Movie Review: ‘Saint Nick of Bethlehem’ – A Feel Good Movie That Isn’t Just For The Festive Season.

‘Saint Nick of Bethlehem‘ is a heartfelt comedy-drama that weaves together the joys and sorrows of the holiday season with its story that serves up a narrative that is both touching and reflective.

The film is directed by Spencer Folmar and Daniel Roebuck who also stars as the film’s lead. It tells the story of Nick McNulty (played by Daniel Roebuck), a man who is distraught over losing his son and his wife leaving him. His struggles with his loss have made him sceptical about life and even the season of Christmas and the cheer it brings.

He is back home living with his ageing mum Betty (played by Cathy Moriarty) who he is committed to taking care of. An unexpected reunion with an old flame, Mary (played by Marsha Dietline), sparks a change in his life. Through their reconnection, Nick begins to confront his pain and rediscover a sense of purpose. As he starts to find closure he discovers a new purpose for his life when he takes on the role of Santa Claus.

Even though this is a Christmas movie, it feels like one you can watch at any time of the year. It does feed into the troupes of these festive movies it spins a tale that feels original yet very familiar. Both Spencer Folmar and Daniel Roebuck is credited as a writer as well and it is impressive how they managed to use a take like this to explore themes of grief, resilience and the redemptive power of community.

The film’s narrative gently unfolds as Nick takes small but meaningful steps toward healing. His relationship with Mary is layered, avoiding the very typical tropes of a rekindled romance. Mary is dealing with her baggage from a past relationship and isn’t quick to jump into Nick’s arms, but her kindness and willingness to engage with him provide a sense of hope.

Meanwhile, Nick’s journey of rediscovery also involves his practical but business-savvy brother, Charlie (played by Duane Whitaker), and a colourful cast of supporting characters who all add some depth to the story.

The acting performances across the board are decent, with Cathy Moriarty’s portrayal of Nick’s mother standing out for me. She brings some warmth and vibrancy to the character Betty. And Betty’s subtle encouragement and unwavering love also contribute to Nick’s transformation. Daniel Roebuck himself handles the lead role well enough. He can convincingly depict the charm as well as the vulnerability of Nick without making the character over dramatic.

Another thing that works for ‘Saint Nick of Bethlehem‘ is its ability to balance lighthearted humour with moments of emotional gravity. There’s an authenticity in how the film captures the complexity of the holiday season showing a balanced measure of the joy as well as the sorrow it brings for some.

Visually, the film doesn’t aim for extravagance, instead embracing the charm of its small-town setting. The town of Bethlehem serves as more than just a backdrop. It feels like a character in its own right, steeped in the traditions and spirit of Christmas. This sense of place enhances the film’s overarching message that community and connection can serve as powerful antidotes to loneliness and despair.

Unfortunately, some of the emotional beats feel a bit too neatly tied up, and a few of the epiphanies lean toward being overly sentimental. Yet, these moments are forgivable within the larger context of the story, where the intention is clearly to keep the audience engaged and entertained. Also, the film has a very distinct look and feel of a TV Movie.  For some people, this would be difficult to look past.

Saint Nick of Bethlehem is, at its core, a story about finding light in the darkness. It reminds us that even in the face of personal tragedy, the act of reaching out and helping others can bring some healing. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, its heart is in the right place, and it succeeds in delivering a feel-good experience that’s perfect for the season.

It will score this film 6.5/10. Its blend of humour, warmth, and emotional depth makes it a charming celebration of what the holidays are meant to be about. The feeling of hope, community, and the enduring power of human connection. The film manages to leave you with a renewed appreciation for the little moments that make life meaningful and this is something we could all use, all year round.