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Comedy drama

The Noel Diary (2022): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

The Noel Diary (2022) movie poster

The Noel Diary is a 2022 comedy drama directed by Charles Shyer, starring Essence Atkins as Noel Ellis, James Remar and Justin Hartley. It is partly based on The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $1.3 million worldwide. Critics gave it 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10.

IMDb rating
6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
73%
worldwide gross
$1.3M
Echo Score
62
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The Noel Diary (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m (99 min)
Director
Charles Shyer
Genres
Drama , Comedy , Romance
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Noel Diary About?

The premise of The Noel Diary without spoilers, adapted from The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

As Christmas nears, successful author Jake Turner heads back to his family home to sort through his mother’s belongings. He discovers a hidden diary revealing long-held secrets about his family and himself. While trying to decipher the diary's contents, he meets Rachel, a woman searching for information of her own. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, facing unexpected challenges and finding a connection neither anticipated.

The Noel Diary Themes & Keywords

· 19 tags
  • christmas
  • holiday
  • australian shepherd
  • based on novel
  • love
  • new york times
  • house
  • dramedy
  • life
  • child
  • mother
  • feel good romance
+7 more
  • journey
  • woman
  • young
  • past
  • man
  • death
  • loss
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Cast & crew

The Noel Diary Cast & Characters

Essence Atkins leads the cast as Noel Ellis, with James Remar as Scott Turner and Justin Hartley as Jake Turner. Directed by Charles Shyer; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Noel Diary

· 6 more
Ratings

The Noel Diary Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Noel Diary 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and 63 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 62/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).

62 /100

The Noel Diary Echo Score Breakdown

The Noel Diary delivers a modestly warm holiday romance that is serviceable but uneven. Critics acknowledge competent direction and occasional visual charm, while noting rushed pacing and predictable plot beats. Performances by the leads receive consistent praise for chemistry, yet some viewers perceive a lack of depth. The soundtrack and occasional musical sequence uplift the experience, but technical hiccups detract from immersion. Rewatch interest is mixed, with a core audience likely to return for seasonal nostalgia.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows competent direction and a polished production design that supports its holiday setting. Reviewers commend its well‑balanced visual composition, yet several note choppy editing, ineffective green‑screen work, and odd stylistic choices that undermine cohesion. The overall technical execution is adequate but not distinguished, leaving the craftsmanship feeling solid rather than remarkable.

  • Character & Emotion 75

    When evaluating character and emotion, the leads are highlighted for nuanced performances and convincing chemistry that anchor the romance. Critics and users repeatedly describe the acting as charismatic and the emotional beats as resonant. A minority of comments mention a lack of chemistry or shallow character development, but the dominant sentiment affirms that the principal cast delivers engaging and relatable portrayals, bolstering audience connection.

  • Story & Flow 58

    Story and flow present a mixed picture, combining an original mystery element with familiar holiday romance tropes. Positive feedback praises the sweet, heartfelt narrative arc, while negative remarks target rushed storytelling, predictability, and a disappointing conclusion. The pacing is described as uneven, and some plot details feel unrealistic, resulting in an overall narrative that is enjoyable for some but leaves others wanting tighter structure and stronger originality.

  • Sensory Experience 62

    Sensory experience receives moderate approval, highlighted by a memorable musical number and a pleasing soundtrack that enhance the festive mood. Viewers appreciate the vocal performances and occasional visual flair. Conversely, criticisms focus on inconsistent visual effects, such as ineffective green‑screen usage and occasional editing glitches, which interrupt immersion. The film’s auditory and visual components are generally effective but marred by sporadic technical lapses.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Rewatch factor is divided; several reviewers express intent to view the film again during future holidays, citing its comforting romance and nostalgic setting. Others find the predictability and unresolved plot points diminish repeat appeal. While the movie possesses enough seasonal charm to encourage occasional returns, the mixed reception of its narrative and technical flaws temper broader replay enthusiasm.

Plot

The Noel Diary Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The Noel Diary from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Jake Turner, a renowned best-selling author, is abruptly notified by his mother Lois’s lawyer about her passing, which comes with the surprising news that he has inherited her estate, including her home in Connecticut. This home holds decades of memories, and for Jake, it’s a return to a place he hasn’t set foot in since he was just 17—two decades prior. His mission: to sort through his mother’s belongings, which have become an overwhelming hoard, while also dealing with the complexities of his estranged relationship with his late mother.

Full summary

The whole story of The Noel Diary, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

The Noel Diary Box Office

The Noel Diary grossed $1.3 million worldwide.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.3M

International
$1.3M
Videos

The Noel Diary Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Noel Diary.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Noel Diary?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is Jake Turner contact by after his mother's death?

Details

The Noel Diary Also Known As

22 alternative titles, including “บันทึกของโนเอล” and “Juledagboken”.

Also known as
  • บันทึกของโนเอล
  • Juledagboken
  • 노엘 다이어리
  • O Diário de Noel
  • Il diario segreto di Noel
  • 圣诞日记
  • Το Ημερολόγιο της Νοέλ
  • Le journal de Noël
  • El diario de Noel
  • Noel naplója
  • Dziennik Noel
  • יומנה של נואל
+10 more
  • Noelin deník
  • Щоденник Ноель
  • ノエルの日記
  • Noel Günlüğü
  • يوميّات نويل
  • Дневник Ноэль
  • Le journal de Noëlle
  • Noelov dnevnik
  • 諾兒的祕密日記
  • 聖誕日記

Seen The Noel Diary?

FAQ

The Noel Diary FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of The Noel Diary, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Noel Diary?

The Noel Diary runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).

When was The Noel Diary released?

The Noel Diary was released on November 24, 2022.

Who directed The Noel Diary?

The Noel Diary was directed by Charles Shyer.

More films by Charles Shyer

Who is in the cast of The Noel Diary?

The Noel Diary stars Essence Atkins as Noel Ellis, James Remar as Scott Turner and Justin Hartley as Jake Turner, among 10 credited actors.

How much did The Noel Diary make at the box office?

The Noel Diary grossed $1.3 million worldwide.

How is The Noel Diary rated?

The Noel Diary has 6.2/10 on IMDb, 73% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63 on Metacritic and 63% on TMDB.

Is The Noel Diary based on a book?

Yes. The Noel Diary is partly adapted from The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans.

Does The Noel Diary have a post-credit scene?

No. The Noel Diary has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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