Spirit

The story begins in a quiet cemetery where the Ghost of Christmas Yet-To-Come, voiced by Tracy Morgan, stands before a woman named Karen Blansky. Prior to encountering the spirits, Karen had been known for her harshness and bitterness toward her neighbors. As she confronts her impending fate, she makes a heartfelt promise to change her ways before sinking into her own grave. The ghost reassures her with a comforting voice, hinting that she might still find redemption.

The ghosts, operating in a mystical realm, dedicate themselves to haunting and rehabilitating cruel or miserable individuals, in a manner reminiscent of the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. Karen, upon waking on Christmas morning, is greeted warmly by the neighborhood children and begins to shed her stingy behavior, joining in their outdoor play. Her transformation is celebrated by the other ghosts, including Sunita Mani as [Bonnie], the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Patrick Page as Jacob Marley. After congratulating Karen on her change of heart, the spirits return to their duties and sing a joyful song called “That Christmas Mornin’ Feeling,” emphasizing the spirit of goodwill.

The character of [Will Ferrell]'s](/actor/will-ferrell) Present, the Ghost of Christmas Present, has been at his task for over 200 years since his death, contemplating retirement from his long-standing job. Despite loving his role, he often wonders if there is more to life than haunting miserable souls. Present is depicted as a warm but weary spirit, longing for purpose beyond his centuries of service, expressed poignantly in his solo, “Present’s Lament.”

Jacob Marley then gathers the ghosts for their next mission, targeting a corrupt hotel manager named PJ Byrne as an immediate example of unredeemable evil. However, Present’s attention is caught by Clint Briggs, a charismatic yet cynical CEO played by Ryan Reynolds. Clint, renowned for his sharp tongue and tactical manipulations, is giving a provocative speech advocating for authentic, real Christmas traditions over artificial ones, notably supporting real trees, thus igniting Present's interest in rehabilitating him.

Jacob, however, tells Present that Clint’s file is marked as “unredeemable,” but Present challenges this notion, giving Jacob an ultimatum: permit him to help Clint or he will retire immediately. Recognizing the importance, Jacob relents, and the spirits begin to study Clint’s life. They learn that he has a younger brother, Owen, who cares for their niece, Wren, since their sister Carrie’s passing. Clint's worldview is heavily shaped by his belief that people cannot truly change.

As Christmas approaches, Owen and Wren visit Clint, seeking his advice about Wren’s run for student council president. Clint suggests she sabotage her opponent, Josh Hubbins, by digging up dirt, revealing his controversial TikTok videos criticizing his own family’s charitable work. This causes Octavia Spencer as Kimberly Parks, Clint’s assistant, to feel morally conflicted. Kimberly shares her doubts about their schemes, leading to a moment of introspection (“The View From Here”). Soon after, Present unexpectedly becomes smitten with Kimberly, miscommunicating his true intentions, which adds layers to the unfolding drama.

Clint hosts a Christmas Eve party, where the spirits plan their haunt. As Bonnie begins to take Clint back into his childhood, he is drawn to her and they share a romantic moment. Present then takes Clint on a journey into his past, revealing childhood memories of a dog he never got, and later, more painful memories of strained family relationships. They see Clint’s struggles with his mother, his failed romantic endeavors, and his ruthless tactics in his business campaigns. These flashbacks deepen Clint’s understanding of his hardened nature.

The spirits also unveil a startling truth: Present’s own identity as Ebenezer Scrooge back in 1800s London. As Scrooge, he was often rude and dismissive, echoing Clint’s current attitude. Through this revelation, Present encourages Clint to confront his own frustrations, prompting Clint to reflect on his unrelenting attitude (“Good Afternoon”).

Despite moments of hope, Clint remains skeptical. Present shows him scenes of his family in happier times, and their current lives, including Wren’s ice skating with Owen and Josh’s acts of kindness, contrasting with Clint’s cynicism. The spirits then confront Clint with a powerful memory of Carrie’s last moments and his failure to support her, pushing him toward self-awareness.

As Christmas approaches its climax, Clint is resistant but begins to acknowledge his past mistakes. When Present shows him a vision of Wren winning the election but being targeted for bullying, Clint desperately pleads for a chance to change the future. His efforts culminate in a tense moment at Wren’s ice rink, where Kimberly intervenes to prevent Wren from posting a damaging TikTok, and Clint is faced with the devastating consequences of his previous actions.

In a heroic gesture, Clint sacrifices himself to save Present from a speeding bus, an act that grants him redemption as a spirit. His selfless act prompts all the spirits to celebrate his courage, and he becomes a new ghostly guide, working alongside Carrie and helping others find their better selves. Though he can no longer see his loved ones on Earth, Clint finds peace among the spirits, with Carrie expressing pride in his sacrifice.

Time passes, and Clint, now a benevolent spirit, assists Present and Carrie. He visits Kimberly and Present’s family, witnessing Wren’s bright future, and joins in a joyful reprise of “That Christmas Mornin’ Feeling,” celebrating the true spirit of Christmas and redemption. Even after the credits, the spirits play a playful haunting on the unkind [Mr. Alteli], ensuring that his misdeeds do not go unpunished.

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