CHRISTMAS ON THE CAROUSEL: Reflective Christmas Romance With A Unique Setting
Christmas on the Carousel, directed by Erik Bloomquist and written by Erik Bloomquist and Taylor Turner, explores the relationships between four lifelong friends as they spend one last winter break together. Bonds are tested and others head in new directions.
Characters and Relationships
One of the aspects that works in Christmas on the Carousel is how natural the friendships feel between all of the main group: Greyson (Erik Bloomquist), Sloane (Madaleine Dauer), Henry (Taylor Turner), and Callie (Rachel Oremland).
Callie reminds me of theater students I have known throughout my life, and the conversations she has with her friends feel lived-in and natural. At times, we are brought into their conversations from the outside view, and this works to develop their bond.
Greyson and Sloane are given the time to be more fully developed, through the moments we spend with them away from their other friends. Watching this relationship bloom and deal with real issues is welcome and appreciated.
On the other hand, Henry and Callie’s characters are not given as much time to shine. We know the dynamic of their friendship, but in terms of development, there are long stretches where all we know is they want to make a viral TikTok.
Yes, this TikTok plays into the plot of helping the central carousel and its connected museum to thrive, but there is not much beyond this specific plot connection explored with the characters.
The reconnecting aspect of the romance plot works well with the Christmas setting and returning home. This style of story plays well with holiday nostalgia.
For a very short feature film, so much time is dedicated to the main romance that the other characters somewhat fade away until we are reminded that they want to make a TikTok and gain followers.
Within the TikTok storyline, the use of Sloane’s younger sister to show the generational divide works great. The moments that reference the awkward feeling of watching someone who is filming a TikTok also works well in a somewhat satirical way.
The commentary on what type of content people want to see on these platforms vs what actually engages an audience is interesting and is a nice way to tie in the storyline about the carousel and its museum not being as successful as when the main characters were younger.
Setting
Christmas on the Carousel is largely set within a carousel museum, and this is where it really shines. Exploring the different exhibits and having relationship moments surrounded by this old-fashioned aesthetic brings the ideas of time and discovering how your lives and relationship dynamics have shifted to the forefront in a beautiful way.
Carousel museums are not something we see everyday, and the setting adds a Christmas joy and charm to the simple story.
Utilizing a unique and beautiful setting is a great way to add so much more emotion to a short and sweet story. Seeing emotional moments highlighted by the history surrounding the characters brings the setting to life.
There were a few times where the inclusion of the setting in the dialogue feels a little clunky and awkward, such as characters seemingly reading museum plaques or pamphlets about specific exhibits. But there is also a small amount of charm to this. The characters are interested in more than just the idea of sleeping overnight in this museum. They want to know about its history and respect the art surrounding them.
Performances
The main performances all work in their own ways, highlighting the differing personalities while allowing us to understand how each person is friends with everyone else in the group.
Rachel Oremland‘s performance perfectly displays the energy of someone missing her musical theater classes and wanting to bring her performing into her time reuniting with her friends.
There is a palpable sadness to Madeleine Dauer‘s performance as Sloane. We instantly understand everything isn’t perfect in her life, and she plays the part as someone in-tune with her emotions and understands how much she can handle.
Taylor Turner‘s performance as Henry captures his tiredness of being stuck in a certain type of life, always yearning for more.
Erik Bloomquist‘s performance showcases how much this reunion means to him and how making this Christmas one to remember, and not shy away from telling people how he feels through the magic of the season. Bloomquist captures the quiet sadness and awkward moments that come from being reunited with the one to which he never had the strength to reveal his feelings.
Conclusion
Christmas on the Carousel is an entertaining Christmas romantic drama with strong performances, showcasing the way relationships shift overtime and how the holidays and beautiful places filled with memories can lead to connections. At times, the film does not fully utilize its characters, but the overarching experience is one of joy and Christmas cheer.
Have you seen Christmas on the Carousel? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Christmas on the Carousel released on VOD October 19th.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXljSoOOoWE&ab_channel=1091Pictures
Watch Christmas on the Carousel
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