RELEASED YOUR CHRISTMAS OR MINE?

Cert 12, 93 mins

Streaming from December 2 exclusively on Prime Video+

Starring: Asa Butterfield, Cora Kirk, Daniel Mays, Angela Griffin, Alex Jennings, Harriet Walter.

Drama students James (Asa Butterfield) and Hayley (Cora Kirk) reluctantly part ways on December 23 at Marylebone Station in London. At the last minute, they have the same impulsive and giddily romantic idea: to change trains and spend the festive season together. Hayley arrives in Kemble and discovers that the young man she has grown to adore is the son of the Earl of Gloucester (Alex Jennings) and hasn’t told his father or housekeeper Iris (Harriet Walter) that he gave up military training at Sandhurst to pursue his passion as an actor.

Meanwhile, James arrives in Macclesfield and stumbles into the middle of the chaotic Yuletide traditions of Hayley’s parents Geoff (Daniel Mays) and Kath (Angela Griffin), who know nothing about him or their daughter’s tattoo. Heavy snowfall wreaks havoc across the rail network and James and Hayley are stranded with each other’s relatives.

Your Christmas or Mine? is an unabashedly feelgood cockle-warmer soaked in festive spirit that trades lightly in class cliches and clashing cultures Scriptwriter Tom Parry astutely positions humour and heartbreak under the mistletoe, allowing the two to kiss in tender scenes that bridge the geographical divide between James and Hayley in snow-laden town and countryside. Butterfield and newcomer Kirk spend the majority of the film apart but are delightfully well matched, galvanising our emotional investment in a whirlwind two-month relationship.

Director Jim O’Hanlon wisely heeds the cooking instructions of the Christmas turkey, allowing James and Hayley to slowly baste in discomfort as they learn more about each other through the eyes of loved ones. (DS)

Rating: ****