When we noticed that Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey was a trending title on Netflix, we decided it would be the perfect pick for our weekly family movie night. Just three minutes in, the chatter began as my kids tried to grasp the unfolding story. My youngest, curious and observant, excitedly pointed out how the young boy on screen resembled her brother, exclaiming, “That boy looks like you!” with a delightful surprise.
We found ourselves enveloped in the warmth of our home, watching a film crafted by a talented Black filmmaker, Malcolm Evans, featuring an incredible cast predominantly made up of actors of color. This narrative served as a reminder that dreams can come true, particularly when it comes to representing diversity in holiday films. It arrived just in time to instill hope in us that we would see more characters who looked like us on screen.
As the story of the toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (played by Elijah Walker) unfolds, narrated by his granddaughter, Melody, we were captivated. The film opens with Melody (Angela Simmons) recounting the events that led Jeronicus to lose faith in his abilities. As we danced and sang along with the vibrant songs, I felt a deep appreciation for experiencing another remarkable moment with my family in 2020: witnessing an all-Black ensemble portray a story of resilience and the power of family, especially through the eyes of a hopeful granddaughter. The Jangle family embodies the spirit of perseverance, even after facing significant setbacks.
After Jeronicus’s first creation—a talking toy named Don Diego (sung by Chris Brown)—comes to life, his dreams for financial stability ignite. However, Don Diego rebels against mass production, leading Jeronicus’s apprentice, Leo (Jordan Fisher), to betray him by stealing his book of inventions and fleeing with his creation. Tragedy strikes when Jeronicus loses his wife and struggles to care for his daughter, Zara (Tinashe), throwing himself into work as a means of coping. Following a series of unfortunate events, he resigns to close his toy shop and transforms it into a pawn shop that struggles to stay afloat.
When the bank demands repayment by Christmas, Jeronicus is confronted with an ultimatum: invent something new or face financial ruin. Sinking into despair, he loses his sense of self until Melody arrives for the holiday. Her presence rekindles his spirit and provides the motivation he needs to confront Leo, who returns with a stolen toy. While Leo thrives, Jeronicus’s life remains disheartening—until Melody reintroduces hope.
My family and I spent two hours immersed in a story that resonated deeply, underscored by Melody’s empowering mantra: “If you believe, it’s all possible.” This resonated with me as a parent. We began this holiday season with joy, reflecting on recent moments of celebration, like the election of leaders who bring representation and change.
As we prepare for the possibility of another pandemic-induced lockdown, we cling to the hope that films like Jingle Jangle will pave the way for more diverse holiday narratives, allowing us to see ourselves reflected on screen. We cherish the potential for greater representation of Black and brown actors, who deserve to tell their stories both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. In one poignant scene, Jeronicus asserts, “I got a say in how my story ends…make it work again.” This is a powerful reminder that we understand our narratives best.
Jingle Jangle conveys universal themes of forgiveness, resilience, and love’s transformative power. The significance of storytelling across generations—from Grandma Melody’s opening narration to the film’s conclusion—cements a crucial aspect of Black culture, where narratives empower familial connections.
Ultimately, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey teaches that love prevails. Through trials and tribulations, lost dreams and rekindled hopes, love can rebuild us when we believe. We will continue to share our stories, inspired by Grandma Melody’s words: “Watch me soar beyond my challenges… I am unstoppable.” This holiday season, we can embody that unstoppable spirit, spreading joy, hope, and love.