Ontario film critic Adam Kline reflects on a new shot-in-Winnipeg Christmas film by the faith-based creative team behind The Chosen series.
A new holiday film has recently been released that centres the story of the Nativity and stars a young up-and-coming Canadian actress. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is an earnest and entertaining film that every generation can enjoy.
Based on the popular 1972 book by Barbara Robinson, and adapted by the faith-based creative team behind The Chosen series, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever tells the story of a small town’s annual tradition of putting on a Nativity play that is nearly upended one year when six siblings from a troubled young family are cast in all the lead parts – leaving the townsfolk to decide whether to accept or reject these newcomers.
Hijinks and hilarity ensue as our protagonists, the Bradley family, take on the responsibility of putting on the Christmas pageant, while trying to corral the erratic behaviour of the six Herdman children at the centre of it all. Not to mention the perseverance they must exercise as concerns and criticism grow.
But there are also many tender moments and lessons learned throughout the film, as the true meaning of Christmas is examined and shared – and in some cases, for the very first time.
To the surprise of Grace Bradley, the mother and new pageant director (played by Judy Greer), the six Herdman children have never heard the Nativity before. Even though they’re all playing the parts of Mary, Joseph, the wisemen and the archangel, the six children lack a familiarity with the Christmas story. Their perspective leads to fresh, entertaining and at times poignant scenes.
The eldest Herdman, Imogene, is played by young Canadian actress Beatrice Schneider. She is a force to be reckoned with. While Imogene must be responsible for her siblings at home, at school she’s a bit of a bully, forcing her way into the pageant and even threatening other students who might take starring roles away from her younger brothers and sister.
Once Imogene is a part of the pageant, however, her childlike innocence rises to the surface, and we see her wanting to learn more about this baby Jesus and protect him at all costs. Young Beatrice Schnieder’s portrayal of Imogene is captivating on screen. Her energy and charisma shines through, but her skill and subtlety as a performer might surprise some.
In an interview with Faith Today, Schneider highlighted how The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is not just a book or movie about a town or a play, but about learning from the story of Nativity. “The story is … really connected to these themes of taking in outsiders … and accepting them and including them in your community.”
Or as Judy Greer’s character, Grace Bradley, states in a moment of clarity and conviction: “Jesus was born for the Herdmans as much as he was for us. We’ll be missing the whole point now if we turn them away.”
This essential truth is shared throughout the film with heart-warming honesty and humour, and may be a vital reminder many of us need this year as we enter into the Advent and Christmas season. Not far from our own paths, routines and rituals are Herdmans in our own context. Whether they be neighbours, co-workers or estranged family members – what The Best Christmas Pageant Ever reminds us is that we all have the opportunity to center the truth of Nativity and extend its warmth and welcome unto others.
Adam Kline is a pastor of intercultural missions and a storyteller living in Belleville, Ont. Read his columns at loveismoving.ca/behindthescreens. Watch the trailer for this movie on YouTube. In Canada the movie is currently showing in Cineplex theatres among others.