Based on a best-selling novel -The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans, The Noel Diary is a 2022 American Christmas romantic comedy-drama that has been directed by Charles Shyer – who is known for having directed popular movies such as Father of the Bride, Alfie and ‘Ieri Oggi Domani (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow)’. The movie, which was released on Netflix on November 24th, 2022 has gained favourable reviews for its lead actors – Justin Hartley and Barrett Doss’s performances. Unlike other films, this film follows two different people following different familial missions in their lives, ultimately leading to a love story between the two.
Jake Turner (Justin Hartley) is a best-selling actor for his books but finds himself entangled in sorting his late estranged mother’s estate (in Connecticut) and coincidently Rachel (Barrett Doss) the nanny who took care of Jake’s mother is on a mission to find out who her mother is (as she had never met her). Both Jake and Rachel have to confront their pasts and they do so together, as Jake finds a diary which coincidently happens to be written by Rachel’s mother while she was working for Jake’s mother.
Jake is urged to reconcile with his father who had abandoned him and his mother after the death of his seven-year-old brother’s death. From connecting over a song where Jake plays the piano and Rachel sings the lyrics of a song to it, to embarking on a road trip together, almost sharing a kiss, to urging Jake to reconnect with his father, many heart-warming moments which make this film worth watching.
Although Rachel is already engaged to a man – Alan she ultimately falls in love with Jake and Jake with her, leading to the best climax of the film. It makes you question the validity of love and how suddenly things can flip around.
The film has been produced by Timothy O. Johnson, Stephanie Slack and Margret H. Huddleston under the production house – Johnson Production Group Off Camera Entertainment. Besides the lead pair, Essence Atkins, Bonnie Bedelia and James Remar are also seen in the film as Rachel’s birth mother, a compassionate neighbour and Jake’s rueful dad.
Are you excited to watch this ‘Christmassy’ themed holiday film?
2 Comments
Would watch together
Ragnar