Christmas 2003
"Four messed up siblings congregate in Shitsville"
Christmas (2003) is Gregory King's raw, darkly comedic take on sibling dynamics set against the gritty backdrop of small-town New Zealand.
Director: Gregory King
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christmas (2003) about?
Christmas (2003) plunges into the messy reunion of four estranged siblings stuck celebrating the holidays in a town ironically nicknamed 'Shitsville.' As alcohol, secrets, and old grudges bubble to the surface, their forced togetherness exposes the cracks in their relationships—and the absurdity of holiday expectations.
Who directed Christmas?
Gregory King helmed Christmas (2003), making a bold statement as one of New Zealand's most distinctive new filmmaking voices with this raw, unfiltered debut.
Who stars in Christmas?
The film features standout performances from Darien Takle, David Hornblow, Matthew Sunderland, and Helen Pearse Otene, among others, bringing King's chaotic vision to life.
Is Christmas (2003) worth watching?
For fans of darkly comedic dramas with a sharp edge, Christmas (2003) is absolutely worth your time. Its unflinching portrayal of family dysfunction and quirky Kiwi charm make it a memorable, if uncomfortable, watch that lingers long after the credits roll.
How long is Christmas?
Christmas (2003) runs for 87 minutes, packing its brisk runtime with sharp dialogue and unrelenting tension.
About Christmas (2003) — A Darkly Comic Kiwi Take on Family Chaos
Christmas (2003) is Gregory King's raw, darkly comedic take on sibling dynamics set against the gritty backdrop of small-town New Zealand. This micro-budget gem, crafted at the dawn of the digital filmmaking revolution, follows four deeply flawed siblings reuniting in what's unofficially dubbed 'Shitsville'—a place where dysfunction feels as inevitable as the festive season they're supposed to celebrate. Blending bleak humor with unflinching drama, King's debut feature delivers a story that's as unsettling as it is hilarious, resonating with audiences who appreciate cinema that refuses to sugarcoat reality.
Starring Darien Takle, David Hornblow, and Matthew Sunderland among a standout ensemble, Christmas (2003) weaves themes of family dysfunction, isolation, and the absurdity of holiday traditions into a narrative that feels both distinctly Kiwi and universally relatable. With its stark visuals and unapologetic tone, the film secured its place as a cult favorite, garnering accolades at prestigious international festivals like Toronto, Locarno, and Edinburgh.