Netflix Launches New Animated Christmas Movie Inspired by Popular Children’s Book Series

Netflix has recently unveiled its latest animated offering, That Christmas, a heartwarming film adapted from a cherished children’s book series. This marks the directorial debut of Simon Otto, a seasoned animator renowned for his pivotal role as Head of Character Animation in the widely acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. Released on December 4, That Christmas stands out as an exceptional addition to the holiday movie lineup, making it an ideal choice for family viewing this festive season.

In the realm of family-friendly animated films, Disney and DreamWorks traditionally lead the pack, though Illumination has gained recognition with hits like Despicable Me and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. In recent years, Netflix has also carved its niche in original animated content, delivering remarkable films such as Nimona, Spellbound, and The Mitchells vs. the Machines. With the arrival of That Christmas, the platform continues to enrich its catalog of engaging animated features.

Exploring That Christmas: A New Family Animated Treasure

The Interconnected Narrative of That Christmas

That Christmas weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected lives, portraying the themes of love, loneliness, and family reconnections during the holiday season. The film showcases a whimsical cast, featuring a clumsy Santa Claus and a band of mischievous turkeys. The impressive voice cast includes luminaries such as Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy, ensuring the film’s appeal spans generations, making it a delightful choice for family gatherings.

The Source of Inspiration: Richard Curtis’ Children’s Book Trilogy

The Genius Behind Love Actually: Richard Curtis

The screenplay for That Christmas, crafted by Richard Curtis and Peter Souter, draws inspiration from Curtis’ trilogy of children’s Christmas books, titled That Christmas and Other Stories, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb. Richard Curtis holds a revered status in holiday cinema, having penned and directed the beloved classic Love Actually, which similarly explores interwoven lives, albeit with a more adult-centric humor. Essentially, That Christmas can be regarded as a family-friendly homage to the iconic Love Actually.

Beyond this film, Curtis boasts an impressive resume, credited with other rom-com classics such as Notting Hill, About Time, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Additionally, he co-founded the charitable organization Comic Relief and was instrumental in the creation of cultural staples like Blackadder, Mr. Bean, and The Vicar of Dibley. A recipient of the BAFTA Fellowship in 2007, Curtis further solidified his legacy by appearing on the iconic album cover for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. With That Christmas, Curtis adds another remarkable project to his illustrious career.

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