After early success this year with A Merry Little Ex-Mas starring Alicia Silverstone and Champagne Problems led by Minka Kelly, Netflix’s 2025 holiday film lineup continues to deliver hits. The streamer’s newest addition, Jingle Bell Heist, dares to step outside the usual snow-globe comfort zone of predictable Christmas romances.
This time, Netflix ventures into holiday heist territory, mixing crime, comedy, and romance in a way that feels both modern and warmly nostalgic. Director Michael Fimognari, known for his vibrant visuals and heartfelt storytelling in the To All the Boys trilogy, brings polish and cinematic energy rarely seen in holiday streaming releases.
And it pays off. Jingle Bell Heist may just be the best of the bunch, offering an entertaining blend of Ocean’s Eleven flair and Love Actually charm.
Movie Overview
| Title | Jingle Bell Heist |
|---|---|
| Genre | Romantic Comedy / Heist / Holiday |
| Director & Cinematographer | Michael Fimognari (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Midnight Mass) |
| Writer | Abby McDonald (Bridgerton) |
| Producers | Ace Entertainment & Teashop Films |
| Main Cast | Olivia Holt, Connor Swindells, Peter Serafinowicz, Lucy Punch |
| Runtime | 112 minutes |
| Release Date | November 29, 2025 |
| Filming Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Platform | Netflix (Worldwide) |
| Rating | PG-13 (Mild language and thematic elements) |
Plot Overview: A Christmas Caper with a Heart
Set against the festive backdrop of London, Jingle Bell Heist follows Sophia (Olivia Holt), a struggling retail worker with mounting bills, and Nick (Connor Swindells), a tech-savvy ex-con trying to rebuild his life. When both set their sights on robbing the same high-end department store owned by the pompous millionaire Maxwell Sterling (Peter Serafinowicz), circumstances force them into an unlikely partnership.
As their plan unfolds with a full of disguises, holiday parties, and close calls, sparks begin to fly. But when secrets emerge, the line between trust and betrayal blurs, putting both the heist and their budding romance at risk.
The supporting cast brings comedic depth and emotional grounding:
- Lucy Punch shines as Maxwell’s sharp-tongued wife, Cynthia.
- Natasha Joseph gives warmth to Sophia’s mother, Rita.
- Michael Salami delivers the laughs as Nick’s flatmate Ralph, whose fears of “dozens of people dressed the same” and oddball MI6 jokes become scene-stealers.
The Tone: Cozy Crime Meets Holiday Romance
There are holiday films, and then there are Netflix holiday films, often predictable, soft-lit, and family-friendly. Jingle Bell Heist, however, smartly plays within those expectations while breaking a few rules.
Abby McDonald’s screenplay, which originally appeared on the 2022 Hollywood Black List, fuses rom-com warmth with caper-style suspense. It’s light on violence, high on charm, and peppered with moral undertones about financial pressure, justice, and finding meaning during the holidays.
“A movie like this needs a believable crime, likeable criminals, and a dash of seasonal spirit,” says critic Janine Morales of IndieWire. “Jingle Bell Heist checks every box and does it with flair.”
Fimognari’s visual direction keeps the energy buoyant, with dynamic tracking shots, colourful lighting, and London’s cityscape transformed into a glittering playground. The film never loses its tone with bouncing seamlessly between humour, romance, and tension without sacrificing coherence.
Performances: Olivia Holt and Connor Swindells Make a Charming Duo
At the heart of the film lies the chemistry between Holt and Swindells, who make Sophia and Nick’s partnership feel grounded and believable.
- Olivia Holt plays Sophia with quiet determination, balancing her character’s desperation with humour and hope.
- Connor Swindells, known for his work in Sex Education, brings charisma to Nick, blending charm with a hint of vulnerability.
Their relationship grows organically from mutual suspicion to reluctant teamwork to genuine affection. It’s a slow burn that avoids melodrama, giving the film’s emotional beats space to breathe.
“They need the money, they need each other, but they also need to believe in something again,” notes film journalist Rhea Patel. “That’s what makes their story resonate.”
Supporting actor Michael Salami adds levity with his quirky one-liners, while Peter Serafinowicz perfectly embodies the over-the-top villainy of a corporate Scrooge, making his downfall as satisfying as a wrapped present on Christmas morning.
Direction and Style: Michael Fimognari’s Signature Touch
| Director | Michael Fimognari |
|---|---|
| Known For | To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (films 2 & 3), The Fall of the House of Usher, Midnight Mass |
| Tone | Romantic warmth meets stylized realism |
| Visual Strengths | Bright color palette, emotional framing, dynamic camera movement |
Fimognari once told interviewers that his films succeed when they’re “earnest in heightened worlds.” That ethos shines through in Jingle Bell Heist. His dual role as director and cinematographer creates a distinct visual rhythm alternating between sleek heist sequences and intimate romantic close-ups.
The result is a holiday movie that feels cinematic, not made-for-TV. His camera glides through London streets, capturing both the sparkle of the season and the emotional pulse beneath it.
“Fimognari understands tone and texture,” says critic Caleb Rivers of FilmPulse. “He knows when to wink at the audience and when to make them believe in something genuine.”
Script and Storytelling: The Black List Edge
Writer Abby McDonald, best known for her work on Bridgerton, infuses the film with wit and humanity. Her script balances the fantasy of a holiday movie with the moral tension of a crime caper.
- The heist itself is non-violent, humorous, and personal, mirroring the audience’s own holiday anxieties about money and morality.
- The romance feels organic, not forced.
- The dialogue sparkles with modern humor and sincerity.
McDonald’s screenplay also subtly critiques wealth inequality and consumerism without losing its festive charm with a refreshing twist for a seasonal film.
Watch ‘Jingle Bell Heist’ If You Liked?
| Series | Why You’ll Like It |
|---|---|
| Out of Sight | Stylish romantic heist energy |
| To All the Boys Trilogy | Fimognari’s warm visual aesthetic |
| All Is Bright | Holiday crime blended with heart |
| Love at First Sight | Modern romantic storytelling with emotional depth |
MVP of ‘Jingle Bell Heist’: Michael Fimognari
If there’s one standout behind this film’s success, it’s Michael Fimognari. His eye for tone and texture elevates Jingle Bell Heist beyond the typical Netflix holiday formula.
Whether channeling the soft glow of a Christmas romance or the snappy rhythm of a Soderbergh-style heist, Fimognari brings balance and emotional honesty to every frame.
“There’s always a chance to be good to one another,” Fimognari once said about his work, a sentiment that defines Jingle Bell Heist.
With projects like Carrie on the horizon, his career continues to bridge genres while maintaining a signature empathy and elegance.
Final Thoughts
Jingle Bell Heist is a delightful surprise, a cosy caper that combines romantic sincerity with stylish direction. It’s not just one of Netflix’s best holiday films of 2025, it’s one of the streamer’s strongest original films of the year.
By blending a love story with a moral heist, Fimognari and McDonald deliver something rare: a holiday movie that entertains without losing its humanity.
It’s bright, balanced, and genuinely heartwarming proof that sometimes, doing the right thing can be as rewarding as stealing the show.
FAQs
The film is available exclusively on Netflix worldwide.
The film stars Olivia Holt, Connor Swindells, Peter Serafinowicz, and Lucy Punch.
Jingle Bell Heist is directed and shot by Michael Fimognari, known for his work on To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Yes. The film carries a PG-13 rating for mild language and thematic elements but remains suitable for family viewing.
Netflix hasn’t announced any follow-up plans, but the film’s success could inspire future holiday projects from Fimognari.
