Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pleasant Santa tale has some emotional intensity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Claus Family
What's the Story?
Following the death of her husband, Suzanne (Bracha van Doesburgh) has relocated with her two young children to be closer to her aging father-in-law, Noel Claus (Jan Decleir) in THE CLAUS FAMILY. Her moody tween son, Jules (Mo Bakker), doesn't feel like celebrating Christmas this year, but a surprise awaits him when he discovers his grandpa plays an essential role in the holiday. Jules will have to set aside his own feelings to help his family and save Christmas.
Is It Any Good?
This Belgian Christmas tale is pleasant without being exceptionally entertaining, and heartwarming without igniting any particularly strong feelings. Some humor falls flat in The Claus Family, especially involving elves meant to be goofy but who border on irritating. The drama in the family dynamics of a working widow and her two kids, who are still grieving their dad's accidental death, is more convincing. But the film is uneven, some dialogue and performances land awkwardly, and a subplot involving the mom's cookie-factory job feels superfluous. Special effects on miniature elves and a magical snow globe that transports Santa around the world look surprisingly old-fashioned, but the cobblestoned town setting is very pretty.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Jules is struggling as the anniversary of his father's death approaches in The Claus Family. Why didn't he want to read the letter?
What do you know about the setting and original language of this film? Where could you go for more information?
How does this compare to other holiday movies you've seen?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 5, 2021
- Cast : Mo Bakker , Bracha van Doesburgh , Jan Decleir
- Director : Matthias Temmermans
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Holidays
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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