In one sentence: Delivery by Christmas centres on delivery driver, Maria, whose parcels are tampered with before Christmas, setting off a chain of events that leads to both comedic moments and unexpected romance.

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We are inundated with cookie-cutter Christmas TV movies and, I will admit, sometimes they have their place. They are easy, undemanding viewing. More often than not though I find myself craving something a little different. The Polish Netflix film Delivery by Christmas offers exactly that, providing a festive story rooted in everyday life, local culture and a cast of delightfully flawed characters.

The film follows Maria (Monika Frajczyk), a delivery driver and single mother working through the chaos of Christmas Eve, the main day of celebration in Poland, and following days. After she politely rebuffs the advances of her oafish new manager, he exacts his petty revenge by switching all the labels on the parcels she is due to deliver. What follows is a string of misunderstandings that spiral into genuinely funny scenarios. Watching recipients open gifts clearly not meant for them results in some laugh-out-loud moments, from a bewildered and unsuspecting new father to a tailor whose enthusiasm is rather too forward.

As with most festive films, there is a romantic thread. Maria crosses paths with Krzysztof (Piotr Pacek) on the 23rd of December and agrees to collect a package from his grandfather, an engagement ring intended for his girlfriend. Naturally, the package too ends up in the wrong hands so Krzysztof joins Maria on her mission to put things right, hoping to salvage his Christmas Eve proposal.

What really sets this film apart is its approach. There are no picture-perfect mansions or glossy, unreal lives on display. Maria and her son live in a grey high-rise block, there is drinking, swearing and even nudity, and the world feels lived-in rather than idealised. The film also offers glimpses of everyday Polish life and introduces festive traditions such as Wigilia, the Christmas Eve meal, complete with carp that is traditionally kept alive in the bath before being served.

The ensemble cast, woven together through the ripple effect of the misplaced deliveries, keeps the pacing lively and the humour consistent. While a couple of storylines are stronger than others, the overall balance works well. The reactions of the characters as they unwrap their unexpected gifts are priceless. Maria’s son, Maks, is particularly charming and his storyline adds emotional weight as he goes through his own story arc and gently highlights the pressures faced by a single working parent.

For anyone looking for a Christmas film that feels different, genuinely funny and refreshingly grounded, Delivery by Christmas is an easy recommendation for seasonal viewing.

★★★★ (4/5)