A Not So Silent Night is a charming and heartwarming blend of music, documentary, and family drama. The movie offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the McGarrigle/Wainwright family's extraordinary musical talents. It celebrates the timeless spirit of Christmas, capturing the joy, enthusiasm, and, at times, bittersweet sorrow of the season. Filmed during Kate McGarrigle's last concerts in 2008 and 2009, the documentary stands as a testament to her and her family's indomitable spirit and undying love for music.

Spearheaded by renowned Canadian folk artists Kate and Anna McGarrigle, A Not So Silent Night is more than just a concert film; it is about family ties, musical legacy, the power of song, and, ultimately, it is about love. Kate and Anna, the matriarch and her sister respectively, lead the ensemble cast with their melodic voices and strong personalities. The movie also features Emmylou Harris, Justin Bond, Lou Reed, and the children of the family—Martha and Rufus Wainwright. All of them add their unique talents to a memorable night of entertainment that combines traditional yuletide songs, family favourites, and original compositions to create an ambience that is infectious and inspiring.

One of the striking aspects of A Not So Silent Night is how effectively it unfolds as a hybrid between a music concert and a family drama. Amidst the mesmerising performances, there are intimate scenes that focus on the familial dynamics between the McGarrigle sisters, their children (the Wainwrights), and their illustrious friends. This delicate balance is achieved with a deft touch that allows viewers to feel both the public ecstasy of onstage performance and the private poignancies offstage.

The film opens with the McGarrigle family, Harris, Bond, Reed, and the Wainwright offspring preparing for their annual Christmas concert. The trials, tribulations, and exhilarations of the preparatory phase lend a behind-the-scenes peek into this exceptional musical family's life. Here, aural harmony is coupled with familial harmony, and it's what makes A Not So Silent Night a rare gem in its genre.

As the concert begins, the performers come alive with pure, untamed energy and passion. It's an eclectic medley of different music styles, ranging from folk and country to pop and rock, underscoring their collective musical prowess. All of these are imbued with a certain yuletide charm that makes the performances all the more relatable and captivating.

The duets between Kate and Anna, the belting ballads by Rufus, the sweet and succinct notes by Martha, and the charismatic contributions of esteemed guests like Emmylou Harris, the versatile Justin Bond, and the legendary Lou Reed, make for an enchanting evening of music. The performances are packed with emotion, including some poignant moments, as the family and friends pay tribute to their shared heritage, and personal and professional milestones.

The film is not just about the lead-up to the concert and the concert itself, but it effectively interweaves interviews, rehearsals, candid family moments, and archival footage. These insightful breaks add depth to the narrative, offering an understanding of the relationships between the performers and how these relationships influence their music. For fans and casual viewers alike, A Not So Silent Night becomes a precious window into the distillation of the musicians' diverse talents and their shared bond.

A Not So Silent Night is as much a celebration of familial bonds and interpersonal ties as it is a tribute to the unifying, transcending power of music. The overall effect is one of sparkling warmth and magnanimity, a testament to the human spirit that on this night, finds its expression notably through music. It’s a film filled with humour, charm, and deep emotional moments, making it a fascinating watch for fans of the artists, aficionados of unique music blends, and seekers of deep inter-personal narratives. It’s a testament to the joy, passion, and stirring brilliance of the McGarrigle-Wainwright clan, making it a distinct addition to the typical holiday viewing selection that is sure to strike a chord in every viewer’s heart.