Light as a snowflake, cute as a button.
Disney’s Noelle offers a predictably fresh spin on Christmas mythology, aiming to bring modern sensibilities and a dash of empowerment to the North Pole. Released on Disney+ in 2019, this holiday comedy is a light, breezy affair anchored by Anna Kendrick’s charm and a generous helping of festive cheer.
The story centres on Noelle Kringle (Kendrick), the spirited daughter of Santa Claus, who has always been content with her supportive role in the family business—cheering on her brother Nick (Bill Hader), the heir to the Santa mantle. But when Nick cracks under the pressure and flees the North Pole just days before Christmas, Noelle is thrust into the spotlight. With the future of Christmas at stake, she embarks on a journey to bring her brother back and discovers that perhaps she’s more suited to the job of Santa than anyone anticipated.
Anna Kendrick shines as Noelle, delivering a performance that blends wide-eyed optimism with comedic timing and heartfelt sincerity. Her chemistry with Bill Hader is endearing, even though Hader’s Nick feels underutilised, leaving much of the film’s emotional weight resting squarely on Kendrick’s shoulders. Shirley MacLaine adds a touch of magic as Noelle’s nanny and sidekick Elf Polly, while Kingsley Ben-Adir’s tech-savvy private investigator Jake grounds the story with a bit of real-world pragmatism.
The film’s fish-out-of-water comedy is its most consistent source of laughs. Noelle’s escapades in modern-day Arizona, where she clashes with malls, yoga classes, and smartphone culture, provide plenty of amusing moments. These scenes also serve as a platform for the film’s more poignant themes about tradition, family, and finding one’s purpose.
Visually, Noelle sparkles with the polished, candy-coated aesthetic typical of Disney’s holiday offerings. The North Pole is a pastel wonderland of snow, sweets, and whimsical inventions, contrasting sharply with the sunny desert landscapes of Noelle’s human-world adventure. The film is undeniably aimed at families, delivering a gentle, feel-good message that’s easy to digest but unlikely to leave a lasting impression. The stakes never feel particularly high, and some plot points—such as Noelle’s self-discovery and Nick’s reluctance to take on the Santa role—are resolved a little too easily.
That said, Noelle succeeds in what it sets out to do: deliver a sweet, wholesome Christmas movie that’s accessible to all ages. It may not reinvent the sleigh, but it offers enough warmth, humour, and holiday spirit to earn a spot in the seasonal viewing rotation. With Kendrick’s lovable performance at its core, Noelle is a festive treat that’s as light and fluffy as a snowflake.
