R-Xmas

R-Xmas is a 2001 crime drama film directed by Abel Ferrara and stars Drea de Matteo, Lillo Brancato, and Lisa Valens. The film is set in New York City during the Christmas season and tells the story of a wealthy couple, the Nieves, who become entangled in the world of drug trafficking.

The movie opens with a view of a beautiful Christmas tree and the soundtrack of holiday music. But the viewer is soon drawn into the harsh world of drug trafficking and organized crime. The Nieves - Isabel (de Matteo), a beautiful woman from Puerto Rico, and her husband, Edgar (Brancato) - live a luxurious life in their high-rise apartment. Edgar is a drug dealer, and Isabel runs an upscale clothing store. They have a daughter whom they love dearly, but their lives are anything but normal.

On Christmas Eve, Isabel is buying presents for their daughter in a shopping mall when she comes across a toy that her daughter had asked for. While purchasing it, she sees a young girl being kidnapped and forced into a car by a group of men. Isabel can't forget the girl's face and is haunted by the incident.

Meanwhile, Edgar gets a call from his supplier, who tells him that he has to pick up a shipment of heroin. Edgar is reluctant to leave his family on Christmas Eve but knows that he has to keep up his drug trade. Unbeknownst to him, Isabel has used some of the family's money to buy a small quantity of heroin as a surprise for her husband.

As the night progresses, Isabel waits anxiously for her husband to come home while dealing with her own demons. She becomes isolated and fearful as her mind replays the kidnapping of the young girl. In a moment of desperation, she resorts to snorting heroin and begins to experience hallucinations.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Nieves are not as wealthy as they appear, and the movie delves into the criminal underworld of drug trafficking. It becomes a tale of love, greed, deception, and the consequences of one's choices.

The film is well-crafted, with the characters' motivations and emotions effectively explored. Drea de Matteo gives a fine performance as Isabel, conveying her character's desperation and vulnerability. Lillo Brancato is also convincing as Edgar, conveying his character's sense of duty to his family as well as his growing paranoia.

R-Xmas is a powerful film that explores the complexities of the drug trade and its effect on individuals and families. It portrays a stark reality that is often ignored, and is a reminder that the holiday season isn't always a time of joy and happiness. It is a thought-provoking film that raises questions about the drug trade and its impact on society.