A festive romantic comedy featuring an unexpected twist that audiences simply won’t anticipate has just arrived on Netflix.
Featuring Sex Education star Connor Swindells, Jingle Bell Heist has been available for mere hours, yet viewers are already flooding social media with their reactions.
Taking place over the Christmas season, the romantic comedy centres on former security consultant Nick (Swindells), who partners with petty thief Sophia (portrayed by Disney actress Olivia Holt) to pull off an audacious department store robbery.
After relocating from America to care for her mother following a cancer diagnosis, Sophia begins stealing from her workplace to fund medical expenses, but Nick discovers her activities.
Rather than reporting her to authorities, Nick collaborates with the shop worker to target Sterlings London Department Store. The recently divorced man plans to use his share of the money to pay for a flat for himself and his daughter, reports the Mirror.
Throughout their bold Christmas caper, the lead characters gradually confide in each other and develop romantic connections. The screenplay was written by Bridgerton staff writer Abby McDonald, whilst Michael Fimognari took on directing duties.
Whilst its storyline might appear typical for seasonal romantic comedies, the film contains a surprising twist that audiences won’t see coming.
We won’t reveal it here, but initial reviews flooding in have praised the unexpected revelation.
Writing on X, previously known as Twitter, one viewer declared: “THE PLOT TWIST AND ENDING OF NETFLIX’S JINGLE BELL HEIST IS SOOOO GOOD.”
On Letterboxd, one viewer drew comparisons to the Now You See Me crime thriller series, which recently launched its third film.
“Now You See Me meets Jingle All The Way with a dash of Home Alone and Elf. I am in my ELEMENT with this film,” they wrote, before adding: “What an ending.”
Another viewer gushed: “What a fun holiday caper! This clever romcom with a great cast was right up my alley!”
A third cinema-goer commented: “Soft Christmas heist energy with just enough charm,” whilst a fourth added: “A really fun and romantic Christmas heist Netflix movie.”
Nevertheless, Jingle Bell Heist has also attracted scathing criticism. One Letterboxd reviewer remarked: “This movie lacks energy.”
Another detractor posted on Rotten Tomatoes, stating: “It’s tiring. Well, at least you won’t have to waste a lot of time to realize it sucks.”
Jingle Bell Heist is streaming now on Netflix
