Dear Santa

Liam Turner is a friendly sixth grader who wants proof that Santa Claus is real, so he sits down to write a letter. Because he has dyslexia, his handwriting and spelling muddle the address, and the letter goes to an entirely different recipient. Instead of a jolly response, a charismatic and mischievous figure arrives at the Turner home, thrilled to have received his first fan mail and intrigued by the child who believes in him. What follows is an offbeat holiday comedy that mixes supernatural mischief with family dynamics, as Liam, his parents, and the newcomers try to sort out what the visit means without spoiling surprises or the film's final turns.

Directed by Bobby Farrelly and released in 2024, Dear Santa was created by Peter Farrelly, Dan Ewen, and Ricky Blitt. The cast features Jack Black as the unexpected visitor, with Robert Timothy Smith as Liam, Brianne Howey and Hayes MacArthur as Liam's parents, and Keegan-Michael Key in a supporting role.

It wasn't a prominent awards contender during the season, and the film did not rack up major industry nominations. Some reviewers and smaller critics' groups did point to strong comic beats and a standout central performance, but it largely missed the traditional awards circuit.

Jack Black's larger-than-life turn and the movie's cheeky premise sparked chatter online, with viewers sharing clips and reactions on social platforms. Conversations often focused on the film's willingness to mix holiday warmth with darker humor, and it prompted debates about how far family comedies can push supernatural punchlines.

Critical response was mixed to positive, averaging about a 6.3 out of 10 from viewers, with praise aimed at its humor and Jack Black's energy. Reviewers noted themes of belief, the value of family connection, and the complications that come from misunderstanding and miscommunication, especially around a child managing dyslexia and the attention that mistake brings.