Joe Swanberg is easily becoming one of my favourite directors as of late. If anyone saw his previous effort Drinking Buddies, you'll know what to expect when it comes to style with Happy Christmas. I think Swanberg has such a unique style that really resonates with the viewer. It's certainly a style that will separate audiences, it's fairly slow paced and there isn't too much when it comes to plot. However, Swanberg utilizes his characters well and has the actors mostly resort to improvising conversations, something that I think works extremely well. I found myself with a constant smile watching these characters interact, the improvisation really creates a real feel, like I'm watching real conversation and the talent Swanberg has chosen really elevates the material.

Happy Christmas follows a seemingly together couple with a two-year-old son. Their holiday season is interrupted as the husband's recently single sister comes to visit, who is struggling to find her footing in the adult world. The cast is made up of the writer/director himself Joe Swanberg, his actual son, Anna Kendrick, Lena Dunham, Mark Webber and Melanie Lynskey.

This film only runs around 78 minutes and it flies by, I found myself thinking about this movie for quite awhile after I saw it. I think the dynamic between the mother character and the sisters to be really interesting, they are polar opposites, yet they really grow as characters through their interactions. It's almost confusing to me why I'm so in love with this movie, I mean the scenes, the story, everything is extremely simple, but I found myself so invested in every conversation. I can respect any filmmaker that can create something interesting while using such limited resources.

It's funny that they released this movie right at the beginning of summer but it also makes sense, because this is in no way a seasonal movie and I think that's kind of the point. I can't see this movie being anywhere near as enjoyable if the casting wasn't as spot on as it is. For improv, you really have to get together some great actors and Swanberg really put together a great cast here.

I'm interested to hear other peoples thoughts on this one because I can easily see people turning this off ten minutes in and asking, "Why?". I really enjoyed this and I think this style of filmmaking is really interesting and something I look forward to seeing more of.

ALSO, this movie boasts an incredible soundtrack, brining forth one of my favourites: Joel Alme, if you haven't, listen and fall in love.