As a writer, I always find myself, perhaps unsurprisingly so, drawn to author archetypes when featured in motion picture films. Sometimes I enjoy the movie, sometimes less so — “The Noel Diary” happens to be one of those pleasant occurrences where love of character and film harmoniously unite.
The story begins in Chicago, following Jacob Turner (Justin Hartley), a renowned author celebrating the launch of his latest wildly successful novel. The film depicts Jacob as a slightly guarded character that uses deflection as a barrier between he and any who wish to get close to him…including his rapturous fans.
As the opening scenes unfold, it’s revealed to us that Jacob is a man marred by past traumas, and much like an onion, layers of his past are given to us with tears in tow.
At its core, “The Noel Diary” is a holiday movie about love and family; on a deeper level, it’s a heart wrenching fable that holds many deep tangibles. The theme of love and loss are instantly relatable.
If you’re in the market for a meaningful holiday movie, then “The Noel Diary” is one not to miss.
The cast, characters and story are all in perfect measurement here, and it culminates in a wonderful guilty pleasure of predictable storytelling and Christmas movie magic.
Santa happily gives this Christmas gem, an A+!
“The Noel Diary” is currently available to watch on Netflix via subscription.
