This film is not part of my official countdown, but it is a small gem I happened upon—and it is genuinely intriguing. Titled “Christmas Karma,” the 2025 release blends comedy, family, and fantasy, supported by an eclectic and surprisingly compelling cast.
While “Christmas Karma” is not entirely original in its narrative framework, it is a contemporary reimagining of a timeless story—one that has already appeared on my countdown. The inspiration is unmistakable: “A Christmas Carol.” The structure mirrors the classic almost beat for beat, with a notable shift in perspective. Instead of Scrooge, the central figure is Mr. Sood, an Indian-born protagonist whose cultural lens gives the familiar tale a refreshed and thoughtful dimension.
Exploring the Aspects
Set in England, the film is richly layered with culture. Traditions intersect and, at times, clash on the surface, yet—much like people themselves—the core remains the same. That shared humanity is where the film finds its strength. Its message reaches across cultural lines and is delivered in a way that allows audiences who have not traditionally seen themselves reflected in this classic story to finally feel represented.
The music is as eclectic and vibrant as the cast, with several numbers that are genuinely stirring. Even more impactful are the monologues delivered by the spirits who visit Sood. A Día de los Muertos–inspired figure portrayed by Eva Longoria brings depth and reverence, while Billy Porter infuses the Ghost of Christmas Present with electric vitality. The Ghost of Christmas Future, embodied by pop-culture icon Boy George, adds a haunting and unexpected dimension.
Both New and Old
Familiar names remain intact—Bob and Mary Cratchit, Tiny Tim—anchoring the film firmly in its Dickensian roots. Sood’s lost love, Bea, is reimagined as a beautiful young Indian woman, their separation as classically derived, driven by greed.
One of the film’s most striking elements is its historical grounding. The inclusion of archival and realistic footage anchors the story in a period marked by profound hardship for people from Asiatic regions—particularly India—and across parts of Africa. This choice adds a vital layer of context, lending the film greater emotional weight and authenticity.
Christmas Karma: A Cinematic Excavators Treat
The effect is unexpected and deeply resonant. It serves as a reminder that even stories told countless times can be renewed. In the hands of a creative and impassioned storyteller—one with something meaningful to say—classics can be reinterpreted in ways that invite fresh perspective, renewed empathy, and a revitalized spirit.
Uncut Diamonds 