Is The Christmas Candle Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Christmas Candle is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Christmas Candle Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, The Christmas Candle emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Family domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Deep in the heart of the English countryside lies the enchanting village of Gladbury. Unlike standard genre fare, The Christmas Candle attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Christmas Candle features a noteworthy lineup led by Hans Matheson . Supported by the likes of Samantha Barks and Lesley Manville , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Christmas Candle (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Christmas Candle Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Christmas Candle is a Drama, Family film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Christmas Candle Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Christmas Candle attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Christmas Candle reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Christmas Candle?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
The Christmas Candle Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $2.5M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of The Christmas Candle
- Hans Matheson – David Richmond
- Samantha Barks – Emily Barstow
- Lesley Manville – Bea Haddington
- Sylvester McCoy – Edward Haddington
- James Cosmo – Herbert Hopewell
Top Highlights
Hans MathesonDavid Richmond
Samantha BarksEmily Barstow
Lesley ManvilleBea Haddington
Sylvester McCoyEdward Haddington
James CosmoHerbert Hopewell
Susan BoyleEleanor Hopewell
Barbara FlynnLady Camdon
John HannahWilliam Barstow
Jude WrightCharlie
Emily ShewellOrphan Sarah
Where to Watch The Christmas Candle Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
The Christmas Candle is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, The Christmas Candle stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Christmas Candle movie hit or flop?
The Christmas Candle has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Christmas Candle worth watching?
The Christmas Candle is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Family movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Christmas Candle online?
The Christmas Candle may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Christmas Candle
This is a very satisfying Christmas movie. There are too many characters and a few confusing plot lines, but overall, viewers will not be disappointed. Hearing Susan Boyle's incredible voice is an added bonus. The final resolution will put everyone in a good mood and ready to spread some Christmas cheer.
You know what, pretty good! Weird, but holds some charm. 'The Christmas Candle' is rather religious-y, though I think it strikes a fine balance for the majority... until they deep dive into it with the ending admittedly, but as a full-blown atheist I can let it pass as it's a conclusion that stills works in film terms to be fair. The cast are a nicely chosen bunch. Hans Matheson stands out most in the lead role, while James Cosmo supports ably - as do Lesley Manville, Sylvester McCoy and Samantha Barks. Interesting to see Susan Boyle appear in her acting debut, she's clearly not an actress though her performance is alright - a likeable onscreen presence, at worst.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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