A Christmas Party is the latest feature from director Alex Helmer, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Guy Knoll. Though the film has yet to secure distribution, it is slated to make its rounds on the festival circuit in 2026 in search of a broader release.

The ensemble cast includes Jaxon Keller, Sarah-Grace Donnelly, Max Cazier, Dan Grogan, Sarvin Alidaee, Richard Sexton, Bohdana Madlova, Rroni Hashani, Joe Marano, Joe Rashbaum, Gal Polani, MK McManus, Maya Sienkiewicz, Jack Wielar, Rebecca Grutz, David Peter White, and Isaac Loyal.

Home for the holidays, Adam longs for the magic of his childhood. Amid the chaos of the annual Foxhall Village Christmas party, he dodges relatives, evades the political turmoil, and-surprise!-falls for his childhood friend.

Christmas has always held a special place in my heart. The season brings with it a unique sense of peace and reflection — a chance to look back at the year while anticipating the new one ahead. With my birthday falling between Christmas and New Year’s, the final week of December has always been my favorite time of year. Naturally, I gravitate toward holiday films during this season — and A Christmas Party is exactly the kind of film I’ll be revisiting when December arrives.

Warm, nostalgic, and emotionally resonant, A Christmas Party captures everything I look for in a holiday movie. It strikes the right balance between heartfelt sentiment and seasonal charm, making it a standout entry in the genre.

I first heard about A Christmas Party when a few people I follow attended its premiere, which immediately piqued my interest. So when the opportunity came to see it for myself, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. Between that and my deep love for the holiday season, I’m always eager to discover new Christmas films — especially since truly memorable ones feel increasingly rare. Fortunately, A Christmas Party gets so much right, earning its place as a title worth including in any holiday movie marathon.

Co-writer and director Alex Helmer demonstrates a clear and compelling creative voice in what marks the early stages of a very promising career. The film is full of heart, humor, and a refined technical polish that speaks to Helmer’s instinctive understanding of tone and storytelling.

The ensemble cast is another standout. With many relatively unfamiliar names, it’s impressive how each character is given space to shine — no small feat with such a large group. In many cases, it would take a directing duo to pull off this kind of balance, but Helmer manages it solo, showing a strong grasp of both character and pacing. It’s the kind of casting that makes you genuinely curious to see where these actors go next.

On a technical level, the film punches well above its weight. The production design and cinematography are thoughtfully executed, elevating the entire project. You can sense the resourcefulness behind the scenes — the team clearly worked within constraints but turned them into creative strengths, delivering a film that feels both grounded and visually impressive. It’s a production that invites admiration for how much it achieves with what it has.

The script succeeds in creating relatable characters and themes that resonate on a personal level. I found myself identifying with the main character, particularly in how he navigates the emotional complexity of those around him while grappling with his own sense of identity and direction. As the new year looms — a time that often brings confusion and reflection — the film offers a timely and meaningful message: it’s okay to feel uncertain, and even amidst the chaos, things have a way of working out.

What surprised me most, however, was how much I laughed. The dialogue is sharp, bold, and unfiltered — at times, even borderline shocking in the best possible way. It walks a fine line between irreverence and authenticity, making the humor feel both earned and organic. With such a large ensemble, it’s no small task to make each performance land, but Helmer directs with a clear eye for tone and timing, drawing strong performances across the board.

That’s part of what makes A Christmas Party so rewatchable. Between the quick-witted dialogue and the layered character work, there’s a lot happening in each scene — the kind of richness that rewards a second viewing. Every character feels distinct, and each one brings their own mix of humor and relatability, ensuring there’s always something (or someone) to connect with on screen.

The film’s pacing makes it an effortlessly engaging watch — it truly flies by. There’s always something happening to justify its runtime, yet by the end, it still leaves you wanting more. The last time I had that feeling was with Game Night. While I’d love to see more of these characters and their stories, I’m also satisfied with where the film chooses to conclude.

One of the film’s more unique storytelling devices is its use of on-screen text, which appears intermittently to offer context about the characters and narrative progression. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen used in this way before. While unconventional, the execution works — adding a layer of originality to the film’s voice, especially in the final act.

Speaking of the conclusion, there’s a bold choice made with the final shot. It’s not necessarily how I would have ended the film, but in hindsight, it captures something real about the experience of a large family Christmas in America. Even amidst the dysfunction and imperfections, there’s a sense of unity — a reminder that, despite the chaos, the holiday still has the power to bring people together.

Overall, A Christmas Party is a delightful surprise that delivers everything I look for in a holiday film. It features standout performances, meaningful themes, sharp and often hilarious dialogue, and a strong creative vision brought to life through confident direction and striking cinematography. Several unexpected creative choices subvert typical genre expectations, but they ultimately contribute to the film’s originality and charm.

Verdict: 4/5 – Great