Name: I Believe in Santa
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Released: 2022-12-14T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Christina Moore, John Ducey, Violet McGraw, Sachin Bhatt, Lateefah Holder

The courtroom scene where Tom’s lawyer argues his client is the real Santa Claus should be the absurd climax of a rom-com, but in Alex Ranarivelo’s I Believe in Santa, it’s just another misfire. This Netflix holiday offering stumbles through its premise—a journalist (Christina Moore) dating a man (John Ducey) who genuinely believes in Santa—without finding a consistent tone or spark.

What works, barely, are the occasional sharp lines about faith and diverse beliefs, which give the film a glimmer of philosophical heft. The soundtrack, filled with traditional Christmas carols, at least sets a festive mood, even if it can’t elevate the thin material. Violet McGraw’s performance as Ella, Lisa’s daughter, brings some much-needed warmth and charm to the screen, grounding what could have been a completely farcical premise.

But the film’s central problem is its lack of chemistry between Moore and Ducey. Their romance feels forced, their banter flat, and their conflicts unconvincing. The script tries too hard to juggle romantic comedy and holiday whimsy, resulting in a muddled mess that neither fully commits to being heartfelt or hilarious. Even the courtroom scene, which should be the film’s standout moment of absurdity, falls flat due to weak execution.

Ranarivelo’s direction lacks a clear vision, leaving the film adrift between tones and genres. It’s not quite satirical enough to be a sharp holiday send-up, nor is it sincere enough to work as a traditional rom-com. The film’s attempts at humor often feel forced or cringe-inducing, and its emotional beats rarely land.

In the end, I Believe in Santa is a misguided holiday offering that fails to deliver on its premise.