Genie (2023 film)

Genie

Company type	Film
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	2023 (2023)
Founder	Sam Boyd (director), Richard Curtis (screenplay)
Headquarters	New York City , United States
Products	Film
Parent	Universal Pictures, Working Title Films
Website	www.peacocktv.com

Genie is a 2023 holiday fantasy comedy directed by Sam Boyd, with a screenplay by Richard Curtis. This film serves as a modern adaptation of the 1991 British television movie Bernard and the Genie, also penned by Curtis. The cast features Melissa McCarthy, Paapa Essiedu, Denée Benton, Marc Maron, Jordyn McIntosh, Luis Guzmán, and Alan Cumming. It debuted on the streaming platform Peacock on November 22, 2023.

Plot

Bernard works tirelessly at an upscale auction house in New York City under the pressure of his self-centered manager, Mr. Flaxman. His demanding job causes him to miss his daughter Eve’s eighth birthday. Unable to find a suitable present, Bernard gives her an antique box from home. Following this, his wife Julie decides to leave him, and he soon loses his job. Upon cleaning the box, Bernard unleashes Flora, a quirky genie over two millennia old, who appears as a middle-aged woman capable of granting unlimited wishes.

Flora cautions Bernard to be thoughtful with his wishes, yet his first attempts result in mishaps—such as accidentally sending a relative to hell for a short time and redecorating their apartment in ways that attract legal complications. Despite these challenges, Bernard rekindles his bond with Eve and uses some wishes to realize children's Christmas wishes and support those experiencing homelessness. Meanwhile, Flora forms admiration for Bernard and develops romantic feelings toward his doorman, Lenny.

Recognizing Flora’s solitude, Bernard frees her through one wish while keeping three for himself. He uses one wish to reverse time so he does not miss Eve’s birthday again, resigns from his job, and enjoys a heartfelt celebration with his family. His final wishes secure a memorable holiday dinner. Three months later, Bernard finds Lenny managing his favorite pizza restaurant with Flora crafting the pizzas.

Production

In December 2022, Universal Pictures along with Working Title announced that Melissa McCarthy would star in a remake of Bernard and the Genie, based on the original script by Richard Curtis. The following January, Paapa Essiedu was confirmed to co-star alongside McCarthy. Notably, Alan Cumming, who portrays Bernard’s boss in this version, originally played Bernard in the 1991 television film.

Sam Boyd directed the project, with principal photography conducted in New York City during March 2023.

Release

Genie became available for streaming on Peacock starting November 22, 2023.

Reception

Owen Gleiberman of Variety characterized the film as "a wholesome Christmas cookie of a movie," recommending it as suitable holiday entertainment but suggesting that McCarthy deserved more substantial comedic material. The Hollywood Reporter's critic Frank Scheck praised the movie’s humorous moments derived from Curtis’ sharp comic sensibility and highlighted Essiedu’s heartfelt performance alongside McCarthy’s captivating screen presence.

See also

• List of Christmas films

External links

• Genie on Peacock