Netflix's latest festive offering, Jingle Bell Heist, attempts to blend holiday cheer with criminal mischief in a glossy, fast-paced package. Released on November 26, 2025, and directed by Michael Fimognari, this English-language comedy-romance runs for a brisk 1 hour and 36 minutes. The film presents a classic holiday setup with a twist, aiming to deliver crowd-pleasing entertainment, even if it struggles to carve out a truly memorable identity.
A Plot Built on Christmas Eve Mischief
The story centres on two down-on-their-luck individuals who cross paths in London. Sophia (Olivia Holt) is a clever, small-time thief working at the upscale Sterling's department store, using skills passed down from her magician grandfather. Her secret life is discovered by Nick (Connor Swindells), a tech-savvy former Sterling's employee with a past arrest for stealing from the same store. Nick, who retains illicit access to the store's security feeds, catches Sophia in the act and proposes an ambitious partnership: a major heist on Christmas Eve.
Their target is the very store they know intimately, owned by the comically despicable Mr. Sterling (Peter Serafinowicz). The plan unfolds against a backdrop of frenzied holiday shopping, highlighted by the chaotic demand for a must-have toy called the Mooshy Fox. This setting cleverly amplifies the film's satirical take on holiday commercialism, providing a cheeky moral justification for the protagonists' actions.
Strengths in Chemistry and Style
Where Jingle Bell Heist finds its footing is in the sparkling chemistry between its leads. Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells share an easy, compelling rapport that makes their evolving partnership—and potential romance—believable and engaging. Swindells, known for his nuanced role in Sex Education, brings a layer of quiet depth to Nick, while Holt matches him with playful confidence. Their performances form the emotional core of the film.
Director Michael Fimognari employs a playful visual style, using retro transitions and imagined reenactments that nod to classic heist comedies. The film's pacing is brisk, ensuring the 96-minute runtime feels energetic. Peter Serafinowicz's turn as the greedy, Grinch-like store owner provides a reliably hissable villain, perfectly embodying the film's critique of corporate greed during the holidays.
Where the Heist Loses Some Sparkle
Despite its charms, the film struggles to escape the shadow of its influences. The narrative beats and stylistic flourishes often feel derivative of other caper films, such as Locked Down (2021), preventing it from establishing a wholly unique voice. The stakes of the heist itself are more mechanical than suspenseful, with the plot relying on character backstories for emotional weight rather than genuine narrative tension.
The film's resolution is tidy and predictable, following a familiar path that offers few genuine surprises. While the motivations of Nick and Sophia—rooted in financial hardship and a sense of injustice—add nuance, their emotional journey ultimately takes a backseat to the execution of the plan itself.
Final Verdict: A Perfectly Fine Festive Watch
In conclusion, Jingle Bell Heist is exactly what it sets out to be: a breezy, crowd-pleasing holiday caper. It delivers festive visuals, likable performances, and a dose of romantic sparkle against the twinkling backdrop of London. It earns its 3.0 rating by being satisfying in the moment, providing light entertainment for a cozy December evening.
However, its lack of originality and memorable punch mean it likely won't become a perennial holiday classic. For viewers seeking undemanding, festive fun on Netflix, this heist delivers modest charms. For those wanting a holiday film with more bite and surprise, the loot might feel a little light.
