Summary

As the snow-dusted streets of New York City teem with bustling shoppers, Noel introduces us to several isolated individuals who are stuck in orbits far outside of the usual holiday cheer. Emotionally fragile Rose is the sole caregiver for her ailing mother, whom she visits in hospital on Christmas Eve as part of her lonely daily routine. From there, however, her night unfolds as a series of unanticipated encounters that will change her view of her world. Meanwhile, police officer Mike has a decidedly disturbing run-in with an older man, Artie, who takes an unsettling interest in him. At the same time, Mike's unwarranted, paranoid jealously regarding his gorgeous, vivacious fiancée Nina drives a sudden rift between the couple just days before their wedding. Jules, a young hustler with a miserable life, will resort to extreme measures to return to the only place he ever spent a happy holiday.

As these lives intersect in fleeting, unplanned and emotionally resonant ways, David Hubbard's brilliantly conceived screenplay weaves a series of surprising encounters that lay bare the deepest recesses of the characters' souls. Each in their own way - Rose, Nina, Mike, Artie and Jules - are broken or abandoned. As they find each other in the anonymous city, however, they are not only touched by holiday happiness, but also graced by the inexplicable, the unaccountable - maybe even the miraculous. Noel deftly approaches its mature and insightful dramas from a tender, hopeful point, boldly suggesting that in the midst of seeming chaos, everything still happens for a reason.

Quotes

Rose
Charlie, I hope you don't mind me asking, but why did you leave the priesthood after twenty years?
Charlie
I lost my faith and I began to question the existence of God. If you're a priest that's not good.

Charlie
Do you pray?
Rose
No, not anymore.
Charlie
I know how that is.

Rose
I like to think my life matters.
Charlie
Oh, your life matters. You've touched other people's lives in ways you don't even realize.
Rose
How do you know that?
Charlie
'Cause you've touched my life.

Charlie
I can't swim. Love to learn.
Rose
You're the guy from the hospital.
Charlie
Yeah, Charlie Boyd. You're the angel lady.
Rose
What are you doing here? Did you follow me?
Charlie
No, not at all.
Rose
What, then why are you here?
Charlie
I could ask you the same question.
Rose
I just want you to leave me alone.
Charlie
Can't do that. I see a woman standing alone on a pier looking over a ledge, I gotta help.
Rose
I don't want any help.
Charlie
If you jump in I'll have to jump in right after you.
Rose
Who said anything about jumping in? But if I jump, you'd jump in after me, after you told me that you can't swim.
Charlie
Yeah, 'cause it's the right thing to do.
Rose
You always do the right thing?
Charlie
Yeah I do, it's a bad habit. You wanna tell me your sad story? I'm a really good listener. I'm all ears. Good, tell ya mine. It's Christmas Eve and I'm alone.
Rose
That's it?! You're alone... that's the best you can do?
Charlie
There's more. I'm a priest.
Rose
Really?
Charlie
Yeah, for twenty years and last year I left the priesthood, started my life over. Now here I am, no more Catholic family, no more personal family... none.
Rose
Wow.
Charlie
You want me to guess yours?
Rose
Take your best shot.
Charlie
An attractive lady who forgot her hat and her ears are very cold.
Rose
Bingo.
Charlie
Ha, pick everything up the top shelf. Wanna get a cab and grab a cup of coffee... I'll guess more of your story. After you.

Charlie
You saved me, Rose. I was wondering where God was and then the next thing you know, there you are at the bedside of a complete stranger telling him you love him with such meaning. And then I knew God was there in that room, with you.

Charlie
Your mother wants you to live your life, Rose.
Rose
You don't know my mother.
Charlie
She knows you love her and you're there for her.
Rose
Why are you doing this?
Charlie
Because she told me to tell you.
Rose
That's not funny. You're scaring me.
Charlie
No, Rose, listen to me, I don't have much time.
Rose
No, I...
Charlie
Rose, please listen to me.
Rose
I don't want to listen.
Charlie
Listen to what I have to say.
Rose
I'm not gonna listen. Get out of the house, I don't want you here any more.
Charlie
I'm not gonna leave until you hear what I have to say.
Rose
No.
Charlie
She spoke to me last night.
Rose
I'm calling the police.
Charlie
I know it is hard to believe.
Rose
I mean it, Charlie, get out.
Charlie
That's what she wants.
Rose
I'm dialing.
Charlie
I know that would make her happy.
Rose
Happy? Happy?! My mother doesn't even know she's my mother. She doesn't hear me, she doesn't see me! Do you understand what I'm saying? When you look into her eyes you see absolutely nothing, she isn't there, do you understand what I'm saying?! I'm watching my mother die bit by bit. So don't you tell me about my mother, get out of here! Just go!
Charlie
I love you, Rose.