Leave it to rom-com staple Richard Curtis to transform Logan Roy into Santa Claus.
Curtis is turning to the world of animation with Netflix film “That Christmas,” which stars “Succession” alum Brian Cox as St. Nick. “Love Actually” and “About Time” writer/director Curtis adapted the script from his own bestselling children’s book series; Curtis and Peter Souter share screenplay credit. Veteran character animator and story artist Simon Otto (“How to Train Your Dragon”) makes his directorial debut with the film.
“That Christmas” follows a series of entwined tales about love and loneliness, family and friends, and Santa Claus making one big mistake, according to the official synopsis. Oh, and there is also “an enormous number of turkeys!”
The ensemble cast includes Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, Rhys Darby, Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown, Zazie Hayhurst, Sienna Sayer, Jack Wisniewski, Rosie Cavaliero, Paul Kaye, Guz Khan, Andy Nyman, Kuhu Agarwal, Bronte Smith, Freddie Spry, and Ava Talbot. Bill Nighy also reunites with his “Love Actually” filmmaker Curtis for a cameo role.
The film also features an original song by Grammy winner Ed Sheeran, titled “Under The Tree.” The music for the film is by John Powell, with animation by Locksmith Animation.
Nicole P. Hearon (“Moana,” “Frozen”) and Adam Tandy (“The Thick of It,” “Detectorists”) are producers, with Curtis, “That Christmas” book illustrator, Rebecca Cobb, Mary Coleman, Natalie Fischer, Julie Lockhart, Elisabeth Murdoch, Bonnie Arnold, Lara Breay, Sarah Smith, and Colin Hopkins executive producing.
IndieWire’s Kate Erbland wrote in her “That Christmas” review that “rom-com king” Curtis has “turned his trio of books into a single, delightful holiday feature that offers something for everyone, especially the people who get mushy about glossy stories about human connection.”
For the film, Curtis’ books “That Christmas,” “Snow Day,” and “The Empty Stocking” are connected into “one sprawling, high-spirited outing,” Erbland wrote.
“‘That Christmas’ a cut above other animated holiday fare,” she continued. “The old chestnuts hold true for this one, the goofy holiday puns: it’s a gift well worth unwrapping and sharing with the ones you love most.”
“That Christmas” premieres December 4 on Netflix. Check out the trailer below.
