The Naughty Nine

The Naughty Nine

Year: 2023

Runtime: 83 mins

Language: English

Director: Alberto Belli

Echo Score: 64

Budget: $32M

AdventureTV MovieCrimeFamilyComedy

After waking up on Christmas morning without a present from Santa, fifth-grader Andy is convinced he’s been unfairly placed on the naughty list. Determined to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his, Andy assembles a team of eight other children who have also been denied gifts. Together, they plan an elaborate heist on Santa’s Village in the North Pole, hoping to retrieve the presents they feel they deserve and prove that they aren't so naughty after all.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Naughty Nine (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Naughty Nine (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary Christmas season

The story unfolds in the present day during the Christmas season. Modern technology and a trip to the North Pole drive the stakes, blending current-day humor with magical holiday elements. The timeframe allows the film to explore how timeless themes of kindness and growth play out in a festive, contemporary setting.

Location

North Pole, Santa's Village

The North Pole is a magical, snow-covered realm where Santa's workshop hums with activity and elves bustle about with presents. Santa's Village sits within this wintry domain, a colorful, bustling hub where costumes are made, reindeer are kept, and the workshop atmosphere blends fantasy with holiday tradition. The setting provides a fairy-tale backdrop for a contemporary kid-adventure that mixes mischief with heart.

❄️ Winter Wonderland 🎄 Holiday Setting

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:55

Main Characters – The Naughty Nine (2023)

Meet the key characters of The Naughty Nine (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Andy Steele (Winslow Fegley)

A 5th-grade troublemaker who leads a toy heist with Dulce and often bends rules for personal gain. He is bright, fearless, and impulsive, always chasing thrills even at the risk of getting caught. His journey centers on learning responsibility and choosing to protect friends over petty mischief.

🎭 Mischievous 🧠 Clever 👦 Protagonist

Dulce Gutierrez (Camila Rodríguez)

Andy's best friend and partner in mischief, sharp-witted and bold. She shares the thrill of the caper but also shows loyalty and courage when the plan goes awry. Her arc contributes to understanding why they're drawn to risk and how they grow when consequences arise.

🎭 Spirited 🧠 Wily 👧 Sidekick

Laurel Steele (Madilyn Kellam)

Andy's sister who values doing the right thing and often outsmarts him. She is skeptical of their schemes but ultimately plays a key role in guiding them toward forgiveness. Laurel's presence grounds the group with a sense of responsibility and trust.

🎭 Steady 🧠 Resourceful 👧 Sibling

Lewis Sobong (Anthony John Joo)

The tech-savvy friend who uses an online algorithm to identify naughty-list candidates. He provides the plan, searches for options, and helps navigate the security and logistics of the North Pole caper. He remains loyal to the group, even when the risk elevates.

💡 Tech-savvy 🔎 Investigator 🤝 Loyal

Bruno (Derek Theler)

A pilot and Andy's father’s coworker who aids the kids by flying them toward the North Pole. He effectively persuades authorities that he is simply taking inventory, enabling the trip. He remains a supportive, strong-willed facilitator of the adventure.

🛩️ Pilot 🗺️ Navigator 🧭 Helpful

Jon Anthony (Deric McCabe)

A key elf-like figure who reveals his own ties to the 'originals' and designs, contributing to the disguise and costume plan. His actions highlight the ethics of creativity and theft while weaving into the caper.

🎭 Trickster 🧵 Costumer 🏷️ Moral

Rose (Clara Stack)

A brave ally who helps the kids during the heist, using her wits to distract elves and aid in the getaway. She assists with planning and supports escaping from elf security, playing a crucial role in their freedom.

🌹 Ally 🗡️ Quick-thinking 🐎 Adventurer

Ha-Yoon (Imogen Cohen)

A clever member of the crew who helps recruit reindeer for the escape and participates in the tense escape from Santa's village. She blends observant strategy with the courage to act when needed.

🐣 Resourceful 🐾 Reindeer ally 🧊 Calm

Santa Claus (Danny Glover)

The legendary figure who rules the Naughty and Nice lists, offering guidance and a stern test of the kids' characters. He reveals that no one is permanently on the naughty list and that the point is to learn to be better. He ultimately lets the Naughty Nine go but hints at future duties.

🎅 Authority 🕊️ Wisdom 🧭 Mentor

Albert (Ayden Elijah)

A charming child used to distract elf security with cuteness, enabling the team to slip into Santa's Village. He embodies the idea that even small acts can influence danger and help friends.

✨ Cute distraction 🧒 Small hero 🪄 Trickster

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:55

Major Themes – The Naughty Nine (2023)

Explore the central themes of The Naughty Nine (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✨ Redemption

The Naughty Nine learn that being on a naughty list is not permanent and that there is room for forgiveness. Andy pushes for a fair consequence, but the story makes space for reconciliation and change. Their journey to Santa's workshop becomes a chance to reform and prove they can choose better over old patterns.

🤝 Friendship

Andy, Dulce, Laurel, and their allies form a high-stakes team, relying on loyalty and quick thinking. The plan tests trust and forces difficult choices, but teamwork helps them navigate danger and recover the gifts. The narrative emphasizes that true friends support each other even when plans go awry.

🎅 Belief in Santa

Santa is treated as a real force guiding the story, with guilt, generosity, and judgment shaping the kids’ actions. The naughty list and the magical North Pole raise questions about trust and the power of belief. The film uses Santa’s presence to emphasize kindness over petty mischief.

👧 Family and Rivalry

The dynamic between Andy and Laurel drives the plot, with sisterly duty clashing with brotherly schemes. Their eventual reconciliation shows that family bonds can endure conflict and guide personal growth. The themes of accountability and forgiveness within a family add emotional weight to the adventure.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:55

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The Naughty Nine Summary

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