This week Stan continues its yearly Christmas film tradition with Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story.
We are introduced to Steph Stool (Vic Zerbst), who lives in the city with her cool, rich boyfriend Seb (Alec Snow). The holiday season is approaching and Seb’s mother Josephine (Tara Morice) is planning an extravagant Christmas, which includes a warm-up lunch a few days before the big day.
Steph has zero interest in dealing with her own family, but when she is about the cancel on them her mother Jodie (Gia Carides) shares some shocking news – the family’s beloved dog Nugget is sick.
In the week leading up to Christmas, Steph must return home and confront the chaos that is her family. This includes her younger brother and online gamer Ryan (Ed Oxanbolad), who surprises everyone by bringing a friend to Christmas, and parents mum Jodie and John (Damien Garvey), who are separated but still living together despite John spending most of his time in the shed and Jodie hiding a secret.
And then there’s the extended family who are living across the road, including cousin Shayla (Jenna Owen), who has opened her own lash bar in her parent’s garage and is engaged to Hassan (Claude Jobbour). Her relationship with parents Roz (Mandy McElhinney) and lovable Angus (Steve Rodgers) is super tight.
When Nugget is seen by new vet Ella Lander (Priscilla Doueihy), it may just be the bit of joy Steph needs to survive a Christmas where the most-loved family member may not make it.
Creators Vic Zerbst and Jenna Owen take inspiration from personal experience, crafting a film that is a joy to watch, and full of laughs and classic Aussie humour.
The cast is a mix of established faces and new talents, making the whole film a joy to watch.
Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story joins Stan’s growing list of Christmas originals, and it’s one you won’t want to miss this festive season.
4 Stars
Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story drops on Stan Thursday 21 November
