A Boy Called Christmas

A Boy Called Christmas

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	2021
Founder	Gil Kenan (director), Ol Parker (screenplay co-writer)
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Fantasy film

A Boy Called Christmas is a 2021 British holiday fantasy film directed by Gil Kenan, with a screenplay co-written by Ol Parker and Kenan. It is adapted from the 2015 novel authored by Matt Haig. The ensemble cast features Henry Lawfull, Toby Jones, Sally Hawkins, Kristen Wiig, Michiel Huisman, Zoe Colletti, Stephen Merchant, Jim Broadbent, and Maggie Smith. The plot centers on a young boy who embarks on a journey to an elf-inhabited realm, accompanied by a talking mouse he has trained. Together, they assist the elves in confronting adversaries sent by the king, intertwining with his father's story. The entire narrative is presented as a tale recounted by an elderly woman to her grand-niece and grand-nephews.

The film was released internationally on 24 November 2021 via Netflix, followed by a UK, France, Germany, Australasia, and China release on 26 November 2021 through StudioCanal. In the United Kingdom, it was designated as a Sky Original and made accessible on both Sky Cinema and the streaming platform NOW. It garnered favorable reviews from critics and achieved a box office total of $3.8 million.

Plot

On Christmas Eve, siblings Andrea, Moppet, and Patrick—recently orphaned after their mother’s passing and with their father Matt away on urgent business—are placed under the guardianship of Aunt Ruth, who begins to share a Christmas story with them.

Thirteen-year-old Nikolas lives in the woods alongside his woodcutter father Joel. Since his mother died two years prior, Nikolas finds solace in the tale of Elfhelm, a mystical land inhabited by elves. One evening, he spares a mouse attempting to steal food, names it Miika, and teaches it how to speak.

When the King announces a reward for anyone who can find an object that will restore hope to the kingdom, Joel joins hunters searching for Elfhelm and leaves Nikolas with Aunt Carlotta, who treats him poorly. Upon discovering a map that confirms Elfhelm’s reality, Nikolas ventures northward to locate his father, accompanied by Miika—now able to communicate—and a reindeer he calls Blitzen.

At Elfhelm, they find only Joel’s knife. Feeling hopeless, Nikolas collapses but is saved by Little Noosh and Father Topo, who provides him with a "hope spell" that renews his belief. Nikolas learns that Elfhelm can only be seen by those who truly believe. He meets Mother Vodel and uncovers that humans—including Joel—have taken captive a young elf named Little Kip.

Nikolas faces execution by a troll but manages to escape with assistance from the fairy Truth Pixie. He discovers Joel and the hunters holding Little Kip hostage; after Joel experiences a change of heart, he releases them but sacrifices himself so the others can flee on Blitzen’s sled.

Returning to Elfhelm with Little Kip, Nikolas stops Father Topo from punishing him and receives traditional elf-crafted toys as a reward. Motivated, he leads the elves in producing plentiful toys and sweets.

Before departing on Blitzen with the gifts, Mother Vodel confesses she once lost faith in humans due to the kidnapping incident but now recognizes Nikolas as the son of the girl from her legend—Nikolas’s mother. He reminds her of his mother’s lasting happiness in Elfhelm.

Nikolas arrives back at the kingdom on Christmas Eve, presenting toys to the King and guiding him on a secret gift delivery journey. After helping Carlotta believe in magic, the King endorses their mission.

Aunt Ruth finishes the story by explaining its significance while sensing that one child is beginning to accept their mother’s fate. The children come to understand that Nikolas is Santa Claus.

When Matt returns home, he finds their house adorned with Christmas decorations and gifts. Aunt Ruth briefly reveals pointed ears and later launches a firecracker into the sky—unveiling herself as the Truth Pixie.

Production

In May 2016, the film adaptation rights were obtained by Blueprint Pictures and StudioCanal, with Ol Parker assigned to develop the screenplay.

By April 2019, Gil Kenan was officially named as the director. The ensemble featured Jim Broadbent, Sally Hawkins, Maggie Smith, and Kristen Wiig. Principal photography began that same month, taking place in various locations including Lapland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and London.

Release

The movie premiered on 26 November 2021 across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, and China through StudioCanal. International distribution was handled by Netflix, which released the film globally on 24 November 2021.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 83% based on 30 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.7/10. The critical summary notes that A Boy Called Christmas may lack surprises but delivers a heartfelt holiday atmosphere. According to Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 66 out of 100 from 5 critics, reflecting generally favorable reviews.

See also

• List of Christmas films