A Christmas Tale (2008)

As winter's chill descends, the Vuillard family, a complex mosaic of unique personalities, converges under one roof. The matriarch and patriarch, Junon and Abel, welcome their offspring - the estranged Elizabeth and her troubled son Paul, the wayward Henri with his latest flame, and the quietly contemplative Ivan, his wife Sylvia and their innocent sons. Also joining the gathering is the ever-present cousin Simon. The family reunion sparks simultaneously from necessity and an unspoken truce, prompted by Elizabeth’s financial rescue of Henri six years prior, which came with the condition of his permanent absence from her life and their childhood home. The 16-year-old Paul, grappling with mental health issues and an impending clinical assessment, further adds to the emotional tapestry. The urgency of the gathering is underlined by Junon’s dire medical diagnosis – a life hanging in the balance unless a bone marrow transplant is secured. Two family members emerge as potential saviors, yet the family's turbulent past and present threaten to disrupt this delicate lifeline. As the home fills with the cacophony of bickering, bitter words, alcohol-fueled toasts, and a veneer of civilized hostility, the looming question remains - Will Junon accept the treatment, or will she embrace her fate? In the midst of chaos, the poignant query surfaces - Do we truly know ourselves? This stirring Christmas tale dives deep into the tangled roots of family ties, exploring the nuanced dynamics of love, resentment, and the fragile bonds that define us.

A Christmas Tale is a comedy movie featuring Catherine Deneuve.

A Christmas Tale is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Pluto TV and it's also available on AMC+ Amazon Channel, DIRECTV, MUBI and MUBI Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy A Christmas Tale on Amazon Video and Apple TV.