Synopsis:
A dermatologist in Sydney, Steph has been in therapy for the past year due to the stress associated with dealing with her dysfunctional family in the suburbs who know nothing about her feelings regarding that dysfunction. They include her separated parents Jodie and John, who nonetheless still live together, and her “white trash” Aunt Ros, Uncle Angus, and their young adult daughter Shayla, all living across the street from Steph’s parents and Shayla who Steph believes is involved in a Ponzi scheme selling fake eyelashes. Steph has not told them that she plans to spend this Christmas with her live-in boyfriend Seb and his well-off family in the city. But a few days before Christmas, Steph is summoned home to the burbs upon news that their beloved ten year old family dog, Nugget, may be on his deathbed. She arrives home to see with her own eyes that Nugget’s possible imminent demise is vastly exaggerated, which angers her even more, but she stays to deal with the vet, Dr. Ella Lander, just in case. Steph’s stay with her parents gets extended time and time again, largely to do with Nugget, but she not only doesn’t tell her parents that Seb is not coming at all, his imminent arrival which they all assume, but that she will be leaving to spend Christmas with him in the city once Nugget is in the clear, she planning on making up a lie to explain her departure when the time comes. She also is in constant communication with Seb about her delay, he seemingly concerned more about what his mother thinks than about Steph and Nugget. The longer Steph spends with her family and with caring Dr. Lander, she may come to a better understanding of all her relationships and the real cause of the stress associated with her family. —Huggo
Quick Thoughts:
This holiday film is likely not going to be on your radar unless you live in Australasia because it’s produced by the Australian channel Stan. But it definitely should be added to your list! First of all, we have legitimate bisexual representation! And better yet, Steph’s family (despite all their “white trash” flaws!) accept that. As the cute and romantic sapphic relationship slowly builds with Vet Ella, the sudden change is not the problem. There’s also a definite Aussie humor in the script that makes this comedy hysterical to watch. It may not be the easiest to find, but definitely give this queer holiday film a watch this season!
Watched?
Yes
Reviewed?
No
Worth It?
Where to Buy/Rent/Stream “Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story”
Sources are correct when review was posted.
