Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, pratfalls in sweet, funny holiday comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
1000 Miles from Christmas
What's the Story?
Madrid-based auditor Raúl (Tamar Novas) hates the holidays and is planning a Caribbean getaway so he can get 1000 MILES FROM CHRISTMAS (A MIL KILOMETROS DE LA NAVIDAD). Instead, his boss sends him to a picturesque village in the mountains to audit a company dedicated to making traditional Spanish Christmas treats. From the candy factory to the live Nativity organized by local schoolteacher Paula (Andrea Ros), it's Raúl's worst nightmare to find an entire village dedicated to Christmas. But their spirit slowly wins him over, especially as he and Paula begin to feel a mutual attraction. Things get complicated when Raúl discovers some unethical accounting at the factory run by a local man, Mateo (Peter Vives), who is also interested in Paula.
Is It Any Good?
Actor Tamar Novas carries this lighthearted Spanish comedy with beautiful locations and a positive message about the importance of community. Novas hilariously fulfills the physicality of the role of Raúl in 1000 Miles from Christmas, tumbling down snowy hills, choking on candy, falling into a vat of syrup, and more. He also imbues his character with a high-pitched scream and an uptight demeanor, both of which are very funny. Novas is placed in a picturesque mountain village and surrounded by excellent character actors (including veteran Verónica Forqué, who passed away just before the film's release). One of Netflix's better Christmas movies, this film is sweet, entertaining, and uplifting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages of Christmas that Raúl rejects in 1000 Miles from Christmas. Why does he despise the holidays? Did you believe in his transformation? Why or why not?
How does the film try to make you laugh when Raúl gets injured? What other films have you seen that use physical injury for comedy?
What local traditions, holiday and otherwise, did you pick up on in this Spanish village? Where could you learn more about these traditions?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 24, 2021
- Cast : Tamar Novas , Andrea Ros , Peter Vives
- Director : Alvaro Fernandez Armero
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , Holidays
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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