That Christmas: Richard Curtis' Heartwarming Animated Holiday Film Starring Brian Cox and Ed Sheeran, Streaming on Netflix

A New Holiday Classic From Richard Curtis

It’s been over 20 years since Richard Curtis’ Love Actually became a holiday staple, forever entwining itself with the Christmas spirit. Now, the beloved British director and writer returns with an entirely different kind of Christmas tale: That Christmas. An animated film based on Curtis' trilogy of children’s books, this heartwarming and chaotic holiday movie promises to bring joy, laughter, and a dose of holiday nostalgia.

Premiering on Netflix on December 4, 2024, That Christmas tells multiple interconnected stories about family dynamics, love, loneliness, and the holiday season’s inherent unpredictability. With a star-studded voice cast and a mix of laughter, heartache, and holiday magic, this animated feature is set to become a new Christmas favorite.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about That Christmas—from its premise to the incredible cast and the original song by Ed Sheeran that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.

What Is That Christmas About?

A Heartwarming, Hilarious Take on the Chaos of the Holidays

At its core, That Christmas is a love letter to the unpredictability of life and the importance of family during the holiday season. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque English town, the film weaves together several entwined stories revolving around Christmas. Each narrative focuses on the highs and lows of family life, the clash between expectations and reality, and the laughter (and sometimes heartbreak) that follows.

Director Simon Otto (known for How to Train Your Dragon and Love, Death & Robots) emphasizes that the story isn't about a perfect, Hallmark-style Christmas. Instead, it’s about the real-life messiness that comes with family, relationships, and the pressure of holiday traditions.

“There’s a universal truth behind most traditions,” says Otto. “It’s ultimately not about the rules or expectations we put on these events—it’s about being together with those we love.”

The Storyline: Chaos, Comedy, and Christmas Spirit

That Christmas unfolds in three intertwined tales that explore the chaos and joy of the holiday season:

• Santa Claus' Big Mistake: Santa (voiced by Brian Cox) finds himself in the middle of a holiday disaster, making a massive mistake that could ruin Christmas for everyone. Alongside his long-suffering reindeer, Dasher (voiced by Guz Khan), Santa attempts to navigate the snowstorm of confusion he’s caused. Cox’s portrayal of Santa is far from the jolly, perfect figure we’re used to—he’s a more down-to-earth, tired version who just wants to do his job, but finds himself wrapped up in more drama than he bargained for.
• Family Struggles: The film also delves into the lives of several families, each with their own set of challenges. From misunderstandings to unexpected revelations, the story highlights the complexities of relationships. Expect laughter, tears, and the bittersweet moments that make Christmas memorable.
• Love and Loneliness: With themes of love, loss, and the longing for connection, That Christmas doesn’t shy away from the emotional side of the holidays. While it captures the joy and humor of the season, it also explores the loneliness that some experience, especially when separated from loved ones. A key moment is highlighted by an original song from Ed Sheeran, which adds a poignant touch to the film’s heartwarming narrative.

The Star-Studded Voice Cast

Brian Cox as Santa Claus

Brian Cox, known for his role as the formidable Logan Roy in Succession, lends his distinctive voice to the iconic Santa Claus. Initially, Otto and Curtis envisioned an American Santa, but it didn’t quite fit. After casting Cox, Santa became a more relatable, no-nonsense character. “He’s just there to do his job,” Cox says of his portrayal. “This year, he becomes more involved than he ever intended.”

Not only does Cox voice the beloved holiday figure, but he also serves as the film’s narrator, a role that was added once Cox came on board. This unexpected twist brings a deeper level of storytelling and warmth to the film.

Supporting Cast

Alongside Cox, That Christmas features an impressive lineup of voice talent:

• Fiona Shaw voices Ms. Trapper, a formidable character with a knack for trapping more than just animals.
• Jodie Whittaker plays Mrs. Williams, adding her charm to the film.
• Bill Nighy, a frequent Curtis collaborator, voices the lighthouse keeper, a role he’s dreamed of playing for years.
• Lolly Adefope, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, and Rosie Cavaliero bring their comedic and emotional talents to the ensemble cast, voicing a variety of quirky, lovable characters.

Each member of the cast brings their unique flair, making for a dynamic and heartwarming experience.

Ed Sheeran’s Special Contribution: “Under the Tree”

One of the standout features of That Christmas is the inclusion of an original song by Ed Sheeran, titled “Under the Tree.” The song was written and recorded specifically for the film, adding another layer of emotional depth to the story.

“I thought this was such an amazing thing to make and put into the world,” Sheeran said. The song accompanies a particularly heartbreaking scene, where a character grapples with the loneliness of spending Christmas without their loved ones. For Sheeran, this collaboration was deeply personal, especially after becoming a father himself. The song captures the essence of holiday longing and is sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced a lonely holiday season.

Why That Christmas Will Become a Holiday Staple

While the film tackles the ups and downs of the holiday season, its lighthearted humor and touching messages about love and togetherness make it the perfect holiday viewing experience. With Curtis’ signature blend of warmth, wit, and emotional depth, That Christmas is set to become a new Christmas classic.

Whether you’re watching with family or friends, this animated gem offers something for everyone. The chaotic yet heartwarming adventures of Santa, the hilarious family dynamics, and the poignant moments make for a movie that you’ll want to watch again and again.

When and Where to Watch That Christmas

That Christmas will be available for streaming on Netflix starting December 4, 2024. Whether you’re looking for laughs, heartwarming moments, or a dose of holiday chaos, this animated feature promises to be the perfect companion to your festive season.

Conclusion: A Christmas Film for All Ages

Richard Curtis’ That Christmas blends the best of his storytelling skills with animation, bringing to life a whimsical yet real portrayal of the Christmas season. With an all-star voice cast, emotional depth, and a hilarious twist on holiday traditions, this film is sure to become a beloved part of holiday movie marathons for years to come.

If you’re looking for a Christmas movie that combines humor, heart, and a dash of holiday magic, That Christmas is the perfect pick.