Surviving Christmas with the Relatives is a British comedy film directed by James Dearden and released in 2018. The story revolves around two estranged sisters, Miranda (Gemma Whelan) and Dan (Julian Ovenden), who come together to spend Christmas with their families in their parents' country house.
The house is in a dilapidated state, and the siblings have barely spoken in years, leading to some tense moments. Miranda is a high-powered businesswoman with a young son and a demanding job, while Dan is a stay-at-home father to his wife's two children.
As the families arrive, chaos ensues, with bickering, sniping and passive-aggressive behavior all on display. The arrival of a family friend, Lizzie (Sally Phillips), adds to the mix, as does Miranda's ex-boyfriend, Giles (Ronni Ancona), who turns up unexpectedly.
Despite all the drama, the families try to make the best of the situation, with Christmas dinner being the one moment of relative calm. However, as tensions rise, long-buried secrets are revealed, and the siblings' rivalry comes to a head.
Surviving Christmas with the Relatives is a funny and heartwarming festive film that explores the complexities of family relationships. The film's stellar cast, including Joely Richardson, Michael Landes, and Sophie Simnett, all deliver excellent performances.
