NUTCRACKERS (2024)
Four disobedient young boys are fostered by their uncle over Christmas following the death of their mother.
When it comes to the holidays, tradition is undeniably comforting. Whether it’s decorating your house, watching old classics, or eating a family recipe passed down for generations, there are rituals we look forward to every year—even when we know they offer nothing new or surprising. Since the dawn of the television film, in the US especially, one of those familiar holiday traditions has become the family Christmas movie special. This is how Hallmark made its bread and butter in the entertainment industry, churning out simple, heartwarming stories that fit snugly into the holiday season. In the old days, the family would gather around the TV on a certain night in December to watch a grumpy businessman or sceptical heroine find the true meaning of Christmas. Now, David Gordon Green’s Nutcrackers, starring Ben Stiller (There’s Something About Mary), has shown us that while the format has moved to streaming rather than cable, the traditional family Christmas movie hasn’t changed all that much. And, for the most part, that’s a good thing.
The film’s premise is exactly what you’d expect from the genre. Big-city businessman Michael (Stiller) is called away from his high-stakes career and ambitious goals to care for his four rambunctious, recently orphaned nephews (real-life siblings Homer, Uli, Arlo, and Atlas Janson). What follows is a predictable yet charming mix of slapstick gags, heartfelt family moments, and sentimental discussions about the true meaning of love and connection. If it all sounds familiar, that’s because it is. These are well-worn narrative beats that holiday movies love to hit. However, Nutcrackers still manages to deliver a few genuine laughs and a couple of pleasant surprises that keep it from feeling stale.
One of the film’s most refreshing choices is its refusal to “tame” the wild, farm-living children. Unlike many movies in this genre, which often equate proper manners or civilised behaviour with the children’s eventual worthiness of love and belonging, Nutcrackers embraces the boys’ untamed spirit. Their long, tangled hair becomes a fitting metaphor for their individuality and resistance to convention. In fact, one of the more memorable moments in the film comes when a prospective foster mother insists the boys need haircuts, and Michael flatly rejects the idea, calling it a “deal breaker”. This moment underscores the film’s broader theme: love should be unconditional, not tied to some superficial notion of decorum or conformity. The children remain unapologetically themselves throughout the film, continuing their homeschool routine and caring for their animals without being forced into a mould of “traditional” behaviour. This celebration of individuality feels refreshing, especially for a genre that so often leans on predictable tropes.
Another highlight of the film is the chemistry between the Janson brothers, who play the four nephews. Casting real-life siblings was a smart move, as their natural bond brings authenticity to their interactions. Their playful banter, squabbles, and moments of brotherly affection light up the screen, adding a sense of lived-in warmth that would have been difficult for unrelated child actors to replicate. Add in the fact that they filmed most of the movie on the Jansen’s actual farm with most of their working animals, and it’s no wonder that a certain charm shines through. In fact, the boys’ performances often outshine Stiller’s, though Stiller himself does an admirable job in the lead role. His heartfelt scenes with Justice (Homer Janson), the oldest brother, are particularly moving, showcasing a growing mutual respect and understanding between the two characters. These moments elevate the film’s emotional core.
That said, the film isn’t without its flaws. The pacing is uneven, with a runtime that stretches about 30 minutes longer than it needs to. Several gags and subplots could have been trimmed or cut entirely without affecting the story. One of the most glaring issues is the introduction of a subplot about the boys’ late parents and their involvement with a cult. This intriguing backstory is briefly mentioned in a conversation between Michael and the children but is never revisited or resolved. Even when Michael is discussing his relationship with his late sister and how they became estranged, the cult and its leader are not brought up. It’s a tantalising detail that could have added depth to the story but instead feels like a missed opportunity.
Similarly, the relationship between Michael and his demanding boss, Carol (Ari Graynor), is underdeveloped. Early in the film, Michael references a past love who wanted to marry him, and later conversations with Carol hint at romantic history between the two. However, this thread is never fully explored, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. Was Carol Michael’s “one who got away”? And if so, what made her change from a woman who wanted to settle down and get married to a demanding, career-obsessed tyrant? The screenwriter doesn’t see fit to tell us. These are missteps that could have easily been solved in editing or the early screenplay process.
The film’s conclusion is another area where it stumbles. The boys’ elaborate Nutcracker-themed dance performance feels unnecessarily long and overly serious, clashing with the lighthearted tone that defines the rest of the film. There’s a build-up to the ballet performance and the sequence seems to promise a ridiculously botched yet winsome and entertaining new take on the Nutcracker. What we get instead feels like a genuine attempt to show off the boys’ dancing skills. While the choreography is nice and the Jensen boys are, indeed, talented, the sequence could have been shortened significantly and lightened with some more comedy to make it fit the tone of the film without losing its impact.
Despite these missteps, Nutcrackers remains an endearing holiday film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Its imperfections, much like those of a real family, make it all the more charming. It may frustrate at times, with its unresolved subplots and overly long runtime, but it ultimately wins you over with its heartfelt message and genuine warmth. Though it’s unlikely to become a timeless Christmas classic, Nutcrackers offers a sweet, uncomplicated way to spend a cosy evening with loved ones. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a comfortable holiday sweater—predictable, a little frayed at the edges, but undeniably comforting.
USA | 2024 | 104 MINUTES | 2.35:1 | COLOUR | ENGLISH
Cast & Crew
director: David Gordon Green.
writer: Leland Douglas.
starring: Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Atlas Janson, Arlo Janson, Toby Huss, Edi Patterson & Tim Heidecker.
