When we noticed that Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey was gaining popularity on Netflix, we quickly decided to make it the feature of our weekly family movie night. Just three minutes into the film, my kids began to chatter as they tried to grasp the plot. My youngest, a five-year-old, excitedly pointed out how much the young boy on screen resembled her brother, exclaiming, “That boy looks like you!” with a sense of wonder.
Settled in our cozy living room, we watched a film crafted by a talented Black filmmaker, David E. Talbert, and filled with an incredibly diverse cast. The narrative reminded us that anything is possible, including greater representation in holiday films. This came as a timely reminder that we can hope for more stories that reflect our own experiences.
The film tells the story of Jeronicus Jangle (portrayed by Forest Whitaker), a toymaker and inventor, narrated by his granddaughter, Journey. The opening scene, narrated by Journey’s grandmother (Phylicia Rashad), recounts the events that led Jeronicus to lose faith in his own talents. As we sang and danced along to the vibrant songs, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for witnessing a triumphant story in 2020: one that celebrates a brilliant Black inventor who rekindles his passion through the love of his family, especially his granddaughter. The Jangle family exemplifies resilience, maintaining their belief in themselves despite life’s setbacks.
After his first invention—a walking, talking toy named Don Juan Diego (voiced by Ricky Martin)—Jeronicus envisions a brighter future for his family. However, Don Juan rebels against mass production and allies with Jeronicus’s apprentice, Gustafson (Keegan-Michael Key), who steals Jeronicus’s invention book and absconds with Don Juan. Shortly after, tragedy strikes as Jeronicus loses his wife, leaving him to navigate fatherhood alone, which he struggles to do. Grieving, he retreats into his work, ultimately deciding to close his toy shop and open a pawn shop that struggles financially.
Faced with impending bankruptcy, Jeronicus receives an ultimatum from the bank: create a new invention or repay his loans by Christmas. With no ideas and feeling defeated, he becomes a shell of his former self—until Journey arrives to spend the holidays with him. Her presence reignites his spirit and challenges Gustafson when he returns with a stolen toy that threatens Jeronicus’s legacy. While Jeronicus lives a life of hardship, Journey offers him the hope he desperately needs.
My family and I were captivated for two hours, watching characters who looked like us dance, sing, and share a message we all needed to hear: “If you believe, it’s all possible.” This resonated deeply as we celebrated not only the film but also the recent election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, marking a significant moment for representation.
As we prepare for the holiday season, potentially facing more state-regulated quarantines, we can find comfort in the knowledge that stories like Jingle Jangle will continue to emerge, showcasing Black and brown actors on screen. We are excited about the future for these actors and the importance of having diverse voices in storytelling, including in the writers’ room. As Jeronicus reminds us, “I got a say in how my story ends…make it work again.” We know our stories best and deserve to share them.
Jingle Jangle embodies themes that resonate with everyone, from the power of forgiveness to resilience in the face of adversity, illustrating how love can transform us. The film’s emphasis on storytelling—from grandmother Journey’s narration to the final scenes—underscores a significant aspect of Black culture, highlighting the importance of passing down stories through generations.
Ultimately, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey taught my family and me that love endures. Through hardship, lost dreams, and the passage of time, love has the power to rebuild us from within if we believe. We are committed to sharing our stories both on and off the screen. Grandma Journey’s words, “Watch me fly higher than my obstacles … I am unstoppable,” inspire us to become those unstoppable individuals, spreading joy, hope, and love this holiday season.
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In summary, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey serves as a heartwarming reminder of hope and resilience, showcasing the significance of representation and the enduring power of love during the holiday season.