After a snow-globe shopping disaster lands him in community service, a reluctant Aubrey Flint finds himself helping the residents of a retirement home stage A Christmas Carol to save their home from a ruthless developer.
Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint stars John Bradley with a cast of much-loved British actors, and arrives in UK cinemas this Friday, the first of the season’s festive releases.
It is as warm and familiar as a mince pie, and about as surprising.
Movie at a Glance
- UK release: In cinemas from Friday 6 November 2026 (Signature Entertainment)
- US release: Limited cinemas and digital from Friday 6 November 2026 (Samuel Goldwyn Films)
- Director: Jack Spring
- Writer: Chris Boyle-McQuarry
- Starring: John Bradley, Celia Imrie, Richard E. Grant, Adjoa Andoh, Jim Broadbent, Sophia Di Martino and Kiell Smith-Bynoe
- Certificate: PG (UK)
- Runtime: 98 minutes
- Genre: Christmas comedy
Viewer Match
- Best for: Families and anyone ready for an early festive film.
- Maybe skip if: It is too early for Christmas in your house.
- Mood and pace: Cosy, gentle and sentimental.
- Cinema or streaming? Cinema is a nice family outing, but it is just as good at home.
- Spoiler level: Spoiler-free.
A Christmas Carol, of Sorts
The plot borrows the shape of Dickens and the spirit of a thousand festive films: a grumpy man, a community in trouble and a show that must go on. It is not trying to reinvent anything.
John Bradley makes Aubrey likeable even at his most reluctant, and the film is at its best when it lets him spar with the residents.
A Very British Ensemble
The supporting cast is the real treat. Celia Imrie, Richard E. Grant, Adjoa Andoh and Jim Broadbent are all on fine form, and there are fun turns from Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Sophia Di Martino.
It is a charmer when it relaxes and lets these actors play.
Predictable but Pleasant
Nothing here will surprise you. Every beat is signposted, the developer is a pantomime villain and the ending is never in doubt.
But predictability is part of the appeal of a film like this, and it is kind-hearted from start to finish.
More Festive Viewing
For more Christmas on screen, see our Christmas TV 2026 guide. Everything else opening this week is in this week’s Weekly Cinema Pack, and tonight’s picks are in What to Watch Tonight.
Spoiler-Free Verdict
Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint is a gentle, good-natured festive comedy with a lovely British cast. It is completely predictable, but it will warm you up on a cold November night.
- Performances: 7/10
- Direction: 6/10
- Screenplay: 5.5/10
- Score: 6/10
- Cinematography: 6/10
- Entertainment Value: 6.5/10
- Overall score: 6/10
Star rating: 3/5
Verdict badge: Best watched in the Cinema
One-line verdict: A cosy, predictable Christmas treat with a great cast.
Watch the Official Trailer
Get into the festive spirit early with the official trailer.
Is November too early for a Christmas film? Tell us.