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Hogfather is a 2006 made-for-television film adapted from the Terry Pratchett novel of the same name. The story takes place on Discworld, a flat world carried on the back of four elephants, which in turn stand on the back of a giant turtle. The story is set in the city of Ankh-Morpork, where people are preparing for the Hogswatch holiday, the Discworld equivalent of Christmas.
However, this year something is wrong: the Hogfather is missing, and without him, the holiday can't happen. The wizards at the Unseen University, who have been watching Hogfather's movements with the help of their magical observation device, the Telescope, are concerned but cannot find him. Meanwhile, Death, one of the Discworld's most iconic figures, decides to take it upon himself to do the Hogfather's job and deliver presents to the children of the world.
As the story progresses, we learn that the disappearance of the Hogfather is part of a larger plot by the Auditors, cosmic bureaucrats who seek to rid the universe of all things that are not logical or efficient. They view Hogswatch, and the Hogfather himself, as unnecessary and inefficient, and have therefore decided to eliminate him. The wizardly team, along with Susan Sto Heilt, the granddaughter of Death who is trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the Hogfather's disappearance, must race against time to prevent the Auditors from carrying out their plan.
The film boasts a talented cast of actors, including David Jason as Albert, the Hogfather's loyal manservant, and Michelle Dockery as Susan Sto Heilt, whose background as a governess provides her with a unique perspective on the situation. However, it is Marnix van den Broeke's portrayal of Death that steals the show, with his dry wit and emotionally resonant moments.
Hogfather is a humorous and heartwarming story that explores the role of belief and myth in society, as well as the power of imagination and storytelling. It remains a beloved entry in the Discworld canon and a must-watch for fans of Pratchett's work.