Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
A dysfunctional family gathers together for their first Christmas since the death of their matriarch.
Almost Christmas is a warm but formulaic holiday ensemble comedy-drama that leans heavily on familiar dysfunctional-family-reunion tropes. The plot hits well-worn beats — estranged siblings, holiday tensions, grief underpinning it all — without surprising the audience. The ensemble cast, including Danny Glover, Kimberly Elise, and Gabrielle Union, elevates the material with genuine charm and chemistry, making the acting the clear standout. Cinematography is functional and unremarkable, typical of studio holiday fare. Novelty is low given how closely it follows the genre playbook. The ending resolves warmly if predictably, offering modest emotional payoff.