Netflix’s new animated holiday film That Christmas has ignited controversy for its satirical take on the Nativity story, sparking backlash from viewers who argue the movie mocks Christianity and traditional values. The film, directed by renowned filmmaker Richard Curtis, is positioned as a family-friendly Christmas story but includes moments that have been described as offensive and inappropriate for its target audience.
That Christmas, Curtis’ first holiday film since his beloved Love Actually, is set in the fictional seaside British town of Wellington-on-Sea. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of the worst snowstorm in history, disrupting holiday plans for the town’s residents and even Santa Claus himself.
The movie centers on a group of kids led by Bernadette, a rebellious teenager, who work together to stage a school Christmas play. However, the play quickly veers into controversial territory when students decide the traditional Nativity story is “too antiquated” and rewrite it to reflect modern, progressive themes.
The production takes creative liberties, incorporating elements of multiculturalism, climate change advocacy, and satirical humor. But one scene, in particular, has sparked outrage: a parody of the Virgin Mary deciding whether to proceed with her pregnancy, set to the tune of Madonna’s 1986 hit Papa Don’t Preach, a song about grappling with an unplanned pregnancy.
In the scene, the young actress portraying Mary cradles a watermelon with a face carved into it, representing baby Jesus. As she performs Papa Don’t Preach, the watermelon is accidentally dropped, splattering onto the audience. This moment is played for laughs but has drawn ire from viewers who feel it trivializes the story of Christ’s birth.
Critics argue that the scene crosses a line, turning a sacred religious narrative into a crude joke. The symbolism of the watermelon “baby Jesus” falling and smashing is seen by some as a blatant insult to Christian traditions.
The backlash has been swift, with faith-based organizations and conservative commentators condemning the movie’s portrayal of the Nativity. CBN News described the film as a mockery of Christianity, accusing it of turning Jesus’ birth into a “Marxist fable.”
“This is yet another example of Hollywood’s disregard for Christian values,” said one critic. “The Nativity story is not just a tale—it’s a cornerstone of our faith. To see it reduced to a farce is deeply offensive.”
Social media platforms have also been flooded with reactions, with many users calling for Netflix to remove the film or issue an apology.
One user tweeted, “I’m all for creative storytelling, but there’s a line. Making jokes about Mary and Jesus in a kids’ movie? That’s not edgy—it’s disrespectful.”
Despite the outrage, some viewers have defended That Christmas, arguing it’s intended as lighthearted satire rather than an attack on religion. Supporters of the film suggest it’s a reflection of modern culture’s diverse perspectives on traditional stories.
“Art and storytelling have always evolved with the times,” said one commenter. “While I understand why some may find it offensive, it’s important to recognize this as a work of fiction meant to entertain, not offend.”
Richard Curtis, known for his witty and often irreverent storytelling, has yet to comment on the controversy. Netflix has also remained silent amid the growing backlash.
The uproar surrounding That Christmas highlights a larger cultural debate about the intersection of art, religion, and modern values. Some argue that filmmakers have a right to reinterpret classic narratives in new and provocative ways, while others believe sacred stories should be treated with reverence, particularly in content marketed to children.
Critics have pointed out that Netflix’s history of producing edgy or controversial content has increasingly alienated certain audiences. The streaming giant has faced similar controversies in the past, with some accusing the platform of prioritizing shock value over cultural sensitivity.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the response to That Christmas underscores the challenges of creating content that resonates with a broad audience while respecting deeply held beliefs. For Netflix, the backlash may serve as a reminder of the importance of considering the values of diverse viewers when crafting stories meant for family audiences.
For audiences, That Christmas serves as a conversation starter about how far creative liberties should extend in retelling traditional stories. Whether viewed as a misstep or a bold artistic choice, the film has undoubtedly left an impact—and raised questions about the balance between humor, art, and respect for religious traditions.
In the end, one thing is clear: the holiday season is a time of deeply rooted cultural and spiritual significance for many. As such, any attempt to reimagine its most sacred stories is bound to generate strong reactions.
2 Comments
If the woke population likes it, then it is definitely a leftist, anti-Christian movie. From what I read here I believe it was intended to mock our faith in Christ and make a mockery of His birth. Netflix I strongly urge you to remove this farce from your list of Christmas movies and put it in the trash heap where it belongs.
These leftist Marxists are all for their material gain and agendas which means they operate only according to the flesh, so they screw themselves bigly!
Galatians 6:7-8 “Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. 8The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”