The holiday genre mash-up "Silent Night Afdah" embraces the age-old concept of "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die" from the Bible. However, despite the enthusiastic sentiment, the execution of the film is rather unsteady.
Camille Griffin, a writer and director, makes her debut in feature filmmaking with an ambitious yet somewhat confusing blend of Christmas comedy and apocalyptic drama. In this film, Griffin weaves a cautionary tale about climate change into a cozy British romantic comedy, reminiscent of Richard Curtis's style. The film stars Keira Knightley, a prominent figure from "Love Actually." The story revolves around a massive toxic cloud that is engulfing the planet due to the irreversible damage caused by collective abuse and neglect. This cloud is set to consume a diverse group of family and friends at a luxurious English country estate after midnight, adding a whole new layer of meaning to the popular Wham! song "Last Christmas."
While the concept may seem intriguing, "Silent Night" fails to reach the same level of comedic brilliance as its inspirational counterparts. It lacks amusement and the characters come across as shallow imitations of the charming individuals we often encounter in similar films. Additionally, Griffin's attempt to create a suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere falls short after the story takes a dark turn halfway through. Although some actors in the talented ensemble deliver standout performances, particularly Roman Griffin Davis, the filmmaker's son who left a lasting impression in "Jojo Rabbit," the overall portrayal of these characters is weak, making it difficult to feel invested in their lives or even their choices to live or die.
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