Download MP3 Podcast | Open Player in New Window

A budding novelist and her film director husband, Kelly (Melanie Lynskey) and Jeff (Joe Swanberg) and their two-year-old son live a peaceful existence in Chicago. But when Jeff’s irresponsible younger sister, Jenny (Anna Kendrick), comes to live with them after a breakup, things start to change. Jenny begins a rocky relationship with a baby sitter-cum-pot dealer (Mark Webber), and she and a friend, Carson (Lena Dunham), instigate an evolution in Kelly’s life, as her career and her relationship with her husband begin to grow in new directions. But are they welcome ones? In HAPPY CHRISTMAS, writer/actor/director Joe Swanberg (Drinking Buddies) explores both sibling relationships and the choices women face in young families. Using his unique improvisational technique, Swanberg creates a dramatic experience that results in a natural, relatable peek into his characters’ lives, filled with an engaging warmth and the actors’ own natural sense of humor. Director Swanberg joins us to talk about his engaging, entertaining and insightful new film.

For news and updates on Happy Christmas go to: www.magpictures.com/happychristmas

 In theatres opening July 25, 2014

Chicago, IL: Music Box

Denver, CO: Chez Artiste

Philadelphia, PA: Ritz at the Bourse

West Los Angeles, CA: Nuart Theatre

“Sweetly funny, utterly enjoyable.” – Eric Kohn, Indiewire

“Undeniably charming.” – Henry Barnes, The Guardian (UK)

“Engaging, truthful and affecting.” – Rodrigo Perez, The Playlist

“Moving, gentle and generous. It might be Swanberg’s warmest, most easily enjoyable film to date.” – Guy Lodge, HitFix

“A dedicated focus on character development pays off with ample humor.” – Justin Lowe, Hollywood Reporter