Despite what you might assume from the title, this is not a fluffy holiday flick. Adapted from a series of short stories by Norwegian writer/director Bent Hamer, Home for Christmas (Hjem Til Jul) presents viewers with an alternative to what’s supposed to be a merry season. Characters in the film search for meaning and struggle with the melancholy of their own life problems, some intertwined with others. But despite the gloominess, there’s a smidge of humor and resolution to these Nordic folks, whose lives are just as unpredictable as the Northern Lights. Charlotte Film Society screens this film, in Norwegian with English subtitles. For more information, visit www.charlottefilmsociety.com. (Anita Overcash)

Price: $5-$8