User reviews

Jingle Bell Heist is a harmless piece of Netflix content that's designed to be enjoyable in an undemanding fashion. It's got enough festive charm and high stakes heists to sustain a thankfully short 94 minute run time with a satisfying ending to ensure the film is actually worth committing to. It's a simple story of well deserved revenge involving stealing from the rich to give to those who need it.

Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells are a good pairing who have a cute chemistry. They both get an introduction which makes them feel very cynical and deliberately similar in their experiences but there's thankfully more to it that's gradually revealed, making them increasingly empathetic. Peter Serafinowicz makes his one note villain suitably despicable without a lot of screen time.

Acting as both director & cinematographer, Michael Fimognari gets the job done with the standard issue streaming construction where everything is visually flat and overly lit in places. There's the odd bit of life in the camerawork and Jeffrey M. Werner's editing has a few transitions which gives it some extra life. Steve Hackman's playful score sounds the part despite the odd misstep.

Sophia works two jobs to make ends meet, her mother is sick in hospital, and she gets by by pinching. Nick, a former employee at Sterlings department store, has access to the cameras, spots Sophia pinching, and makes her an offer.

It's very likeable - a definite mix of genres: part crime caper, part seasonal romance, part comedy, and there's just enough to tug at the heartstrings too.

It's a British Christmas film, so there's a faint whiff of cynicism. Sometimes you need a festive film that isn't quite Hallmark, and all its syrupy charm. Don't get me wrong, it's goofy, but even the outlandish Sterlings are grounded.

I love the idea of a chic UK department store, where all the glamorous assistants wore neckerchiefs. Sadly, those days ended with Thatcherism, although it is short-staffed, so that rings true. It's like an export version of Britain, with dry martinis and tuxedos - but it works.

Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells were a cracking duo, combining so well. Not your usual Christmas movie hires - two people who don't feel as if they're living inside a snow globe. Lucy Punch knows how to give us a spoilt princess, but this one has a twist.

Heart and humour - this one's a cut above the usual selection of festive flicks.

8/10.

I was shocked how much I enjoyed this. This is not a Hallmark style Christmas rom com. Usually this isn't my thing but I'm a fan of Olivia Holt and of heist films. It's December so I figured why not. It's #1 on Netflix so I'll give it a chance. Didn't even think I would finish but I thought the humor had some moments.

There isn't as much romance as you would expect from one of these films, the main plot is about the heist. That's probably why I liked it as much as I did. The soundtrack and the twist are what raised my rating. I thought how it ended specifically the last 20 minutes went was really great stuff that I didn't see coming.

I would definitely give this a chance and I think you'll find out right away if you'll like it or not.

My wife and I are retired so we watch movies at home regularly. Not so much looking for some new GREAT movie but just to be entertained between the end of the 6PM nightly news and our 10PM bedtime.

We came upon this one streaming on NFLX, it seemed lightweight and interesting. When it was over we both said "Better than I expected" and that is always a bonus.

American actress Olivia Holt, former gymnast, is Sophia. Her mother is British but after Sophia was born they were forced to move to the US and she grew up there with her grandfather. Her mother now has become very ill so they moved back to London for the free health care. Problem is the waiting list for a suitable physician is long and they need cash to afford a private physician.

She has a chance encounter with Connor Swindells as Nick, looking him up she finds he had served a couple of years jail time for a heist, this is her opportunity. Pair with a thief to steal a large amount of cash from the owner of the department store she works at.

On the surface it would seem the two of them are just petty crooks, how can we root for them? As the story develops we learn that not everything is so simple, and maybe in the end they are actually doing the right thing.

For this type of movie it has a few novel ideas and it is well made. Shot in the London area.

I was expecting Hallmark level fluff but this movie actually had a decent plot and interesting characters. It won't knock your stockings off, but it's a nice way to pass an evening leading up to Christmas.

The story reveals itself gradually with a few plot twists that, in retrospect, were satisfyingly predictable, leaving you to feel that everything was tidily wrapped up with a big bow.

It is what it is, festive fodder, but my word it's a lot of fun. It's a pastiche/nod to 60s heist movies in places and there are some fantastic laugh out loud moments, the cast is great, good chemistry and very watchable. It's silly, of course it is, the title tells you that, but it's a worth a watch; if you want your Christmas movies to be highbrow (who does) you're in the wrong place. Have a mince pie, get a cuppa and enjoy the glorious nonsense.

Jingle Bell Heist (2025) is a Christmas romantic comedy movie streaming on Netflix and it follows two strangers teaming up to rob one of London's most famous department stores while accidentally falling in love. While this movie is like the other romantic comedy movies, this is one of the better and more fun movies to come from Netflix.

Positives for Jingle Bell Heist (2025): The initial setup of this movie is good enough to have your usual Netflix romantic comedy movie set during the holiday season. The two leads in Olivia Holt as Sophie and Connor Swindells as Nick are fun and have great chemistry with each other. The movie is paced very well and I was able to keep up with the story. There is some good enough comedy and action sprinkled throughout the movie. And finally, I really enjoyed the heist at the department store especially during the final act of the movie.

Negatives for Jingle Bell Heist (2025): This is still a Netflix romantic comedy movie that is very predictable with the story. The villains are not that much of a threat to our main characters.

Overall, Jingle Bell Heist (2025) is another Netflix romantic comedy movie that you've many times before, but it is definitely one of the better movies and I would rewatch it during the holiday season.

This film is definitely worth a watch.

I was not expecting much from this, thinking it was going to be a generic Christmas caper cum love story.

However, it is actually really well written and has plenty of surprises and plot twists with a satisfying and wholesome ending.

The two leads are great with genuine chemistry and the pace is just right so there are no flat spots.

Give it a try.

My IMDB threshold score for watching a film is usually 6.5, preferably 7+. So I am a bit conflicted as to how to score Jingle Bell Heist. It is certainly worth much more than the current 5.8, but do I score it higher to try and compensate for the low score?

The first thing to say is is not a rubbish Hallmark standard Christmas film. Having said that, it's no Elf or Miracle 34th Street either.

It does have all the Christmas cliches, for example a completely unrealistic department store which seems to have lots of customers and lots of people serving but no actual products on any shelves. But it also has some realistic pub and hospital scenes that add refreshing credibility, to an obviously incredible (non-credible?) story. The dialogue is refreshingly realistic with people responding and saying things like real people would, as opposed to cardboard cut-outs.

The plot is good. The pace is good. The acting is good. The humour is good. I liked it for what it was. My wife didn't like it at all.

I give it a 7 even though it is really a 6 or 6.5.

Good evening, everyone! I'm Mr. C Reviewer, and tonight we'll be diving into the film Jingle Bell Heist. I had the opportunity to watch the movie on Netflix. This movie originally premiered on November 26, 2025. The movie had a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minute. It is rated for viewers aged 12 and older. Notably, parts of the film were filmed in London, England, UK. The estimated budget for. I've found subtitles to be incredibly beneficial for enhancing my understanding of dialogue and fully immersing myself in narratives. The film was directed by Michael Fimognari and written by Abby McDonald and Amy Reed.

Summery: Sophia and Nick, two strangers facing dire financial straits, find themselves reluctantly united in a daring plan to rob a prominent London department store during the Christmas season. Their desperate heist is fuelled by a desire to escape their economic hardships and exact revenge on the store's owner, Maxwell Sterling.

Review: -The film begins with a brief prologue, setting the scene for our Christmas Eve heist, then rewinds two weeks to introduce each of us and the individual circumstances that brought us together. I appreciate how the film weaves together themes of socioeconomic disparity and corporate avarice, underscoring the profound significance of familial bonds and self-sacrifice, while also exploring paths to redemption and justice, and highlighting the unexpected connections and support systems that can emerge from unforeseen circumstances. I appreciated how the movie maintained a good pace, never really dragging, yet still found time for impactful emotional moments. Even when the plot wasn't action-heavy, the strong character development kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. I found the movie to be a delightful watch, especially fitting for December. It offered a pleasant blend of humour, warmth, and holiday spirit, creating an enjoyable experience without relying on sharp wit or uproarious laughter. I was impressed by the acting in the movie; the lead actors, though their romantic chemistry wasn't always fiery, still had a charming and effective dynamic, and their ability to imbue their characters with depth was notable. Peter Serafinowicz was perfectly cast as a despicable antagonist, providing a strong contrast to the intricate storyline. The supporting cast, such as Sophia's mother, Nick's roommate, and his ex-partner and daughter, were also exceptionally well-developed and believable, creating a truly immersive world. I feel that the dialogue served its purpose in advancing the plot and character development. I found that the film's festive atmosphere and heist elements are significantly amplified by the soundtrack and sound effects, which work together to immerse the audience in the narrative.

-I appreciated how the film utilized on-screen text to clearly establish the temporal setting of two scene, effectively reinforcing the overall timeline of events. The visual style was a refreshing departure from typical Christmas comedies, offering a refined and lively aesthetic that avoided the usual overly bright visuals. The enchanting Christmas decorations throughout the movie successfully evoked a delightful sense of festivity and holiday cheer. I found the editing quite appealing; its simplicity, particularly the circular transition effect between some scenes, felt perfectly suited for a light-hearted Christmas movie.

-I was impressed by the efficient way the characters were introduced, allowing me to quickly understand their personalities. I also liked the seamless and timely convergence of the two storylines. My favourite character was Ralph, as I found him both humorous and relatable.

-I enjoyed the film's conclusion, particularly the unexpected twist that added a layer of surprise and satisfaction. The ending felt complete and provided a clear understanding of the motivations behind both main characters' need for money. I also appreciated the post-credits scene, which offered a delightful continuation as the credits rolled.

I rate each film I watch out of 10 and for this one, I give it a 7.4 Remember this was what I thought about the movie personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.

A jolly good Christmas movie - will leave you with a smile on your face. Does have a SE London Oceans 11 (but there's 2 of them) heist movie feel with Peter Seravinovitz (apologies for spelling) as Al Pacino lite and ex SAS Rogue Hero as one of our heroes. Yes it's cheesy but hey it's Christmas and there's a lot of London on it - all that was missing was dragging a tree through the snow together.

Jingle Bell Heist initially seemed like it might be a typical holiday streaming film, and I'll admit I went in with low expectations. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience. The movie strikes a balance between humor, heart, and holiday charm, delivering more than you might anticipate from a seasonal Netflix release.

The casting is one of the film's strongest aspects. The leads aren't overexposed stars but actors whose performances draw your attention and make you invested in their journey. Their chemistry is natural and engaging, allowing the audience to connect with their struggles and root for them throughout the story. This dynamic adds depth that many holiday films often lack.

While the film does have its corny moments, they feel appropriate for a lighthearted, festive caper rather than detracting from the story. It's clear that Jingle Bell Heist is designed for home viewing rather than a theatrical release, and in that environment, it shines. Its success on Netflix, currently holding the number one spot, is well deserved for a film that entertains without overcomplicating its premise.

The story itself touches on relatable themes, portraying characters who are struggling to make ends meet in today's world. They're hardworking yet financially constrained, driven to desperate measures like planning a heist as a last resort. The film manages to convey the tension and moral conflict of these choices without making the characters feel unrealistic or unrelatable.

As the plot unfolds, the movie delivers a twist that reframes much of what you've seen, creating a satisfying payoff that encourages reflection on the characters' motives and decisions. This surprise adds a layer of sophistication to an otherwise lighthearted story, demonstrating that even a fun holiday heist can have meaningful narrative beats.

Overall, Jingle Bell Heist may not be perfect, but it is highly enjoyable. Its combination of strong performances, engaging storytelling, holiday humor, and a clever twist make it a worthwhile watch. For anyone looking for a festive, entertaining movie to stream at home, this film is a solid choice that exceeds expectations.

Netflix brings us a heist comedy with romantic touches for this holiday season, directed by Michael Fimognari.

Starring Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells, it tells the story of Sophia and Nick, two small-time thieves who plan to rob a London shopping center on Christmas Eve. However, their plan takes an unexpected turn when feelings begin to develop between them, complicating the situation.

Jingle Bell Heist is a British Christmas comedy with that subtle English humor and a touch of charming romance that combine to create an ideal film for a family weekend. It's an entertaining and fulfilling film, though it doesn't innovate and offers familiar elements, but these are enjoyable thanks, in large part, to the charisma of its lead actors.

It has a clear and motivating message, woven into an enjoyable heist film that subtly blends several genres, skillfully handled by its director. Although the plot feels somewhat sluggish at times, in the end one can be satisfied thanks to the well-developed and effective story at its core.

It's an ideal family pastime for those looking for simple and enjoyable Christmas movies. It doesn't offer much that's new, but if you immediately connect with the lead couple, who captivate with their heist romance, you can enjoy a pleasant time in front of the screen.

Watching this felt like an eternity of uneventful scenes stitched together.

Too many flawed things that just don't make sense. It's just a bit too black and white, cliche and convenient plot armor.

If you just need some noise on the side then this is for you. If you want an interesting heist, a proper romance or comedy - stay away. There is none in this movie.

Finally a warm and fuzzy Xmas movie. The acting is perfect and the story unique and cute and made for christmas. Watched it with my girls and we all enjoyed it .

Finally a warm and fuzzy Xmas movie. The acting is perfect and the story unique and cute and made for christmas. Watched it with my girls and we all enjoyed it .

So many good reviews here, people must be really crazy or the reviews are just fake, to promote the movie, since it just came out.

20 minutes into the movie and it's painfully slow, nothing it happens, just stupid dialogues and annoying music in the background. The editing is horrible, the scenes are changing too fast. Basically, a short stupid conversation and then, bang, the character is now in a pub, then in a hospital, then at the main workplace, then in the street...You get what I want to say.

No action, no emotion, not even the annoying stupid British sarcasm!!! The acting is flat, even at a cheap play is better. Nothing other than moving from a scene to another throughout the movie. And again, just annoying music in the background which somehow should compensate a poor, unimaginative script and a horrendous editing and directing!

Just go and watch Jingle All the Way, which was also stupid, but God, the acting, the scenery, the picture, the cinematography, the slapstick humour...sooo goood! It felt indeed like a nice holiday movie and is not like it's a Christmas movie with perfectly morally characters.

Hell, go and even watch Love Actually, sappy as it is, it's still 10 times better than this crap!!

When will cinematography recover?

Sophie is struggling to take care of her ailing mother and is in need of money to pay for her treatment. She is a pickpocket and keeps stealing randomly without gaining any attention to herself until Nick gets his eyes on her act. He blackmails her to help him rob Sterling. Nick had pleaded guilty before for robbing Sterling and now wants revenge. As they plan to rob Sterling, things go South and in the process, Nick and Sophie get along well. An opportunity opens up to rob Sterling's secret vault. Sophie has her own secret too and how does the duo pull off the waist during Christmas makes it the standard Christmas rom com in between an heist film.

It's December and the flow of these goodie Christmas films have already begun arriving in bulk. Being a standard Christmas film, it does offer exactly the same where there is no room for any emotional depth. Much of it remain on the surface level, be it Sophie's own emotional past or using her mother's health condition as a plot point. Similarly Nick's psst and how it affected his relationship with his own wife and daughter. It's all about getting the gist while all too convenient screenplay takes us to the mandatory happy ending. It's in sync with the mood of the season and that's about it. As a film, it doesn't stand out neither does it offer anything memorable, writing or performances wise.

I enjoyed this film. It has a feel good feel Both leads are very strong with good chemistry. You just have to ignore the holes in the plot! Slightly offputting that the department store being robbed looks like a large pub and its much bigger inside than it looks outside. It may not be a love actually or last Christmas, but certainly worth a watch.

7.9 stars.

'Jingle Bell Heist' is a fun and entertaining robbery romp. I figured the low ratings would indicate a dull experience, but nope.

It's the story of a man and woman who need money in order to salvage their lives. She is having difficulties keeping up with her mother's medical expenses and he has been given an ultimatum by his ex-wife to prove his financial stability to properly care for his daughter. There is a lot more to the backstory and narrative, but suffice it to say, they eventually end up as partners in a heist.

Not much else to say but that it's fun, and even the romantic aspects, although slow to develop, were rewarding enough to satisfy my appetite. Also, the fact that the lead female is so pretty and charismatic, isn't a hindrance.

I will return to see 'Jingle Bell Heist' again in a few years.

A very mediocre Christmas caper as the pacing is really off and I hated the music score and choice of music which was distracting as well as inadequate for the film. The music is something I don't always discuss but in this film it draws attention to itself in the wrong way. I think the performances were overall okay but the script and overall direction were just not at all engaging or entertaining.