The Claus Family 2021
Directed by
Matthias Temmermans
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
Suzanne relocates to Belgium with her two children, Jules and Noor, as she secures employment at a local biscuit factory. During her shifts, her father-in-law, Noël Claus, takes on the role of caretaker for the kids. One day, Jules stumbles upon a magical snow globe among his grandfather’s belongings, which grants him the ability to travel anywhere in the world. To his surprise, he discovers that his grandfather is none other than the real Santa Claus, who operates a secret workshop in the North Pole with the assistance of elves.
However, the joy is short-lived as Noël faces health challenges, rendering him unable to deliver Christmas presents globally, thus placing the responsibility squarely on Jules’ young shoulders. Despite the festive obligations, Jules harbors resentment towards Christmas, a sentiment rooted in the tragic loss of his father the previous year on Christmas Eve. As he learns that the family tradition dictates that all first-born males must take over the Santa role when the time comes, his dread only deepens.
Simultaneously, the biscuit factory is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, as management refuses to embrace innovation or invest in new flavors. In an effort to bring “light to dark times,” Suzanne attempts to bake her signature colorful cookies but faces consequences, losing her job after failing to respond to Jules’ distress calls. When Jules returns home, he faces a stern reprimand from his mother, who questions his perceived selfishness. Feeling misunderstood and still reeling from his father’s death, Jules retreats to his room in anger.
He is visited by Ella, his insightful babysitter, who gently reminds him that while no one can compel him to move on from his grief, he must not impose his pain on others. Ella encourages Jules to confront a letter left for him by his father. Despite his fears that reading it would solidify the finality of his father’s death, Jules eventually musters the courage to open it.
As Suzanne grapples with her own feelings of shame for snapping at Jules, she confides in a friend from the factory about the family’s struggles since her husband’s tragic passing. This heartfelt conversation leads to a reconciliation between mother and son. Suzanne shares her grief, revealing that she too is searching for ways to navigate their shared loss.
With inspiration drawn from Ella’s wisdom and Suzanne’s vulnerability, Jules reads his father’s letter, which reassures him that although his father is no longer physically present, his spirit lives on through him. This comforting realization revitalizes Jules’ determination to rescue Christmas and fulfill his destiny.
As the story unfolds, Jules steps up to deliver presents, accompanying them with the homemade cookies created by his mother and her coworkers at the factory. His journey culminates in delivering a batch to the President of the United States, who is so taken by the cookies that she places a significant order, thanks to the united efforts of the factory workers—including the previously estranged manager. Finally, Jules decorates a Christmas tree, symbolizing his emotional reconciliation with the past. In a heartwarming conclusion, Jules, Noël, Suzanne, Ella, and their friends gather to celebrate the joys of Christmas together, embracing the spirit of family and community.
Timeline
Suzanne Relocates to Belgium
Suzanne moves to Belgium with her two children, Jules and Noor, after securing a job at a local biscuit factory. This relocation marks a fresh start for the family following the tragic loss of her husband.
Noël Takes Care of the Kids
While Suzanne works at the biscuit factory, her father-in-law, Noël, takes on the responsibility of caring for Jules and Noor. This arrangement highlights the family's reliance on one another during difficult times.
Discovery of the Magical Snow Globe
One day, Jules finds a magical snow globe among his grandfather’s belongings, which surprisingly grants him the power to travel anywhere in the world. This discovery leads him to uncover a remarkable secret about his family.
Jules Learns About His Grandfather
Jules is astonished to discover that his grandfather is the real Santa Claus, who runs a secret workshop at the North Pole with the help of elves. This revelation adds both wonder and pressure to his young shoulders.
Noël's Health Declines
As Christmas approaches, Noël faces serious health issues, making him unable to deliver gifts worldwide. With his grandfather's role at stake, Jules feels the weight of the impending responsibilities on him.
Jules Resents Christmas
Due to the tragic loss of his father on Christmas Eve the previous year, Jules develops a deep resentment towards the holiday. This complicated mix of grief and expectation creates internal conflict for the young boy.
Suzanne Loses Her Job
In an attempt to uplift the factory during its financial downturn, Suzanne bakes her signature colorful cookies. Regrettably, her failure to respond to Jules’ distress signal leads to her losing her job.
Conflict Between Mother and Son
After returning home, Jules faces a stern reprimand from his mother, who perceives him as selfish. This confrontation intensifies Jules' feelings of misunderstanding and emotional isolation.
Ella Visits Jules
Jules is visited by Ella, his insightful babysitter, who helps him process his grief. She urges him to confront a letter left by his father, despite his fears that it might intensify his pain.
Suzanne Confides in a Friend
In her moment of vulnerability, Suzanne confides in a friend at the factory about their family's struggles since her husband's passing. This conversation ultimately helps bridge the gap between her and Jules.
Jules Reads His Father's Letter
With newfound courage, Jules opens the letter from his father, discovering a message that reassures him of his father's enduring spirit. This moment reignites his hope and determination to embrace Christmas.
Jules Delivers Presents
Stepping into the shoes of Santa, Jules begins the journey of delivering presents to homes while teaming up with his mother and factory workers to create homemade cookies. This act of love signifies a heartfelt commitment to his family's legacy.
Delivery to the President
Jules culminates his efforts by delivering cookies to the President of the United States. Impressed by their quality, she places a significant order, facilitating reconciliation with the factory management and boosting morale.
Jules Decorates the Christmas Tree
As a symbol of his emotional healing, Jules decorates a Christmas tree, marking his acceptance of the past and his role within his family. This act of celebration signifies a new chapter for the family.
Christmas Celebration
In a heartwarming conclusion, Jules, Noël, Suzanne, Ella, and their friends gather to celebrate Christmas together. This joyful reunion embodies the spirit of family, love, and community that has triumphed over their struggles.
Characters
Noël Claus (Jan Decleir)
Noël Claus is a warm hearted yet frail grandfather who embodies the spirit of Santa Claus. As he faces health challenges, he struggles to maintain his legendary role, unwittingly passing this mantle onto his grandson, Jules. His character brings both a sense of tradition and urgency to the story.
Suzanne (Bracha van Doesburgh)
Suzanne is a resilient mother who strives to support her family after the loss of her husband. Balancing her job at the biscuit factory with raising her children, she embodies strength and emotional vulnerability, ultimately advocating for healing and reconciliation within her family.
Jules Claus (Mo Bakker)
Jules Claus is a young boy who experiences deep emotional turmoil following his father's death. As he discovers his family's legacy, he initially resents the expectations placed upon him but ultimately finds the strength to embrace his destiny and spread joy during the holiday season.
Ella (Pommelien Thijs)
Ella serves as a wise and compassionate babysitter for Jules, providing him with guidance and support. Her insights help Jules navigate his grief, prompting him to confront his emotions and ultimately contribute to his family's Christmas legacy.
Setting
Time period
Contemporary
The events of the film unfold in contemporary times, during the Christmas season. This period is characterized by familial struggles, the spirit of giving, and the emotional weight of navigating grief during what is traditionally a joyous time.
Location
Belgium, North Pole
The movie takes place in Belgium, where Suzanne works at a local biscuit factory while raising her children. The North Pole serves as a magical contrast, being the secret workshop of Santa Claus, filled with elves and the spirit of Christmas.
Themes
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Grief & Healing
The theme of grief permeates the film, particularly through Jules, who grapples with the loss of his father. The journey of healing is illustrated as Jules learns to honor his father's memory while embracing the festivities of Christmas. This reconciliation leads to moments of emotional growth both for him and his mother, Suzanne.
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Family & Community
The narrative emphasizes the importance of family and community, particularly as Jules rises to the occasion to save Christmas. The bond between Suzanne and her children strengthens throughout the film, highlighting the power of love and support in overcoming life's challenges.
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Tradition & Innovation
The film contrasts the elements of tradition, embodied by Jules’ family legacy as Santa, with the need for innovation, as seen in the struggling biscuit factory. This theme culminates in the blending of old and new, particularly through the creation of colorful cookies that revitalize both the spirit of Christmas and the factory.
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