A Christmas Carol is known to end on a note of hope but that was very nearly dashed from viewers as they watched poor Tiny Tim (Lenny Rush) drown in the lake.
The young boy of Bob Cratchit (Joe Alwyn) misbehaved and stole his sister’s skates, falling through thin ice to the depths below.
As Ebeneezer Scrooge (Guy Pearce) watched in horror, the Ghost of Christmas Future forced him to watch the scenes unfold in his office – with the scene playing out on the roof.
So Scrooge was forced to feel like he was underwater with the child as he struggled to get out.
Viewers were horrified as the seven-year-old struggled for breath before swelling and dying as he floated in front of a petrified and guilty-looking Ebeneezer, who blamed himself for the death.
Some even compared the dramatic scenes to the now iconic and harrowing baby scene of Trainspotting, where the dead child of the heroin addicts was seen crawling across the ceiling as Renton suffered withdrawls.
The moment was praised by viewers online for its bold approach to the horrific moment, which in less dark versions saw the sick youngster simply succumb to his illness and pass away surrounded by his family.
The twist was unexpected, and as a result served as a gutpunch to those who watched it.
Tiny Tim drowning got me like #AChristmasCarol pic.twitter.com/KMLWNKvaqu
— Sarah Nicholass (@Sarah_Niks) December 24, 2019
F*ck me! That is really grim. Tiny Tim’s death graphic and hard hitting. Probably that the only way to get through to Scrooge #AChristmasCarol
— Al (@safcinexile) December 24, 2019
Crikey the Tiny Tim accident was scarier than Dr Who! #ChristmasCarol
— ☃️🎄🎼"5, same old things…" (@Carwyn_Tywyn) December 24, 2019
Tiny. Tim's. Floating. Corpse. #AChristmasCarol pic.twitter.com/Kwus2OkhNx
— Adam Murphy (@Anonymous_Riter) December 24, 2019
Thankfully, it was all hypothetical, and what would have happened if Scrooge refused to change his ways.
The death of Tim was taken particularly hard by Scrooge, who when confronted with his own mortality via his dead business partner Jacob Marley, decided he would live without forgiveness if the boy got to live.
It’s a sudden change in the character who, as we discovered, developed a hatred of Christmas thanks to his father, who had left him in the hands of an abusive schoolteacher every winter holiday in exchange for no school fees.
And a final twist in the tale suggested that Mrs Cratchit (Vinette Robinson) who was behind the ghostly visit, calling upon their help to see the evil businessman face up to his cruel ways.
A Christmas Carol is available now on BBC iPlayer.
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MORE : A Christmas Carol: 5 Questions we have as Ebeneezer’s evil reaches new lows against Mrs Cratchit
As a seasoned literature and film enthusiast with a deep understanding of narrative techniques and thematic elements, particularly in adaptations of classic works, I'd like to delve into the intriguing elements of the article discussing the ending of "A Christmas Carol."
Firstly, it's essential to recognize the stark departure from the traditional ending associated with Charles Dickens' timeless tale. The article vividly describes a harrowing scene where Tiny Tim, the beloved character in the story, faces a tragic fate by drowning in a lake after misbehaving and stealing his sister's skates. This unexpected twist serves as a pivotal moment, forcing Ebenezer Scrooge to witness the chilling events unfold through the Ghost of Christmas Future.
The narrative choice to place the scene on the roof, with Scrooge feeling submerged as he watches Tiny Tim struggle underwater, is a masterful stroke in creating a visceral and emotional impact. This approach goes beyond the usual portrayal of Tiny Tim succumbing to illness, presenting a darker and more dramatic scenario that leaves viewers shocked and emotionally moved.
The comparison made in the article to the iconic baby scene in "Trainspotting" adds weight to the gravity of the moment. This reference helps convey the intensity of the emotional response elicited by the unexpected twist in Tiny Tim's fate. Such a bold and unconventional approach in storytelling, especially in a Christmas-themed narrative, showcases the adaptability and creative license taken by the storytellers.
Moreover, the article highlights the viewers' reactions, praising the boldness of this narrative choice. Viewers expressed shock and appreciation for the unexpected gut-punch delivered by the drowning scene, emphasizing its impact as a departure from the more optimistic resolutions typically associated with "A Christmas Carol."
Lastly, the article reveals the hypothetical nature of the scene, explaining that it represents what would have occurred if Scrooge had refused to change his ways. This revelation adds a layer of depth to the storytelling, exploring the consequences of Scrooge's redemption and the potential tragedy that could have befallen Tiny Tim.
In conclusion, the reinterpretation of Tiny Tim's fate in this adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" showcases the storytellers' commitment to delivering a fresh and impactful narrative experience. The unexpected and dark twist serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of one's actions, even in the context of a classic Christmas tale known for its hopeful endings.
