Alexandra Breckenridge, beloved for her tender and emotionally layered performance as Mel Monroe in Virgin River, is stepping into a role no one saw coming — Santa Claus. Yes, you read that right. In Netflix’s brand-new holiday film My Secret Santa, Breckenridge trades the cozy cabins of Virgin River for the sparkling magic of the North Pole, and what unfolds is a funny, touching, and deeply human reinvention of one of the world’s most timeless characters. With twinkling lights, heartwarming chaos, and a few tears along the way, the film has already been hailed as one of Netflix’s most daring and imaginative Christmas originals.

At its core, My Secret Santa is not a simple holiday comedy — it’s a story about identity, legacy, and the courage to believe in magic again. The film follows Holly Winters, a hard-working single mother and toy designer who’s lost her Christmas spirit after a personal tragedy. When her son makes an innocent wish for his mom to “smile again,” the universe intervenes in the most unexpected way: Holly wakes up one morning to find that she has inherited the mantle of Santa Claus. But unlike the traditional jolly old man in red, Holly’s Santa is smart, modern, and a little chaotic — a woman learning that kindness and courage can be as powerful as magic itself.

The transformation is not just physical — though the film does include a delightfully whimsical montage of Breckenridge trying on red velvet coats, fuzzy boots, and even a golden sleigh driver’s license — it’s deeply emotional. Holly must learn what it truly means to give without fear, to forgive herself, and to open her heart to wonder once again. Breckenridge captures this beautifully, blending humor with humanity in every scene. Her performance is warm yet fierce, playful yet grounded — a Santa who laughs, cries, and even doubts herself, making her both magical and relatable.

The trailer, which dropped to instant buzz on social media, opens with Holly trudging through a snowy New York street, coffee in hand, muttering about deadlines and broken toys. “Christmas isn’t magic,” she sighs. “It’s just work.” Moments later, she’s whisked into a swirl of golden snowflakes and transported to a glittering workshop hidden inside a snow globe. The audience gasps right along with her as she realizes what’s happened — she’s the new Santa. Her first reaction? “I need more coffee.” It’s classic Alexandra Breckenridge: sharp, funny, and instantly lovable.

What makes My Secret Santa stand out in a sea of holiday films is how it turns the familiar Christmas mythology on its head. Instead of an all-knowing, older man delivering presents, we have a young woman grappling with her own grief, rediscovering joy through the act of giving. Netflix insiders have described the film as “The Santa Clause meets The Devil Wears Prada,” and that comparison fits perfectly. Holly’s world is a blend of fantasy and realism — a place where reindeer text messages coexist with corporate boardrooms, and where love, both romantic and familial, drives the story forward.

Breckenridge herself has called the film her most daring role yet, and it’s easy to see why. In interviews, she revealed that she initially hesitated to take the part. “I didn’t want it to be gimmicky,” she said. “I wanted to play Santa with heart — not just as a costume, but as a human being learning how to lead with love.” That emotional depth shines through in every frame. Whether she’s comforting a child, standing up to the cynical toy executives who want to “modernize Christmas,” or sharing quiet, snowy moments with her love interest, every scene feels alive with sincerity.

And speaking of romance — yes, there’s love in the air. Enter Ben Hayes, played by Lucifer’s Tom Ellis, a charming meteorologist who doesn’t believe in Christmas miracles until Holly quite literally crashes her sleigh into his backyard. Their chemistry is instant and electric — witty banter, tender glances, and the slow, sparkling build of a connection that feels genuine. Their love story isn’t just another holiday trope; it’s about two broken people finding light again through trust and laughter.

The film also shines in its supporting cast. Veteran actor Kathy Bates plays Mrs. Kringle — not the wife of Santa, but the mystical “keeper of the list,” who serves as Holly’s mentor and guide through her magical training. Meanwhile, Jacob Tremblay delivers a heartfelt performance as Holly’s young son, Max, whose innocent wish sets the entire story in motion. Their mother-son bond is the emotional heartbeat of the film, and it’s in those quiet, tear-streaked moments between them that Breckenridge delivers some of her finest acting to date.

Director Nancy Meyers brings her signature warmth and visual elegance to the project, blending snow-dusted magic with sharp humor and emotional realism. Every scene glows — from twinkling city streets to the glimmering candy-cane corridors of Santa’s workshop. The production design is nothing short of enchanting: swirling snowstorms captured in perfect slow motion, golden light reflecting off toy trains, and a North Pole that feels both mythical and surprisingly modern. Meyers reportedly described the film as “a story about rediscovering yourself when life doesn’t go according to plan — wrapped in tinsel and sprinkled with laughter.”