It’s been a solid start to Netflix’s 2025 holiday lineup, with three films already earning positive reviews, including Jingle Bell Heist topping the list. But can this week’s release, My Secret Santa, claim the top spot? A holiday rom-com trying to channel the heart of Mrs Doubtfire, the film offers a mix of absurdity, heartwarming moments, and a whole lot of holiday cheer. However, does it capture the magic of Robin Williams’ iconic comedy, or does it fall flat in its attempt? Let’s dive into the details.
Introduction to the Film
My Secret Santa is produced by Howard Braunstein and Netflix Studios and directed by Mike Rohl, the filmmaker behind the Princess Switch trilogy. Co-written by Ron Oliver (of Falling For Christmas fame) and Carley Smale, known for several holiday TV films, the movie tries to deliver a feel-good Christmas story with a twist. It stars Alexandra Breckenridge (Virgin River) as Taylor Jacobsen, a single mom who takes on the role of Santa Claus to save her family’s holiday spirit.
While the film is packed with holiday tropes, it suffers from an over-the-top premise and some jarring performances. Let’s explore whether it succeeds in delivering the Christmas cheer we crave.
Key Features of My Secret Santa
Here’s an overview of the film’s key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Mike Rohl |
| Starring | Alexandra Breckenridge, Ryan Eggold, and a supporting cast of holiday film regulars. |
| Genre | Christmas Romantic Comedy |
| Plot Premise | A single mother posing as Santa Claus at a ski resort faces a love triangle while navigating her new role. |
| Tone | Absurd comedy with heartwarming moments, attempting to blend slapstick humor with emotional depth. |
| Homage | A playful homage to Mrs Doubtfire, featuring a Santa makeover and a chaotic holiday job scenario. |
Plot Summary: A Santa Suit and a Christmas Dilemma
Taylor Jacobsen (Alexandra Breckenridge) is struggling after losing her job at a cookie factory due to a decrease in demand for store-bought holiday cookies. Behind on rent and unable to afford her daughter’s tuition at a snowboarding academy, she stumbles upon a chance to work at a ski resort as a Santa Claus for the Christmas season. The twist? She needs a convincing Santa look, which she gets from her brother, a costume designer.
Once Taylor lands the job (under a fake name), everything starts to fall into place. But of course, the chaos doesn’t stop there. She meets Matthew (Ryan Eggold), a handsome man who recognizes her as a former band member and wants to date her. Unbeknownst to her, Matthew is also the son of her new boss at the ski resort. The stage is set for a messy, yet heartfelt, Christmas adventure where Taylor must juggle her roles as a mother, a secret Santa, and a woman caught in an unexpected romantic entanglement.
Why It Falls Short of Mrs. Doubtfire Magic?
The film tries hard to evoke the spirit of Mrs Doubtfire, with Taylor’s Santa transformation and comedic situations reminiscent of Robin Williams’ iconic performance. However, it fails to hit the same emotional resonance. One of the major issues is Breckenridge’s performance as Santa. While her prosthetic makeup is impressive, her Santa voice feels offbeat, evoking memories of Amanda Bynes’ over-the-top performance in She’s The Man rather than the warm, comforting voice we associate with the holiday spirit.
Additionally, Ryan Eggold’s casting as Matthew, the lovable yet immature trust-fund playboy, feels miscast. His natural warmth and charisma do shine through, but his portrayal doesn’t match the depth and flaws expected from a rich screw-up. Instead, Eggold comes across as too polished for the character.
The Heartwarming Turn
While the first half of the movie feels like a chaotic mess of improbable plot points and weak character motivations, it eventually finds its footing. As Taylor, in her Santa disguise, faces the prospect of being fired for poor performance, she connects emotionally with the kids in the community. The film shifts towards a more heartfelt tone as Taylor helps others express their feelings during the holiday season. This shift, though delayed, provides a cathartic release for both the characters and the audience, making the film feel more meaningful in its final moments.
The heartfelt moments are enough to redeem the film in some ways, but they can’t fully mask the absurdity of the initial setup.
Why My Secret Santa Still Has Charm?
Despite its flaws, My Secret Santa does have its moments of holiday magic. The absurdity of the premise becomes more forgivable as the film progresses, and there’s a certain charm in watching Taylor’s chaotic journey toward finding balance in her life. There’s something inherently sweet about the way the film allows Taylor to find purpose through helping others, making her transformation from fake Santa to a real-life holiday hero surprisingly uplifting.
Even if the script feels like a holiday fever dream at times, there’s no denying that the Christmas setting, with its whimsical chaos and holiday spirit, has its appeal. Fans of the Princess Switch series will likely appreciate Rohl’s familiar style, but My Secret Santa doesn’t quite rise to the level of its predecessors.
FAQs
Yes, the film is suitable for families, with its lighthearted humour and positive messages about Christmas and personal growth.
Alexandra Breckenridge plays the lead role of Taylor, who disguises herself as Santa Claus to save her family’s Christmas.
The movie’s key message revolves around the importance of family, finding purpose in helping others, and navigating love and personal challenges during the holiday season.
While it pays homage to Mrs Doubtfire, My Secret Santa doesn’t quite capture the same charm, with its comedic moments often overshadowed by a convoluted plot.
Eggold brings warmth to his role, but his portrayal of a trust-fund playboy feels miscast and lacks the edge necessary for the character.
