). "Middle Kids' Hannah Joy Makes Her Big Screen Debut in Festive Film". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  6. ↑ Frater, Patrick (June 2, 2022). "Alcoholic 'Christmess' Film From Heath Davis Shooting in Sydney". Variety. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  7. ↑ Slatter, Sean (September 21, 2023). "Heath Davis' 'Christmess' to premiere at Austin Film Festival". If.com. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  8. ↑ "Schedule". Austin Film Festival. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  9. ↑ Whitney, Nadine (7 December 2023). "Heath Davis' Christmess is the Major Miracle Independent Australian Cinema Needs". The Curb. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  10. ↑ Buckmaster, Luke (12 December 2023). "Sweary Santas and barbecue explosions: what's the best Australian Christmas movie?". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
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