As the annual deluge of Netflix Christmas content continues, viewers have been treated to another seasonal offering that manages to stand out from the crowd. Jingle Bell Heist, starring Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells, brings a welcome change of scenery and premise to the often-formulaic world of festive streaming movies.
A Fresh Take on Christmas Romance
Following recent underwhelming entries in Netflix's Christmas catalogue, including Alicia Silverstone's A Merry Little Ex-Mas and Minka Kelly's Champagne Problems, this London-set caper provides a refreshing alternative. Rather than another small-town American romance, Jingle Bell Heist takes place against the authentic backdrop of London during Christmas 2023, directed by Michael Fimognari, longtime cinematographer for Mike Flanagan.
The film benefits enormously from its real locations, with London pubs, cafes and high streets creating a genuine sense of place that's often missing from similar productions. This authentic setting eliminates the need for distracting CGI snow, while the soundtrack features alternative holiday songs from artists like Low and Run-DMC instead of the usual Christmas covers.
Plot and Characters
The story follows American Sophie (Olivia Holt), who's caring for her sick mother while working two jobs, one at a department store preparing for the holiday season. Her path crosses with Nick (Connor Swindells), an ex-convict father struggling to provide for his ex-partner and daughter while wasting his tech skills in a mobile phone shop.
Both characters share a talent for theft, which leads them to collaborate on a plan to rob obnoxious millionaire Maxwell Sterling, played by Peter Serafinowicz. The heist is set, naturally, for Christmas Eve.
What sets Jingle Bell Heist apart is its underlying class commentary. Sophie's motivation stems from her inability to afford healthcare in the US, while even the NHS has its limitations for her mother's experimental treatment. Nick's history with Maxwell involves an insurance scam that left him taking the fall, creating a bond between the two leads over their shared frustration with an unfair system.
Cast and Execution
Holt and Swindells make a solid pairing with reasonable chemistry, though their dialogue sometimes feels underdeveloped. The script, written by novelist and Bridgerton writer Abby McDonald, was featured on 2022's Black List but could have benefited from additional polish.
The supporting cast adds considerable value, with British comedy stars like Peter Serafinowicz and the wonderful Lucy Punch from Amandaland providing reliable comic relief. Punch in particular demonstrates her talent for elevating material, leaving viewers wishing she had more screen time.
While the heist mechanics aren't as sophisticated as the sub-Ocean's Eleven score might suggest, McDonald delivers some decent surprises in the final act that successfully raise stakes and viewer engagement from mild to medium. One particularly clever scene involving dual undercover earpiece banter shows promise, even if the execution doesn't fully deliver on the concept's comic potential.
Final Verdict
Jingle Bell Heist represents the current peak of Netflix's Christmas offerings - not revolutionary, but certainly above the platform's typical festive fare. Its London setting, game cast, and slightly more substantial plot make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking seasonal entertainment with a bit more edge than the usual generic offerings.
The film's greatest strength might be its ability to make viewers want more - when a Christmas movie rises just above the low standards of the genre, it naturally raises expectations for what could have been with sharper writing and more consistent humour. As it stands, Jingle Bell Heist is as good as Netflix Christmas movies get for now, providing passably entertaining viewing for the festive season.
Jingle Bell Heist is now available to stream on Netflix.
