Anti Xmas

With the holiday season around the corner, not everyone is in the mood for endless cheer, tinsel, and festivities. For those seeking a break from the relentless holiday spirit, we present Anti Xmas – a cinematic escape for anyone who’s had their fill of seasonal glee.

Anti Xmas dives into films set on christmas eve and christmas day that offer anything but the traditional holiday warmth. Through stories brimming with humor, tension, and raw honesty, we’re reminded that there’s a whole other side to the holiday season. 

Go (1999) - Directed by Doug Liman (English spoken, no subtitles)

Doug Liman’s Go is a fast-paced, interwoven narrative set during a wild Christmas Day in Los Angeles. Featuring an ensemble cast, including Sarah Polley and Katie Holmes, the film dives into the unpredictable lives of young people caught in chaotic situations. Liman’s clever, Tarantino-esque approach provides intersecting stories that play out in a dizzying blend of humor, suspense, and exhilarating escapades. With a pulsating soundtrack and a narrative that flirts with dark comedy, Go turns Christmas into a backdrop for life’s unpredictable twists and turns, far from the warmth of traditional holiday cheer.

Tangerine (2015) - Directed by Sean Baker (English spoken, no subtitles)
Set on a vibrant Christmas Eve in sunny Los Angeles, Tangerine follows sex worker Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) as she storms through Hollywood in a riotous quest for revenge, after learning her boyfriend has been unfaithful. Shot entirely on an iPhone 5, Baker’s guerrilla-style filmmaking captures the colorful, gritty pulse of L.A., illuminating the struggles and camaraderie between Sin-Dee and her friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) in a story that is as bold as it is heartfelt. Tangerine shines a compassionate light on people living on the fringes, offering a compelling story set against the contrasting backdrop of holiday celebrations.

Tokyo Godfathers (2003) - Directed by Satoshi Kon (with English subtitles)
In this animated Japanese drama, Satoshi Kon crafts a heartwarming yet unorthodox holiday tale. Tokyo Godfathers follows three homeless friends who, while rummaging through trash on Christmas Eve, discover an abandoned baby. Together, they set out on a quest across Tokyo to find the child’s parents, leading to revelations about their own pasts and dreams. Mixing humor with themes of redemption and belonging, Tokyo Godfathers is a holiday story that finds magic in unlikely places, capturing the essence of family and compassion without leaning on typical Christmas tropes.