In this restrained but sincere and warm-hearted British Christmas movie, downtrodden department store worker Sophia (Olivia Holt) and IT security guy Nick (Connor Swindells) cross paths and plan to steal half-a-million pounds from her despicable boss's office safe on Christmas Eve, using her practical magician/thievery skills and his hi-tech savvy. This unashamed mix of reluctant rom-com, heist caper and (incidental?) Christmas movie is more drama than comedy with its low-key low-budget stylings, making its protagonists more grounded and easier to root for than most festive offerings, aided by the addition of Sophia's sickly mother and Nick's cute young daughter. The two likeable leads spark off each other well, with Connor Swindells in particular giving a very sympathetic performance. Jingle Bell Heist may have a sombre streak akin to the feel of Last Christmas, but with its 60s genre-inflected music, engaging leads and well-used festive London settings, this is a gentle but actually rather sweet film.
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