Nugget Is Dead? A Christmas Story

The dog gets sick, forcing Steph to deal with her family over Christmas. Except... she seems to have very little to do with the dog at all.

Instead we have a cast of diverse-for-the-sake of diversity characters, where their diversity is explicitly explained by everyone else to force people who normally wouldn't hang out together to hang out together. Oh, you're a lesbian? Come hang out with me because my boyfriend isn't talking to me. Blergh.

It's just one trope after another, with nothing original. Sure, it's another girl-returns-to-hometown-to-find-love Christmas movies, but without any of the heart you would expect to find. The whole film feels very forced, and no one seems to have enjoyed making the film.

Recommended for those brief scenes with the dog.

I'm not sure why this was even made. What is the point of this film? It's set around Christmas but is the furthest from being a Christmas movie.

It's unclear why the main character was even in a relationship with the rich kid. There is never enough of a spark between them to even believe the main character cares about missing Christmas with her Boyfriend. This undermines the whole film off rip. Making the rest hard to even stomach.

Overly annoying cast, predictable story, unrealistic characters and character motivation... and the dog ends up dying? What about this is Christmas. Absolutely depressing movie for the holidays.

Disappointed we even spent the time to watch it. Not sure why so many channels are bothering to air this.

I suppose the first question on everyone's mind, given the title is "Does the dog die?" You'll have to watch to find out. What I can say is that Nugget (played by Reuben) steals every scene that he's in. Ed Oxenbould is as always a pleasure to watch and I find myself wanting to spend much more time with his character in this film. So nice to see Tiriel Mora in a smallish role too.

Yes, it's a Christmas film and yes it's a bit overdone, not unlike the sausages, at times but I woke up the next day wondering what this family might be up to, always a good sign I think. I'd recommend giving it a go.

I'm an American enjoying this Aussie film. I loved that the characters looked and acted like regular people, not the heavily manicured characters you get in most American TV. People in this movie had wrinkles, thinning hair, unflattering clothing, emotional outbursts, and said inane things regular people would say. Only one character was super thin. Even the rich mother character had obvious wrinkles. In American TV, you see very little of this- everyone gets a glow up. The plot of this movie isn't revolutionary, but it's sweet as expected for a holiday movie. It's a nice contrast to Hallmark movies.

This Australian comedy film has received a range of reviews, which highlights its unique charm and relatability compared to typical American holiday movies.

The film presents an authentic portrayal of everyday characters, depicting real people with flaws-wrinkles and emotional outbursts-rather than the polished figures often seen in American productions. This authenticity is refreshing, particularly for those weary of the predictable and overly sentimental Hallmark style. It offers a sweet narrative that stands apart from formulaic holiday fare, appealing to audiences in search of originality and offbeat character development.

The plot centres around Steph, who navigates her relationship with her wealthy boyfriend's family during the holidays, ultimately returning to her own loud and loving family. This dynamic subtly comments on class differences while capturing the chaotic yet heartwarming essence of family gatherings. While the film may not break new ground in storytelling, it effectively reflects the messiness of human life, resonating with anyone who appreciates films that depict both joy and underlying tensions during festive times.

Though it follows some familiar tropes typical of holiday movies, its quirky characterizations and humour set it apart. The cast delivers commendable performances, showcasing excellent comedic timing and relatability that contribute to a narrative filled with laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt scenes. The film possesses a quintessential Australian edge, blending sharp humour with genuine emotion, making it an enjoyable watch for families during the holiday season.

This distinctive Australian humour may not resonate with everyone, but it provides a delightful alternative to more conventional holiday films. Its heartfelt, silly, exaggerated, and at times unhinged portrayal of Aussie family life captures the spirit of an "Aussie Christmas" in a way that is both familiar and refreshingly different.

Give it a fair chance, and you will likely be glad you did.