A new Christmas film blending romance, comedy, and crime is taking Netflix by storm, capturing the attention of subscribers across the UK. Jingle Bell Heist has rapidly ascended the platform's charts since its release, surprising viewers with its clever plot and festive charm.
The Plot and Cast Behind the Festive Caper
The movie, which landed on Netflix on November 26, 2025, tells the story of two down-on-their-luck individuals who conspire to rob the luxurious London department store, Sterlings, on Christmas Eve. Connor Swindells, known for Sex Education and Barbie, plays Nick O’Connor, a security expert wronged by the store. Olivia Holt stars as Sophie Arbus, a low-level Sterlings employee caring for her sick mother.
Nick, hired to upgrade the store's security but never paid, seeks revenge. Sophie, aware of a £500,000 kitty in the offices above the shop floor, sees a solution to her problems. Together, they devise a plan to steal the money from the store's owner, played by Peter Serafinowicz (Shaun of the Dead).
Audience Reaction and Critical Reception
Early viewer reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film's unexpected turns. One fan on X, @SandiKT, commented: ‘Just watched Jingle Bell Heist. Not a bad little Christmas movie, with plenty of twists and turns for caper fans.’ Another, @CatchUpWithCoco, was shocked by the plot, while @DaniYrselfClean called it “clever” and far better than expected from a typical Netflix holiday movie.
However, critical reception paints a more mixed picture. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds a 60% critics' score based on 10 reviews. The audience score is even lower, sitting at 45% from 50 user ratings, indicating a notable divide between professional reviewers and general subscribers.
From Page to Screen: The Creative Mind
Jingle Bell Heist marks a foray into screenwriting for author and journalist Abby McDonald. McDonald, who has published ten novels and previously worked as a staff writer on Bridgerton, brings her narrative skills to this festive caper. The film is positioned as a potential chart rival to other Netflix holiday hits like Champagne Problems, which attracted over 20.5 million views last month.
With a brisk runtime of 96 minutes, the film is being touted as an ideal watch for a cosy weekend evening. As the festive season continues, Jingle Bell Heist is proving that a dash of crime can be the perfect secret ingredient for a Christmas movie, offering subscribers a festive story with an edge.
