An Almost Christmas Story

An Almost Christmas Story is a charming animated short film set to delight audiences this holiday season. Directed by David Lowery, the film is co-written by Lowery and Alfonso Cuarón. It tells the heartwarming tale of a young owl named Moon who unexpectedly finds himself in a Christmas tree bound for Rockefeller Center. As he strives to find his way home, he befriends a lost girl named Luna, leading to a beautiful story of connection and adventure.

The film features a talented voice cast, including Cary Christopher as Moon and Estella Madrigal as Luna. Other notable cast members include Jim Gaffigan as Papa Owl, Mamoudou Athie as Pelly, Alex Ross Perry as Dave the Dog, and John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer. Additionally, Reilly performs several songs throughout the short, adding a musical element to the narrative.

Scheduled for release on 15 November 2024 on Disney+, An Almost Christmas Story is the third and final holiday short produced by Cuarón for the streaming service, following Le pupille in 2022 and The Shepherd in 2023. The short is inspired by the real-life story of Rocky, an owl rescued from a Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in 2020. The film's unique visual style combines various animation techniques, including stop-motion and cardboard cutouts, creating a whimsical atmosphere.

The soundtrack, featuring four songs performed by Reilly, will be released on 13 December 2024. The music includes two original compositions by Daniel Hart and classic holiday songs, providing a festive backdrop to the story.

An Almost Christmas Story premiered on 14 October 2024, at the Hamptons International Film Festival and was also shown at the Animation Is Film Festival later that month. Early viewership statistics reveal that the film quickly became popular, ranking as the tenth most-watched winter holiday title in the United States. Critics have responded positively, with the animated short receiving a 100% approval rating on a review aggregator site, based on eight reviews.

Reviewers have praised the film for its mix of joy and nostalgia. John Serba from Decider described it as "pure and simple and wholesome," highlighting the charming relationship between Moon and Luna. Katie Doll from Comic Book Resources commended its innovative visuals, comparing it to classic holiday specials while maintaining a modern flair. The film's themes of empathy and resilience resonate through its characters, making it an inclusive and touching experience for viewers of all ages.

With its heartwarming story and captivating animation, An Almost Christmas Story is sure to capture the spirit of the holiday season. Be sure to catch it on Disney+ starting 15 November 2024.