Happy Christmas
Writer/director Joe Swanberg is not everyone’s cup of tea, but he is one of the most assured voices to come from the recent “mumblecore” movement. He is best known for the 2013 drama Drinking Buddies, which got as much praise for its naturalistic performances as it received scorn for its meandering plot. His stories, episodic glimpses of young love shown in long takes and that seem largely improvisatory, may work better on the stage or even the small screen. However, he delivers what may be his best film yet this year, although one that will likely not become a holiday classic (despite its title).
The focus of his newest film is Jenny, an entitled and dependent young woman played by Anna Kendrick. After a bad break-up, she goes to Chicago and moves into the home of her older brother, Jeff (Swanberg), a new father. She tries to rekindle her life, although her proclivity to party and get plastered clashes with her responsibility to behave with courtesy at the home of a newborn.
Some may roll their eyes at that plot synopsis, since it reminds one of countless films about young Americans with arrested development trying to get their lives in order. However, Swanberg creates such specific characters and insightful observations about human relationships that little of it feels conventional. Meanwhile, with a limited scope, the director gives us the time to focus on the flaws and nuances of this tight-knit ensemble of characters.
Kendrick delivers the least showy and most authentic performance of her career. Melanie Lynskey is also superb as Jeff’s wife, Kelly, burdened by her stay-at-home ennui duties. Meanwhile, those who hate Lena Dunham may find themselves at odds here. The actor appears in a small role as Jenny’s good friend, Carson, while bearing little of the shrill personality she has on Girls.
It may be easy to grouse that Happy Christmas resolves its conflicts too easily, but its first hour features some of the most tender, observant character-based work of the year.