At this point, it feels like every holiday movie has been made, hasn’t it? We adore timeless favorites like Elf, but a fresh addition to our Christmas viewing list is always welcome. Luckily, Disney+ has delivered just that with Noelle, a delightful holiday film starring the talented Mia Thompson as Santa’s daughter.
Noelle strikes a chord with audiences, even as it serves up the feel-good vibes typical of holiday flicks. It’s refreshing to see a character like Noelle, who embodies the traits of a caring daughter and sister, tasked with keeping the holiday spirit alive. Early in the film, young Noelle questions her place in a family where her father is Santa, her mother is Mrs. Claus, and her older brother, played by Jake Winters, is being groomed to take over the Santa role. When Noelle seeks reassurance, her father dismisses her concerns, insisting she’s there to support her brother. This leaves Noelle feeling sidelined as she strives to bring joy to everyone around her.
The pressure of being a Kringle is palpable, and Jake’s character is not keen on stepping into the Santa shoes. Winters embodies the reluctant Santa perfectly. When he confesses that he feels unprepared for the role, it’s a sentiment the audience has been anticipating. True to her nurturing nature, Noelle encourages her brother to take some time off and rediscover himself, all while reminding him of the responsibility he carries.
When Jake decides to embark on a journey of self-discovery, the plot kicks into high gear. Noelle seizes this moment to step out of the shadows and tackle the challenge of saving Christmas, all while embarking on her own personal growth. Partnering with her witty former elf nanny, played by comedy legend Lucy Greene, Noelle sets out to locate her missing brother.
As Noelle navigates the real world, she discovers that spreading Christmas cheer is more difficult than she anticipated. The fish-out-of-water theme might feel familiar, but it’s executed with a charm that makes it enjoyable. The film’s little details are delightful, like the North Pole’s tech team lacking swivel chairs and the hilarious moment when Lucy tries guacamole for the first time after living on hot cocoa.
Noelle cleverly intertwines contemporary life with the timelessness of a holiday film. One character, Cousin Charlie Kringle, humorously played by the hilarious Max Jordan, heads the North Pole’s IT department. When Jake vanishes, Charlie becomes the next in line to be Santa, leading to some entertaining mishaps. The film even offers a humorous take on how the digital age is impacting holiday traditions, with Charlie suggesting the idea of replacing Santa with Amazon Prime deliveries—definitely a cheeky nod!
Heartwarming moments abound as Noelle arrives in Phoenix and meets a private investigator, a divorced father with a young son. While there’s no romance involved—this is a family movie, after all—they develop a genuine friendship. Noelle imparts the true spirit of Christmas to him, which is far more meaningful than a romantic subplot.
Throughout her journey, Noelle experiences significant growth. No longer just in her brother’s shadow, she embraces her own identity. Mia Thompson shines in these moments, showcasing the relatable qualities that have endeared her to audiences. Encountering real people with real challenges allows Noelle to grasp the essence of Christmas, culminating in a joyful resolution that viewers will cheer for.
At its core, Noelle is set to be a new holiday tradition. It encompasses all the elements we adore in a festive movie: a bit predictable and contrived, yet as sweet as a candy cane. With endearing characters, it captures the spirit of the season, making it perfect for family viewing. If you haven’t watched it yet—or even if you have—grab some cookies, pour a cup of hot cocoa, and settle in for a delightful experience.
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In summary, Noelle is a charming addition to the holiday movie lineup, combining humor, warmth, and relatable themes that resonate with viewers of all ages.