| Director | David Swann |
|---|---|
| Genre | Christmas film |
| Country | Australia |
| Box office | A$1.3 million |
Joey Dredge is struggling with the recent accidental death of his father. After being expelled from school for attempting to fly off a roof, his mother, Hilary, decides to take him to her parents’ suburban home for the Christmas holidays. She brings along her new boyfriend, Bruno, and his son, Angus, both of whom Joey resents.
At the Hall household, Joey encounters a tense and dysfunctional family environment. Hilary's father, Jack, is a brash and opinionated man, while her mother, Violet, focuses on maintaining appearances and coping through food. Also staying at the house is Vi's sister, Dottie. The family gathering becomes even more complicated with the unannounced arrival of Jack's estranged father, Albert, a spirited elderly man recently released from prison.
Due to limited space, Joey is assigned to share the garden shed with Albert. Though initially uncomfortable, Joey forms an unexpected bond with his great-grandfather. In an effort to reconcile with Jack, Albert enlists Bruno and Joey to help him build a wooden boat as a Christmas gift. Despite continued conflicts and misunderstandings, moments of connection begin to emerge among family members.
Albert eventually dies peacefully during the holiday, with Joey by his side. His death prompts Jack to confront his unresolved feelings and express regret over their long-standing estrangement. In the aftermath, Joey accepts Bruno and Angus as part of his life.