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Movie poster for Just Another Christmas (2020)

Just Another Christmas

“Imagine waking up and everyday is Christmas day.”

2020
1h 41m
12 · Portuguese
Search on Netflix

Overview

After taking a very nasty fall on Christmas Eve, grinchy Jorge blacks out and wakes up one year later, with no memory of the year that has passed. He soon realizes that he’s doomed to keep waking up on Christmas Eve after Christmas Eve, having to deal with the aftermath of what his other self has done the other 364 days of the year.

Cast

12 people

Reviews

5 min read

The Ghost of Christmas Present, Stuck on Repeat

I’ve always had a soft spot for time-loop stories, not because they’re clever (though they often are), but because they force us to confront the same question: What would you do if you had to live the same day over and over, but no one else remembered? It’s a premise that lends itself to both comedy and existential dread, and Just Another Christmas (or Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem, which translates to "Everything’s Fine for Next Christmas") leans hard into the former. But beneath the festive chaos and slapstick humor, there’s a quiet ache—a reminder that time doesn’t just pass; it accumulates, leaving behind a trail of choices we can’t undo, relationships we’ve neglected, and versions of ourselves we barely recognize.

Jorge (Leandro Hassum) is a man who has spent his life avoiding the very things that might make it meaningful. He’s a Scrooge for the modern age: not cruel, just indifferent. He skips family gatherings, grumbles through holiday obligations, and treats Christmas like an annual inconvenience.

Then, after a drunken tumble on Christmas Eve, he wakes up a year later—only to realize he’s trapped in a loop, doomed to relive the same holiday over and over, each iteration revealing the consequences of the previous year’s neglect. The fantasy element here isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a mirror. Jorge isn’t just stuck in time—he’s stuck with himself, and the film asks whether that’s a punishment or an opportunity.

A family gathered around a Christmas tree, their faces a mix of exhaustion and forced cheer

The film’s greatest strength is its refusal to let Jorge off the hook. Time-loop stories often devolve into wish fulfillment—what if you could fix your mistakes?—but Just Another Christmas is messier than that. Jorge’s attempts to "improve" his life only expose how little he understands the people around him.

In one scene, he tries to reconnect with his daughter by buying her an expensive gift, only to realize she’d rather have his time than his money. It’s a small moment, but it lands with the weight of a thousand missed birthdays. The film doesn’t just want Jorge to change; it wants him to see, and that’s a harder ask.

Audience Opinions

Limited evidence
Audience 6.8/10
"A lighthearted, charming Christmas comedy without the depth to rise above holiday movie tropes."

Leandro Hassum’s performance is widely praised for its humor and energy, which make the film enjoyable festive entertainment. The plot is predictable and thin, though, relying on familiar holiday clichés without much originality or emotional weight.

What viewers praise
  • Leandro Hassum’s performance Hassum’s comedic timing and charisma are the film’s strongest points and keep the tone fun.
  • Festive atmosphere The holiday setting and cheerful vibe make it a decent pick for casual Christmas viewing.
Common complaints
  • Predictable plot The story follows well-worn holiday movie formulas with no fresh twists or surprises.
  • Lacks emotional depth Fun, but little heartfelt or memorable beyond surface-level humor.
Recommended for
Fans of light Christmas comedies Leandro Hassum admirers Casual holiday movie watchers

Full Plot (Spoilers)

Spoiler warning

This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.

Buzz & Rumors

Public reports

How "Just Another Christmas" Became Roberto Santucci’s Holiday Comedy Hit

Brazilian director Roberto Santucci has built a career on crowd-pleasing comedies, and Just Another Christmas (2020) is no exception. The film, originally titled Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem, arrived on Netflix just in time for the holiday season, offering a lighthearted escape with a twist on festive chaos. While the movie didn’t reinvent the wheel, it leaned into Santucci’s signature style—big laughs, relatable family dynamics, latestnetflix.com maintains, and a dash of absurdity.

A Familiar Face in the Lead

Leandro Hassum, a staple in Brazilian comedy, headlines the film as the put-upon protagonist. Hassum’s knack for physical comedy and deadpan delivery has made him a go-to for Santucci, who has directed him in multiple box office hits. The supporting cast—including Elisa Pinheiro, Arianne Botelho, and Danielle Winits—brings a mix of veteran charm and fresh energy, though the film’s focus remains squarely on Hassum’s chaotic holiday misadventures.

Behind the Scenes: Santucci’s Formula

Santucci’s filmography is dominated by commercially successful comedies, and Just Another Christmas fits neatly into that mold. Known for helming films that dominated the Brazilian box office in the 2010s, Santucci’s approach prioritizes broad humor and heartwarming moments. While the evidence doesn’t reveal specific behind-the-scenes drama or budget details, the film’s 100-minute runtime and straightforward premise suggest a streamlined production—likely designed for mass appeal.

The movie’s original title, Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem, translates to "Everything’s Fine for Next Christmas," hinting at its playful take on holiday stress. Reviews have been mixed, with some praising its lighthearted tone (earning a 5.9/10 on SensCritique) while others found it predictable. Still, for fans of Santucci’s work, it’s a familiar comfort watch.

Netflix’s Holiday Gamble

Just Another Christmas arrived on Netflix as part of the platform’s push for global holiday content. The film’s trailer, which amassed views on YouTube, promised a mix of slapstick and family-friendly humor. While it didn’t break new ground, its timing and accessibility made it a solid addition to Netflix’s festive lineup. Multiple review videos on YouTube suggest it found an audience, even if critics weren’t blown away.

The Verdict: A Cozy, If Unremarkable, Holiday Flick

For those seeking a low-stakes Christmas comedy, Just Another Christmas delivers exactly what it promises—laughs, a bit of chaos, and a feel-good ending. It won’t redefine the genre, but as part of Santucci’s filmography, it’s another example of his ability to craft commercially successful, crowd-pleasing entertainment.

Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.

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