Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A Christmas Carol adaptation celebrates multiculturalism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Christmas Karma
What's the Story?
CHRISTMAS KARMA tells the story of Sood (Kunal Nayyar), a hateful man who runs his own law firm, bringing nothing but misery to those who encounter him—even during Christmas. But on one fateful evening he is visited by three ghosts of Christmas Past (Eva Longoria), Present (Billy Porter), and Future (Boy George), who take him on an odyssey through his own life to show him there is a better way to live.
Is It Any Good?
This modern-day musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol falls into the "there are better adaptations available" category. Written and directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), Christmas Karma offers plenty of positive messages and captures the vibrancy and diversity of present-day London. But as a piece of cinema, it has too many issues to ignore. First and foremost, the film is almost sickly sweet, with sentimentality and mawkishness proving off-putting at times. Its heart is in the right place and it's endearingly uncynical, but the balance tips too far. The music is mostly forgettable despite having songwriters like Gary Barlow (Take That) and Shaznay Lewis (All Saints) behind it. Nayyar's central performance also fails to land in the more emotional scenes. With so many adaptations available—Michael Caine's Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol, for example—Christmas Karma is unlikely to become a festive classic for repeat viewing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about redemption and second chances in Christmas Karma. What does it take for someone to truly change? Can people always become better versions of themselves, or are there limits? How did Sood's experiences with the three ghosts help him see his life differently?
Discuss the refugee experience depicted in the film. What challenges did Sood and his family face leaving Uganda and arriving in Britain? How did the film portray xenophobia and racism? What does it mean to be a refugee, and how can communities better welcome people seeking safety?
Talk about kindness and generosity during the holidays. Why did Sood become so mean-spirited despite his success? How does treating others poorly affect both the person being unkind and those around them? What are ways to bring more kindness into your daily life year-round, not just during the holidays?
Discuss the diversity depicted in the movie. How did the film celebrate London's multiculturalism? What value does diversity bring to communities? How can people honor their cultural heritage while embracing their new home?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 14, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : December 2, 2025
- Cast : Kunal Nayyar , Charithra Chandran , Eva Longoria
- Director : Gurinder Chadha
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Ketchup Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Book Characters , Fantasy ( Magic )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, some violence, scary images, language and suggestive references
- Last updated : December 8, 2025
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