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This constitutes a New York drama with such a relaxed pace that it required a decade to reach the UK’s cinema screens. First released in the US in 2015, it’s a micro-budget first feature from debut filmmaker Charles Poekel, set almost entirely on a 24-hour pop-up Christmas tree stall. Poekel’s style is far too genuinely independent and naturalistic to get slushy or sentimental about Christmas; in his view Christmas tree lights flash like police lights. But in its own low-key way, he positions the movie perfectly for a little squeeze of festive warmth.

A Weary Seller in the Brooklyn Cold

Kentucker Audley stars as Noel (it took someone in the film to comment on his name before I twigged). Noel is back for his fifth year selling Christmas trees in Brooklyn, working outdoors in the freezing cold and sleeping in a not-much-warmer caravan parked next to the trees. Several patrons ask about the girl working with him last year. But this year Noel works solo, heartbroken and working the night shift.

There’s an observational quality to a lot of the scenes, with customers asking idle and peculiar questions. A customer requests the same Christmas tree as the Obamas (the story is set in 2014). Noel looks numb with cold in body and spirit; he’s weary and disillusioned, though Audley’s subtle performance clearly indicates that he hadn't always been like this.

Understated Encounters and Glimmers of Connection

Frankly, the plot is minimal. Noel comes to the aid of a woman, Lydia (Hannah Gross), who has passed out drunk on a bench. She pops up again later in some genuinely moving scenes as Noel drives around New York, making tree deliveries – and these sequences could ignite a little flicker of good cheer in the grinchiest of hearts. Poekel hasn’t made a feature since this, which is regrettable – you can’t beat it for naturalness and ease, and it’s shot on gorgeously textured 16mm film.

The film of understated charm and authentic mood, capturing the solitude and brief connection of the season.

Christmas, Again opens in UK cinemas from 12 December.