The French dramedy A Christmas Tale premiered in U.S. theaters on November 14, 2008. The film highlights the struggles within a dysfunctional three-generation family when they gather together for Christmas.

Early reviewers have praised the film and the movie received an overall critics' rating of 100% from Rotten Tomatoes.

Three generations of the Vuillard family are brought together for a Christmas weekend. Past anguish over the death of a beloved son has contributed to the breakdown of the family.The family member's emotions and guilt are revealed as they struggle to heal their relationships.

• Catherine Deneuve as Junon Vuillard
• Mathieu Amalric as Henri Vuillard
• Melvil Poupaud as Ivan Vuillard
• Chiara Mastroianni as Sylvia Vuillard
• Jean-Paul Roussillon as Abel Vuillard
• Anne Cosigny as Elizabeth
• Emmanuelle Devos as Faunia
• Samir Guesmi as Spatafora
• Laurent Capelluto as Simon

"I found 'A Christmas Tale' a marvelously rich visual, intellectual and emotional experience, one that I expect will grow deeper with repeat viewings."—Salon.comSalon.com: A Christmas Tale Review (May 16, 2008)

"This kind of familial tale, interwoven with classic literary elements and philosophical questions, is something that Desplechin excels at, and A Christmas Tale is a perfect example of why both international and independent cinema -- and a festival like Cannes, which showcases such films -- are still important today."—CinematicalCinematical: A Christmas Tale Review (May 16, 2008)