[Film Review] The Advent Calendar (2021)

“A surprise every day until Christmas.”

The Advent Calendar (2021) is the story of Eva (Eugénie Derouand) counting down the days to Christmas with some strange candy from a threatening calendar. Eva is athletic, self-assured, and also paraplegic after an accident. She gets around well on her own in her wheelchair, and her dog Marvin is her companion at home. She calls her father on her birthday, but he no longer remembers who she is - either due to age, illness or both - and she is unable to speak with him. Before Eva’s birthday is over, her friend Sophie (Honorine Magnier) surprises her by stopping by. Sophie is irreverent, carefree, and at first seems like a great friend. Throughout the story, it becomes clear she is also selfish. But Sophie brings Eva a birthday present, an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas. An ominous message is written on the back of the calendar: “Dump it and I’ll kill you.” There are equally ominous instructions to follow all the rules and eat all the candy. Eva and Sophie are intrigued, but not concerned by the aggressive messages. However, as Eva eats the candies, she starts to notice their strange effects, sometimes granting her private wishes but with a price, much like a monkey’s paw. As the story progresses, Eva realizes how serious the calendar’s threatening messages are, and tries to navigate her way   through surviving Christmas. 

The dynamic between Eva and Sophie is fascinating to watch, and portrayed realistically by the actresses. They seem like old acquaintances who have remained friends, not because they really want to, but just for the sake of time already spent. Sophie appears to be one of Eva’s only friends, if not her only friend, while Sophie is more popular. Eva is dragged along by Sophie, going out when she doesn't really want to, and putting up with rude men. Eva doesn’t want to confide in her friend, and actively avoids any sensitive topics, including her disability. As I watched their on-screen friendship, I felt for each of them, as they tried to hold onto a friendship they both have outgrown. 

The film’s namesake, the calendar itself, is a remarkable set piece. It’s a beautifully made cabinet, and a key is needed to open the door for each day. The doors cannot be open until midnight on the specified date, and the calendar has its own internal clock to keep Eva honest. It will not allow her sleep through the night, and continues to chime at midnight until the door is opened.  Each door has its own striking design and the cabinet is sturdy, but looks old and worn. It makes the viewer wonder, how long has this calendar been around? Who had it before Eva?

The most interesting cinematography in the film occurs when Eva eats candy that makes the world around her seem unreal. Some of the calendar’s candy acts like drugs, and alters Eva’s sense of time and reality. The camera will tilt, or spin out of focus, and it gives the audience an idea of how Eva is reacting to the candy and what the consequences are. We see quick shots of a humanoid form, seeming to grow and become stronger each time Eva ingests another sweet. The audience is along for the ride with Eva as she discovers the secrets of the calendar. 

It’s notable that the main character uses a wheelchair, and it will be interesting to hear from other reviewers about the portrayal of disability in this film. Eva is more than able to take care of herself, including exercising, caring for her dog, and going to work. However, her disability is presented as a problem to be solved, an obstacle to her full potential happiness. and that could certainly be true for an individual in her situations. But I am especially looking forward to reading pieces by writers with disabilities about the portrayal in this film, because I know presenting a physical disability as the central problem to solve can be a common trope.. 

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this film. It was unpredictable and surprising, and the ending felt like a strong payoff. I loved seeing what each day on the calendar would bring, and how Eva’s choices would affect the outcomes versus how much was out of her control. It reminded me of a Saw movie set in France at Christmastime: the story plays well into the minds of rule-followers and loophole-finders, as you try to find a way out of the predicament by following the rules. Definitely give this a watch this season, or anytime really, because it’s a fun and unexpected horror story.

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