The Documentary: Dear Santa
The Director: Dana Nachman
The Story: Dear Santa shines a light on the 100- year-old Operation Santa Program of the United States Postal Service. Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa arrive at Post Offices around the country.
The Review:
First I have to tell you that this is a kid friendly documentary that takes great care not to spoil anything for those young enough to understand that Santa Claus is absolutely real and absolutely does deliver toys to deserving boys and girls on Christmas eve so please feel free to enjoy the movie with all members of your family. Second thing I have to tell you is that you will absolutely enjoy this documentary no matter who you are watching it with and if it doesn't get you right into the holiday spirit, I'm not sure what will.
Director Dana Nachman seems to specialize in making documentaries and finding subjects that will tug at your heart strings and get up all in your emotions no matter how Scroogey you might be feeling. I mean, the last feature documentary she did before this one was about puppies which Disney then let her expand into a series for Disney + so yeah, feel good topics and tears and all the emotions are what she is all about. For Dear Santa, she maintains a very light hearted and whimsical tone which is perfect for the subject matter and she also knows exactly when to switch into another gear when the emotional stuff comes into play.
I always knew that the USPS's Operation Santa program was a thing but I never really knew how expansive it is and how so many people get involved to donate their time and resources in an effort to provide crucial items to those who need them. Seeing actual wishes fulfilled for kids and adults who desperately need them whether it is a toy or household item or even an experience of some kind, and to see how every effort is made to make these things happen is just such a pure source of joy, it was all definitely hitting me in the emotions.
Honestly, I don't really know what else to say without trying to dig into a lot of the individual stories that are told but I'd rather you see them unfold for yourself so I'm going to leave it at that.
The Verdict:
Dear Santa is a love letter to the USPS's efforts to bring joy, happiness, and fulfilled wishes to the people who need them the most during what should always be a most special time of year for anyone and everyone. Director Dana Nachman has perfectly packaged a gift of a holiday documentary for all to enjoy.
No comments :
Post a Comment