Uncover the Secrets of Christmas and Icelandic Antiquities in "The Christmas Quest"
The Opening Scene
The movie opens with a classic tomb-raiding scene, but in a rustic barn with hints of shiplap. An archaeologist, later revealed to be Lacey Chabert's mother, shines a flashlight in a dark space containing a mysterious stone box sealed with runes. This scene sets the rules of how archaeology is defined in the movie, which involves finding a secret button in a dusty room to reveal a treasure - an old-timey journal by Magnus Olafsson.Barry was impressed by the Yule Lads' mechanical know-how. He was surprised to learn that buttons might have been around earlier than he thought. Maitreyi mentioned that National Treasure clues are different, often written in invisible ink and engraved on secret bricks.
Lacey Chabert's Present Life
After discovering the old-timey journal, the story jumps to the present where Lacey Chabert is a distinguished professor of archaeology at a college in Rhode Island. She gives a lecture on the lore of the Yule Lads - 13 boisterous, troll-like beings that cause mischief before Christmas. Each Yule lad has their own unique trait.Sabrina identified with Skyr-Gobbler, who gobbles skyr. Later, Lacey Chabert reveals that her mother discovered the 17th-century manuscript of Magnus Olafsson, which holds the secrets of the Yule Lads' treasure. A mysterious and wealthy man then asks Lacey to help find the treasure on a last-minute Christmastime quest.
Lacey Chabert's Ex-Husband
We meet Lacey Chabert's tall ex-husband, an expert in dead languages, selling Christmas trees. This scene establishes him as a sweet family man whose marriage was affected by his career. Sabrina imagined the academic job market was tough, so the Christmas trees were a seasonal hustle.Barry wondered if the guys selling trees near his CVS could read Younger Futhark. Maitreyi pointed out the importance of character development in this scene.
The Trip to Iceland
They jet off to Iceland and stay in a nice hotel. The movie shows various locations, including distant volcanoes and glaciers. They take leisurely hikes in ice caves and ruins, even getting trapped once after dark but being rescued.Barry was pleasantly surprised by the production values and the Icelandic locations. He appreciated the tour-guide-ness of it all.
The Clues and Riddles
They set off to solve the Yule Lad's first clue. Sabrina and the others discuss the ease or difficulty of accessing the clues. Barry thought the clues were fine, while Sabrina found them vague like Rupi Kaur poems.They get a few clues, but then there's a montage that spends a lot of time on Lacey Chabert in winter fits. In one scene, Lacey is figuring out a clue related to numbers in a strange sweater with holes around the neckline.
The Museum Gala Scene
Lacey Chabert and her ex-husband crash a museum gala. Sabrina loved the scene with its festive outfits and elaborate scheme. Maitreyi discussed the strategy of sneaking around and the authenticity of her accent.They wonder what their strategy would be if in a similar situation. Barry mentioned his anxiety, while Maitreyi thought about her standing in the archaeological community.
The Rival Treasure-Hunter
They encounter a mysterious rival treasure-hunter who almost abandons them but then helps them. It's revealed that the rival is actually on the side of good, while the billionaire is evil.Sabrina was sure of the rival's bad intentions from the start. Maitreyi was disappointed in Lacey Chabert for not vetting the guy. Barry was surprised by the billionaire's turn.
The Real Treasure
The real treasure turns out to be a room full of cobwebbed tchotkes lit by hundreds of burning candles - Santa figurines, candlesticks, and assorted potatoes. Lacey also finds a locket she gave to her mother, revealing that her mom had found the treasure decades ago.Maitreyi was proud of being on to the rival, while Barry was disappointed by the lack of a more exciting treasure. Sabrina was upset about the omission of cannibalism from Icelandic Christmas folklore.