Gef’s Festive Film Advent Calendar: 5 Dec

5 December

Christmas with the Coopers

*Available to watch on Netflix

Three minutes into this one I thought ‘this is a bit shit’. The next thing I knew I was watching the end credits roll and feeling all fuzzy. My cynicism of how unrealistic the whole thing was melted away like snow in April. The film highlights the complexities of various types of family relationships that always reach boiling point at the time of year that’s supposed to be the most wonderful. Along with a dog that’s an absolute menace, there’s everything from sibling rivalry, to affairs, to first kisses, to age-gap friendships, to romantic love fading over time. The latter of which spiked my relationship anxiety in a way that led me to my sixth gin. Which could be why I ended up feeling fuzzy and enjoying the film so much.