Watch A Christmas Visitor

In A Christmas Visitor, William Devane portrays John Barrows, a man grieving his son's death on Christmas Eve. After years of silence, John receives an unexpected visitor, a stranger claiming to be the father of the driver involved in the accident that claimed John's son's life. Despite initially hesitating to let him in, John ultimately decides to offer the man shelter for the night.

Meredith Baxter plays Kathleen, John's wife, who is uncomfortable with the idea of having a stranger in their home. Kathleen and John's daughter, Lauren (Reagan Pasternak), also struggle to accept the visitor's presence. However, as the night progresses, the visitor's true intentions are revealed, and the Barrows family is forced to face the truth about their son's death while also finding a way to forgive.

Throughout the film, flashbacks of John's son, also named John, are interspersed. These glimpses into the past highlight the close relationship between father and son, and the devastating effect that John Jr.'s death had on the family.

As the night wears on, tensions rise within the Barrows household, but the visitor remains calm and steadfast in his mission. Ultimately, the visitor's identity is revealed, and his presence brings a sense of closure and healing to the family.

A Christmas Visitor is a heartwarming holiday film that explores the themes of grief, forgiveness, and family bonds. The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Devane and Baxter as a couple grappling with the loss of their child. The film's message of forgiveness is poignant and timely, reminding viewers of the importance of letting go of past hurts and embracing the present.

The film's setting adds to its charm, with snow-covered landscapes and cozy indoor scenes evoking a sense of holiday cheer. The score, composed by Richard Marvin, complements the story's emotional beats, building tension during the film's more dramatic moments and adding a touch of whimsy to its lighter scenes.

Overall, A Christmas Visitor is a touching drama that will appeal to viewers looking for a heartfelt holiday movie. Its exploration of grief and forgiveness, along with its themes of family and second chances, make it a film that will leave viewers feeling moved and inspired.

A Christmas Visitor is a 2002 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.