The little-known Christmas film about Nottingham starring Michael Sheen that you’ve probably forgotten about
The film was released in 2021
As we edge ever closer to Christmas Day, those annual festive traditions we all have will start to creep into our days.
Whether you always make a point of meeting up with a friend in a particular pub or gather around the telly to watch the same film every year, our Christmas routines are what make the festive season such a special time of the year.
Even if you’re not someone who usually has the time or attention span to sit down and watch a film from start to finish, this is the time of year when normal behaviours are put to one side.
From Home Alone to The Polar Express, we all have our favourite Christmas films that never fail to disappoint.
Many festive blockbusters are set in America, but one is based on happenings much closer to home.
If you’re sitting there with a confused look on your face, allow us to elaborate.
How Last Train to Christmas is linked to Nottingham
Those lucky enough to have Sky Cinema might recall a film called Last Train to Christmas, which was released in December 2021.
The film, starring Michael Sheen, was shown exclusively on Sky Cinema rather than in cinemas, which is why it may have fallen under the radar of some.
The film is set on Christmas Eve in 1985 and focuses on a successful Nottingham nightclub owner called Tony Towers, played by Michael Sheen.
Towers and his much younger fiancée, Sue, are traveling back home to Nottingham for Christmas on the 3:17 from London.
However, things take an unusual turn when Towers walks into a different carriage - only for his life to fast forward 10 years to 1995.
To his horror, Towers finds out that he will lose everything over the next decade.
Every time Towers changes carriage, his life either moves forwards or backward 10 years.
Without giving too much away, the film follows the nightclub owner as he grapples with life-changing decisions that could alter his past and future life.
Oh, and there’s also a scene at the end featuring Nottingham station!
Last Train to Christmas might not be on the same level as Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, but to those of us from Nottingham it’s a rare chance to see the city on the big screen.
You can watch the film by signing up to Now TV or visiting Sky Store.