A Review of ‘Saint Nick of Bethlehem’: Humour, tragedy and human connection make for a pretty special Christmas
A dour Nick reinvents himself as Santa Claus and strives to spread joy in his town.
‘Saint Nick of Bethlehem’: Humour, tragedy and human connection make for a pretty special Christmas
Cast: Daniel Roebuck, Cathy Moriarty, Marsha Dietlein, Duane Whitaker, Timothy E. Goodwin, Lisa Hinds, Elisa Kemuel, Jennifer Porrata, Stelio Sevante, Madelyn Dundon, Kathy Patterson, Bradford Haynes, Coleen Volk, Robert Savakinus, Alixx Schottland, Joey Oltman, Brian Hoffner, Bethany Carlisle
Critic’s Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5
Director: Spencer Folmar, Daniel Roebuch
Duration: 1 hour, 33 minutes
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Language: English
Release: 2024
What’s it about?
A dour Nick reinvents himself as Santa Claus and strives to spread joy in his town.
Review:
Here is an original little comedy-drama that manages to capture a multi-faced spirit of Christmas. Though conveniently sentimental and occasionally contrived, Saint Nick of Bethlehem succeeds inspite of itself. The amiable characters and saccharine narrative infuses the viewer with that warm and fuzzy feeling that is so closely associated with the festive season. Elevating Yuletide joy plays the antidote to loneliness, denial and tragedy in this inspiring contemporary tale that unfolds in the all-American town of Bethlehem.
Nick McNulty (Daniel Roebuck) has grown sceptical of Christmas, which is apparent when he takes his aging mother (Cathy Moriarty) shopping for Christmas decorations. He responds disapprovingly to his mother’s pickings and makes a negative observation about the store clerk’s name. We come to learn that this middle-aged former school teacher is struggling to come to terms with misfortune, while his mother hopes he will move on. Nick’s sinking spirits are suddenly lifted when he bumps into an old flame (Marsha Dietline), who is back in town. It seems that Mary’s return might help brighten Nick’s bleak perspective.
Surely enough, Nick is injected with the stimulus to embrace life once more. He reconnects with his business-minded brother Charlie (Duane Whitaker) and joins him in his car-dealership trade. Then, he literally takes Mary down memory lane, reminiscing with her about their teen years together at a special haunt. But Mary is not particularly keen on rekindling their romance - due to having just exited an unsavoury relationship. Still, she remains affable toward Nick and is receptive to his invitations to meet. On buying a red jacket, and given his broad girth and abundant white whiskers, Nick gets mistaken for a posing Santa Clause.
Nick then uses this new persona to connect with fellow residents of all ages, while also succeeding at his auto sales job. Can Nick counter his personal grief by bringing joy to others? The movie includes a robust supportive cast: Nick’s large-hearted but practical pastor friend Jimbo (Timothy E. Goodwin); the jovial but frank bartender Billy (Bradford Haynes); the socially supportive Harvey and Lisa (Stelio Savante and Kathy Patterson); the enterprising Jeremiah; Charlie’s self-possessed but pleasant accountant Susan (Jennifer Porrata); and her exuberant pre-pubescent son Tucker (Elies Kemuel). The juxtaposition of sad scenes with uplifting ones works most of the time, though some epiphanies are a tad forced. However, all the characters are cleverly interwoven in the film’s story, leading to a rousing conclusion.
Writer-director duo Spencer Folmar and Daniel Roebuck marshal their actors well, while translating a decently funny script to the screen. The pair also demonstrates how consolation can be as much of a bonding force as tragedy, and that sharing grief could be therapeutic. Plus, the filmmakers show that when reality bites in the most morbid manner, friendship and communication can serve as a soothing balm. Moreover, Folmar and Roebuck project how one small gesture can have a far-reaching effect. The film’s acting and interplay are satisfactory, although Whitaker uses a mysterious Southern Drawl which is lacking in his co-stars. But Moriarty - from the Raging Bull (1980) fame – hasn’t lost an ounce of her spirit. All in all, this film is a pretty good tribute to Christmas. And the good news is, you don’t have to wait till Christmas to enjoy this celluloid celebration of the season.
