A la poursuite du père noël !

From her bedroom at nightfall, seven-year-old Zoé writes to Santa Claus. The camera zooms in so we can hear her read her letter. Her only wish is for a long-range air rifle—an unusual request. Why? Simply to destroy the favorite toy of her little neighbor Timothée, whom she hates. Relevant flashbacks take us back to the schoolyard where she is subjected to daily sarcasm from this classmate, allowing viewers to better understand her resentment and unhappiness.

Like Amélie Poulain, who comments aloud on her thoughts and plans, if Santa Claus has not deigned to grant her wish, it doesn't matter, she will do everything she can to find him and give him a piece of her mind. In Zoé's circle of friends is the imposing director of a biscuit factory, Mrs. de Gelas, who sternly disciplines her son, whom she calls incompetent, but indulges her grandson Timothée's every whim. Zoe feels helpless, especially since her mother is employed by Mrs. de Gelas. It is in this bleak context that she decides to stop waiting and strike out on her own.

The adventure continues with many delightful, comical scenes, such as Santa Claus passing packages down the chimney, which turn out to be rather surprising gifts, and the hilarious scene of the horrible tasting of the galettes des rois. The action never lets up throughout the film, with the viewer left in suspense: will Zoé achieve her goal and catch up with Santa Claus?

The script is well constructed and imaginative, with ever-increasing suspense, where the chase scenes follow one another and contribute to making this story captivating. Isabelle Nanty brilliantly plays the heiress to the biscuit factory as a truly tyrannical shrew with her staff, but also with her arrogant, unsympathetic son, played with talent by Antoine Gouy. In fact, she only shows grace to her grandson Timothée, whom Mme de Genas allows to indulge all his whims.

This unfriendly duo is counterbalanced by the bright and dynamic couple formed by Father Christmas and Zoé, who evolve as their journey progresses. Patrick Timsit plays a somewhat grumpy, clumsy but sensitive Father Christmas, who is somewhat shaken by the girl's tenacity. They get to know each other and help each other in adversity.

The magic of Christmas is beautifully recreated with a wonderful illuminated castle straight out of a Disney book and an enchanted park. It's a tale reminiscent of the unique and fantastical atmosphere of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The film is just the right length, allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure. The Santa Hunt will delight young and old alike, where friendship and family love overcome malice and stupidity. It is a pleasure to follow this story, which combines adventure, laughter, emotion, and the innocence of childhood. An excellent time to spend with the family.

In Pursuit of Santa Claus!
Directed by James Huth
Written by Laurent Tirard, Benjamin Dupas, Sonja Shillito, James Huth
Produced by Olivia Lagache
Starring Patrick Timsit, Isabelle Nanty, Théa De Boeck, Antoine Gouy, Eugénie Anselin, Julien Sibre, Roukiata Ouedraogo, Elisabeth Chuffart, Nassim Rachi, Béatrice Paquet
Cinematography: Danny Elsen
Edited by Jean-Baptiste Beaudoin, Thomas Heurtier
Production companies: Les films sur mesure, SND
Distributed by SND (France)
Release dates: December 10, 2025 (France)
Running time: 94 minutes

Seen on November 25, 2025 at the Lincoln Club

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