The Heist Before Christmas is a 2023 British Christmas film starring
Timothy Spall and
James Nesbitt. It is written by Ronan Blaney, directed by Edward Hall, and produced by Calico Pictures and SHUK (Studio Hamburg UK).
Synopsis
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A twelve year-old witnesses a bank robbery committed by a man dressed as
Santa Claus during a 'Santa Dash' and follows the robber only to also meet a man claiming to be the real Father Christmas.[1][2]
Written by Ronan Blaney, the film, then entitled Joy to the World, was announced by the
Sky Group in February 2023, with filming scheduled to take place in and around
Belfast. Production comes from SHUK and Calico Pictures.[5] The title was changed to The Heist Before Christmas prior to broadcast.[6]
Lead actors James Nesbitt and Timothy Spall were joined in the cast by young actors Bamber Todd and Joshua McLees, both from Northern Ireland and 13 and 11 years old, respectively.[10]
Broadcast
It was broadcast in the UK on
Sky Max on 24 December 2023.[11]
Reception
The Guardian's
Lucy Mangan rated it four stars, calling it a "magnificent drama" but bemoaning the ending as "a bit of a mess".[12]The Independent's Nick Hilton was less positive, rating it two stars, praising its "ambitious, anti-capitalist" outlook, but criticising its execution as "cheap" and "hammy".[13]