Santa Fake 2019

In the humble confines of a 1994 Derry orphanage, an auspicious encounter between baby Patrick Keeley (no specific actor credited) and a diminutive visitor sets the stage for a life of grandeur. Fast-forward 25 years to New York City, where Pat’s journey takes on a life of its own. Illegally immigrating in search of a fresh start, he finds solace in off-the-books employment at Irish restaurant owner Joe’s establishment. A paternal figure in his mentor, Pat’s life is turned upside down when he’s asked to deliver two mysterious suitcases for his boss in exchange for a hefty sum. With a growing unease about the shady dealings surrounding him, Pat’s apprehension reaches a boiling point as he encounters multiple police officers en route to the drop-off.

In a desperate attempt to shake off the bad vibes, Pat boards the next available bus and finds himself in Santa Fe, where a chance encounter with widowed B&B proprietor Mrs. Ortega becomes his temporary sanctuary. His phone call to Joe to reassure him of his intentions is met with hostility and a chilling threat, prompting Pat to flee once more. However, his new location is quickly discovered by Joe’s henchmen, Jim and Seb, who are dispatched to eliminate the errant package carrier.

Meanwhile, an FBI wiretap on the phone sparks a chain reaction that brings two agents hot on the heels of Jim and Seb as they investigate money laundering allegations against Joe. As Pat opens the briefcases containing a staggering $1.3 million, he’s forced to reevaluate his precarious situation. Using some of the loot as collateral, he indulges in a lavish shopping spree at the local mall, only to be confronted by Joe’s ominous warning that his time is running out.

Seeking refuge and a chance to clear his name, Pat agrees to don the Santa suit for the mall’s holiday events, much to Emily’s (no specific actress credited) dismay. As the unlikely duo navigates their newfound roles, Pat finds solace in the children he entertains with his warm heart and off-key singing skills, unwittingly becoming a beacon of hope amidst the chaos that surrounds him.

As Pat navigates his clandestine existence, he deliberately eschews conventional luggage in favor of a trusty backpack, allowing him to blend into the crowd as he traverses the mall with calculated stealth. This precautionary measure enables him to avoid detection by Jim and Seb, who have also arrived at the same destination, their suspicious eyes scanning the surroundings. Meanwhile, Emily’s persistent efforts to persuade Pat to formalize his employment status are met with resistance, as he refuses to compromise on his illegal circumstances, instead opting for a work-for-free arrangement. A compromise dinner date is proposed by Emily, which Pat reluctantly accepts, his mind still reeling from the weight of his precarious situation.

In the midst of this turmoil, Pat finds solace in an unexpected encounter with Mrs. Ortega, whose poignant reminiscences about her late husband serve as a poignant reminder of the transience of life. This introspective moment precipitates a crisis of faith for Pat, prompting him to seek guidance at a nearby church. There, he is reassured by Padre Estaban’s words of wisdom, and in return, offers a comforting prophecy regarding the church’s upcoming toy drive, despite the lackluster donations.

The following evening, Pat embarks on a date with Emily, where he discovers that her travel experiences have been limited to an out-of-state university. As they stroll hand-in-hand, Pat shares his own tumultuous past, revealing that his father perished in The Troubles and his mother was forced to relinquish him due to the chaos. Unbeknownst to them, their romantic interlude is unwittingly aided by the diminutive figure from the film’s opening sequence, who skillfully diverts Seb and Jim’s attention with an impromptu rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.

Despite the evening’s lighthearted tone, Pat’s equilibrium is shaken when Mrs. Ortega reveals that the FBI has paid a visit to their humble abode, tracing a mysterious phone call to the establishment. The next day, as Pat dons his Santa suit for a final time, he encounters Vicente, a young resident of a group home, whose plight tugs at his heartstrings. Sympathetic to the boy’s circumstances, Pat enlists Emily and Ryan, the security guard, in a mission to procure the longed-for toys for the children, with plans to distribute them on Christmas Eve.

Initially, everything goes according to plan, but Jim and Seb finally catch wind of Pat’s Santa Claus persona, triggering a high-stakes chase. With the stakes raised, Pat must rely on his wits and cunning to evade capture, ultimately fleeing to the church where he deposits the backpack filled with money and leaves a heartfelt note for the children. This poignant gesture is later discovered by Padre Estaban, a testament to Pat’s enduring spirit and commitment to spreading joy during the holiday season.

As the townspeople congregate in the town square, mesmerized by Pat’s soulful rendition of “O Holy Night” on the cusp of his supposed demise or imprisonment, desperation fuels his bid for escape. He commandeers an antique fire truck, with Emily joining him as he shares his plight with her. However, Seb falls prey to Ryan’s authority, while Jim meets a violent end at the hands of Padre Estaban. Despite the initial victory, Pat’s hopes are extinguished when the fire truck sputters out of gas, leaving him wracked with despair and hopelessness in the face of capture by authorities or Joe’s forces. In his panic, he tumbles from the vehicle and loses consciousness.

Pat’s awakening finds him face to face with a majestic reindeer and none other than the jolly Santa Claus himself. Flashbacks reveal that Pat has been present throughout the film without being noticed, his presence marked only by the enigmatic little person, Alowishus, who had been subtly guiding events. It transpires that this diminutive individual, an elf in Santa’s employ, had been monitoring Pat’s kind-hearted nature and generosity, traits instilled by his upbringing and nurtured through his interactions with less fortunate children. Moved by Pat’s potential, Santa proposes a partnership: he desires to retire after 1749 years at the helm and wants Pat to apprentice under him, ultimately taking over as the new Santa Claus.

As Pat prepares for his new role, he shares a tender goodbye with Emily, assuring her that they will reunite once more. With a heavy heart, he departs to join Santa, and together they soar through the skies to the North Pole, their journey marked by the promise of a bright future.

In the epilogue, Mrs. Ortega welcomes Vicente into her fold, while Emily receives plane tickets to Ireland, her path unfolding like a mystery waiting to be solved. Meanwhile, Joe is left with an enigmatic wrapped box of coal, its contents and significance shrouded in uncertainty.