The Snow Sister is a Norwegian Netflix Christmas movie that’s both delightful and depressing at the same time. It’s both of those things plus heartwarming and maybe not the best family Christmas movie for the entire family due to its sad tone. But it’s still a lovely film.

It’s about a lonely boy who runs into a manic pixie dream girl one cold Norwegian day. She insists they become friends and it’s a countdown until we learn what kind of manic pixie she is… because there’s hints she’s some kind of supernatural visitor. Maybe some kind of Norwegian fairy out of their winter mythology?

Whatever the movie is about, it doesn’t start very promising. I had strong doubts about the tone and wondered if it were just a kiddie movie for kids. But it isn’t and it finds its mystical, magical footing and suddenly the whole genre shifts. The movie switches from a light-hearted family comedy to something dour… but hopeful at the same time.

It’s a weird combo that I didn’t mind because the more it goes dark, the more magical it becomes. The more I started to gently cry over the tragedy and the beauty. I wound up kind of loving this film… despite being pretty leery about its first act.

I recommend this Netflix Christmas fantasia. It’s got a real heart and limited schmaltz. It’s certainly one of the better Christmas movies this year, even if it might bring more sadness and wistfulness than actual merriment to your Christmas.

Score: 88