Merry Good Enough: Raye Spielberg brings a new kind of Christmas to UK screens

In the midst of holiday films landing on screens this year, Merry Good Enough takes a distinctly different route, bringing something raw and relatable to UK audiences. This isn’t your conventional Christmas story, and with an 11^th November release from Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment, it’s set to stand out for its emotional depth and dark humour. Directed by Caroline Keene and Dan Kennedy, and starring Raye Spielberg and Sawyer Spielberg, the film explores the often messy and unvarnished truth of family life during the holidays.

With Kaleidoscope Film Distribution handling international sales, Merry Good Enough is making its way to global audiences after its UK debut. Raye Spielberg, who takes on the role of Lucy Raulie in the film, believes that British audiences, in particular, will appreciate the balance of wit and drama. “I’m thrilled about the UK release,” Raye says. “I believe British audiences will really connect with the film’s dry wit and emotional depth. It’s an honest story, not your typical holiday fluff, and that realism is something I think UK viewers will appreciate.”

The film centres on a dysfunctional family trying to navigate the holiday season after their mother disappears on Christmas Eve. Raye stars as Lucy, the sharp but warm-hearted daughter, while Joel Murray (Mad Men) plays the family’s charismatic but problematic patriarch. Lucy’s relationship with her neighbour Sam, played by Sawyer Spielberg, adds layers of tension and tenderness as the story unfolds, striking a balance between moments of humour and the undercurrent of holiday chaos.

Raye’s connection to the UK runs deep, both personally and creatively. Having spent time performing at the Edinburgh Fringe and soaking up British culture, she feels a natural affinity with the UK audience. “There’s a natural fit here; I’ve spent time in London and even performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, and our writer and co-director Caroline is heavily influenced by UK culture. I think that connection to the region will resonate with audiences,” Spielberg says. “There’s a shared admiration for the storytelling tradition, and I hope British and Irish viewers feel that.”

One of the film’s unique aspects is its departure from typical holiday cheer, instead focusing on the complex, often uncomfortable realities that come with family gatherings. Raye speaks candidly about how the role of Lucy affected her own outlook on the holiday season. “Filming Merry Good Enough was cathartic, and watching it with my family was even more so,” she admits. “The family dynamics in the film are so relatable and universal, yet they hit close to home for me. I found that working on the movie allowed me to approach my own family with more grace and understanding, which has definitely shifted my perspective on the holidays.”

Working with her husband, Sawyer Spielberg, on this project brought its own layer of complexity to the film. Though they were playing characters with their own stories and challenges, Raye reflects on how the process deepened their professional and personal connection. “It’s really special how our characters influence each other throughout the film,” she notes. “There’s a mix of shyness, tension, tenderness, and romance between Sam and Lucy. What I love about acting is the freedom it offers—you’re not burdened by your own identity for a while. So, on set, there wasn’t Sawyer and Raye, only Sam and Lucy. His character brings much-needed perspective to Lucy, helping her let go of some of the pressure she places on her family.”

The film’s approach to holiday traditions and familial expectations will likely resonate strongly with British audiences, who have long embraced a love for films that delve into deeper emotional territory while balancing it with sharp, witty dialogue. As Raye says, Merry Good Enough isn’t trying to be a picture-perfect holiday film—it’s grappling with the very real tensions that can arise when family comes together, for better or worse.

Raye, a New York-based actor, is especially excited about the UK release as it aligns with her passion for the region’s theatre culture. “I have such a deep connection with the UK, and I would work there again in a heartbeat,” she says. “The theatre culture in London and Dublin is so rich, and it’s inspiring to be part of that world. This release feels like a natural extension of my love for UK storytelling.”

As the UK prepares to welcome Merry Good Enough, Raye reflects on the feedback she’s received so far, particularly from early screenings. “From what I’ve heard so far, UK audiences are responding to the film’s honesty and depth. It’s exciting to see how it resonates with people who have a different cultural perspective, and it’s made me appreciate the universal nature of the story even more.”

At the heart of the film is Lucy, a character who Raye describes as tough on the outside but deeply caring beneath the surface. “Lucy has a tough exterior and a biting wit, but underneath, she’s all heart,” Spielberg explains. “The holidays stir up a whirlwind of emotions for her, as they do for many of us. She’s a bit of a Scrooge, but that stems from her capacity to love deeply. She’s not just cynical for the sake of it—she’s grappling with her own fears and expectations.”

Looking ahead, Raye Spielberg is already planning her next creative moves, including a mix of film and theatre projects, both in the UK and the U.S. For now, though, all eyes are on Merry Good Enough as it makes its way into British cinemas, offering a holiday film that’s anything but conventional—honest, humorous, and unafraid to show the messier side of family life.

The editorial unit