The movie follows Kate, a lawyer tasked with selling a haunted inn, and Daniel, a ghost from 1920 who becomes corporal during the 12 days of Christmas. Kate must investigate why Daniel is trapped in the inn and help him resolve his issues to move on, all while dealing with her own personal and professional dilemmas.
Kate's job as a lawyer is crucial because it drives her to the inn, where she meets Daniel. Her goal to sell the inn and her determination to succeed in her career highlight the tension between her personal desires and professional responsibilities, making her a relatable and driven character.
Daniel returns each year because he was killed just before the 12 days of Christmas in 1920. His unresolved issues, particularly related to his fiancée Lily and his brother, keep him tied to the inn. The movie suggests that his senses are heightened during this time, making him more aware and desirous of the physical world.
The movie's setting and costuming are inconsistent, with Daniel looking like a 2015 hipster while the story is set in 1920. This confusion adds to the movie's quirky and surreal atmosphere, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact historical context.
Daniel's past as a rum runner during Prohibition adds a layer of moral complexity and tension. It highlights the historical context of the 1920s, where illegal activities were common, and it raises questions about his character and motives, especially when he interacts with the modern world.
The movie uses subtext and visual cues, such as Daniel's physical presence and Kate's interest in him, to create a sense of romantic tension. Despite the movie's chaste nature, the dialogue and scenes suggest a potential romantic resolution, making it feel like a prelude to a more explicit story.
Kate's side ponytail is particularly bizarre because it looks out of place and amateurish, especially for a formal event. It seems like a poor and unplanned choice, which detracts from the otherwise romantic setting of the Christmas party and her relationship with Daniel.
The concept of property lines is crucial because it limits Daniel's movements, symbolizing his entrapment. He cannot leave the property of the inn, which adds to the mystery and constraints of his ghostly existence, making it a key plot device.
The ending is deliberately ambiguous, leaving many questions unanswered. It suggests that Daniel has a lot to learn about the modern world, and Kate must figure out how to integrate him into her life. This open-ended conclusion invites viewers to imagine the challenges and possibilities of their future together.
In today's bonus episode, Rachelle and Kelsey discuss the cinematic experience that is 2015's The Spirit of Christmas. Warning: we could not stop talking about sex and drugs in this episode, maybe because the movie is so chaste.
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