What Is Opopomoz About?
The premise of Opopomoz in 288 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
On a quiet Christmas Eve in bustling Naples, a young boy wrestles with the bittersweet anticipation of a new sibling. Rocco watches his parents’ excitement with a mixture of curiosity and uneasy jealousy, fearing that the arrival of his newborn brother might eclipse his own place in the family. The festive streets pulse with holiday lights, while inside his home the air is thick with both warmth and the restless energy of a child on the brink of change.
From the fiery depths of the underworld, a trio of bumbling emissaries—sent by Satan himself—slip into the city with a single, mischievous purpose. Their goal is to tempt the vulnerable youngster, offering him a chance to rewrite history: utter the enchanted word “opopomoz,” step into the very scene of the Nativity, and halt the birth of the infant who would become the centerpiece of Christmas. The magic word hangs in the night like a secret spell, promising Rocco the power to alter a moment that blends the sacred with the personal.
The film’s tone dances between slapstick absurdity and heartfelt holiday wonder. As the boundaries between the bustling streets of Naples and the timeless cradle of the Nativity blur, the story invites viewers into a whimsical playground where ordinary concerns clash with celestial stakes. Rocco finds himself teetering between childhood imagination and the weight of a mythic quest, guided by mischievous forces that are as clumsy as they are determined.
Within this enchanted crossroads, the audience is left with a lingering curiosity: will the boy’s yearning for attention lead him deeper into the magical realm, or will the spirit of the season coax him toward a different understanding of love, family, and the miracles that quietly shape our lives?
What Happens in Opopomoz?
The complete story of Opopomoz, from the first scene to the last, in 437 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The film opens with a plan that comes straight from Hell: Satan seeks to ruin Christmas by preventing Jesus’s birth. To carry it out, he dispatches three devils — Tonino Accolla as Astarotte, Oreste Lionello as Scarapino, and Fabio Volo as Farfaricchio — to Naples, rising from the crater of Mount Vesuvius to target the cradle’s capital and tamper with the holy night.
In this bustling Neapolitan setting, a difficult and unhappy boy named Rocco becomes the focal point of Satan’s schemes. He is envious of his soon-to-arrive little brother, Francesco, and bears a constant tension with his mother and father. Amid temptation, the devils coax Rocco into saying the magic word “Opopomoz,” which lets him slip into the crib’s world with a determined goal: to stop Mary and Joseph from reaching Bethlehem. Yet the trio’s mischief quickly spirals out of control, and Rocco ends up fleeing rather than completing the mission.
Meanwhile, Rocco’s cousin Sara — Xsuela Douglas (voice) — is drawn into the mystery when she notices something is amiss. Guided by a curious cat, she ventures into the Crib’s world in pursuit of Rocco, only to be briefly thwarted and later discovered by a young Saint Peter and his family. It is Sara who eventually crosses paths with Rocco, and together they face the consequences of their intrusion. With the help of an Angel, they come to realize that the path they’re on is wrong, and they decide to cooperate to set things right and send the devils away.
Satan, furious at the turn of events, tries one final, darker gambit: he hypnotizes Rocco and targets Sara’s soul. The spell falters when Rocco, moved by Mary’s radiant aureole, unexpectedly shifts the balance. The devils, who have grown tired of their lowly status and the harm they’ve caused, see Sara in danger and choose to act. They rouse Mary and encourage Sara to tap into a grandmother’s song — a remote, powerful lullaby that holds the key to banishing the darkness. The moment Sara sings, the malevolence dissolves, and Satan is pulled back into Hell.
With the danger averted, the Nativity unfolds as foretold. Jesus is born on Christmas night, and Francesco comes into the world, bringing a new sense of hope to the family. The three devils are transformed into humble guardians of the infant: an ox and two donkeys, watching over the newborn, while the town slowly returns to peace and wonder. The story blends fantasy, faith, and family dynamics in a festive, Naples-flavored tapestry, leaving a gentle reminder that even the smallest acts of courage and mercy can illuminate the darkest moments.
Opopomoz Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Satan's plan to ruin Christmas” to “The devils become guardians of Jesus”. 13 events name a place, across 6 locations.
- 1
Satan's plan to ruin Christmas
In Hell, Satan resolves to destroy Christmas by stopping Jesus's birth. He assigns three minions—Astarotte, Scarapino and Farfaricchio—to invade Earth from the barrel of Mount Vesuvius, aiming at Naples, the Crib's capital. The plan is to sow trouble that will undermine the Nativity before it can begin.
When:Before Christmas Where:Hell to Naples (barrel of Mount Vesuvius)
- 2
Three devils arrive in Naples
The three devils emerge in Naples and start scouting for the right opportunity to derail the Nativity. They bring mischief and set their sights on a particular family preparing for the holy event. Naples becomes the stage where their scheme begins.
When:Before Christmas Where:Naples
- 3
Rocco is chosen as the target
The devils pick Rocco, a jealous boy who resents the birth of his upcoming little brother Francesco and resents his parents. His anger and longing for attention make him an ideal instrument to stop the holy birth. They decide to tempt him toward helping halt Mary and Joseph's arrival.
When:Before Christmas Where:Rocco's home
- 4
Opopomoz and entry into the Crib's world
The devils induce Rocco to utter the magic word Opopomoz. With the word spoken, Rocco slips into the Crib's world and becomes intent on stopping Mary and Joseph from reaching Bethlehem. The disturbance marks the start of the Nativity's peril.
When:Immediately after Opopomoz Where:Crib's world
- 5
Rocco's mission intensifies in the Crib's world
Inside the Crib's world, Rocco and the devils unleash trouble that blocks Mary and Joseph's path. Yet their plan falters, and they fail to achieve their objective. Rocco's inner conflict grows as he confronts the consequences of his jealousy.
When:During attempt to derail Bethlehem Where:Crib's world
- 6
Rocco runs away
The devils' meddling never fully succeeds, and Rocco ends up fleeing from the Crib's world. His departure creates a new risk for the Nativity, as the threat seems to shift to the regular world. The adventure moves beyond the Crib's world as consequences spill out.
When:Shortly after the failed attempt Where:Crib's world
- 7
Sara learns of the crisis
Rocco's Italo-American cousin Sara learns what happened thanks to Rocco's cat. She follows the clues into the Crib's world but initially cannot locate him. She is found by a young Saint Peter and his family who become her guides on the journey.
When:After Rocco's escape Where:Crib's world
- 8
Rocco and Sara reunite
Rocco finally finds Sara in the Crib's world, and the two realize they must act together. With the help of an Angel, Sara persuades Rocco that his fear and anger were misplaced. They resolve to join forces to drive away the devils.
When:Climax buildup Where:Crib's world
- 9
Satan's attack and the failed hypnotic spell
Satan attempts to hypnotize Rocco to murder Mary and to devour Sara's soul. The spell collapses when the boy glimpses Mary's aureole, weakening the devil's hold. The three devils awaken Mary and urge her to sing a grandmother's song to banish the evil.
When:Climax Where:Crib's world
- 10
Mary's song banishes the devil
Mary sings the empowering song that sends the devil back to Hell. Satan is sucked away, ending his plot to corrupt the Nativity. The forces of good prevail, clearing the way for the holy birth.
When:Climax Where:Crib's world
Show the other 3 events of Opopomoz Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Jesus is born
Jesus is born on Christmas night, and the Nativity scene comes to life as Mary and Joseph welcome the newborn. The world witnesses the miraculous moment that seals the plan's outcome. The cradle glows with the hope of redemption.
When:Christmas night Where:Bethlehem
- 12
Francesco's birth
Rocco's mother gives birth to Francesco on the same Christmas night, completing the Nativity arc for the family. The arrival confirms the peaceful end of the devils' threat. The family celebrates the birth under the watchful presence of the newborns.
When:Christmas night Where:Rocco's home
- 13
The devils become guardians of Jesus
The three devils are transformed into an ox and two donkeys to watch over Jesus. The magical transformation marks their final fate and the completion of the Christmas miracle. The animals stand as quiet guardians around the infant, symbolizing an unlikely guardianship.
When:After birth Where:Stable near Jesus
Who Are the Main Characters in Opopomoz?
11 characters, among them Rocco (voiced by Ciro Ricci), Sara (voiced by Xsuela Douglas) and Maria (Mary) (voiced by Maria Laura Rondanini): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 10 of them link to the actor’s page.
- R(
Rocco (voiced by Ciro Ricci)
Played by Ciro Ricci
A jealous, troubled boy who resents his little brother’s arrival. Tempted by the devils, he speaks the magic word Opopomoz and enters the Crib's world to derail the Nativity. With Sara's help and guidance from angels, he confronts his anger and ultimately embraces forgiveness. His arc is about choosing family and right over selfish impulses.
- 😠 Jealous
- 👦 Protagonist
- S(
Sara (voiced by Xsuela Douglas)
Played by Xsuela Douglas
Rocco's Italo-American cousin who senses something is wrong and pursues him into the Crib's world. She is brave, persistent, and acts as a bridge between two realms. With help from Saint Peter and an angel, she persuades Rocco to abandon the devils' plan. Her steadfast belief helps save Christmas.
- 💪 Determined
- M(
Maria (Mary) (voiced by Maria Laura Rondanini)
Played by Maria Laura Rondanini
The mother-to-be whose presence anchors the Nativity story. She endures danger from Satan's minions but remains calm and faithful. Her role emphasizes maternal courage and the sacred demand of bringing forth new life. Her patience and faith are central to the birth of Jesus.
- 🤰 Mother
- P(
Pietro (voiced by Stefano Napolano)
Played by Stefano Napolano
A child in the Crib's world who becomes part of the unfolding Christmas tale. His interactions reflect the innocence and vulnerability that the story seeks to protect. Pietro's presence helps illustrate the stakes of the Nativity for the younger generation.
- 🍼 Child
- MD
Mamma di Pietro (voiced by Giulia Ricciardi)
Played by Giulia Ricciardi
The caring mother figure connected to Pietro, embodying familial love and resilience. She provides warmth and grounding for the Crib's world amid magical chaos. Her character reinforces the importance of family support during crises.
- 👩 Mother
- A(
Astarotte (voiced by Tonino Accolla)
Played by Tonino Accolla
One of Satan's minions tasked with hindering the Nativity. Clever and scheming, Astarotte uses manipulation to stir trouble, serving as a key agent of temptation. His eventual fatigue reflects the weakening of evil when faced with goodness.
- 😈 Devil
- S(
Scarapino (voiced by Oreste Lionello)
Played by Oreste Lionello
Another of Satan's minions, Scarapino brings chaos and mischief into the Crib's world. He shares the devils' goal of disrupting the birth, though his schemes fail in the face of courage and faith. His role emphasizes the persistent pressure of temptation.
- 😈 Devil
- F(
Farfaricchio (voiced by Fabio Volo)
Played by Fabio Volo
A third devilish figure who joins the plot to stop Mary and Joseph. Farfaricchio contributes to the comedic yet perilous meddling that drives the story forward. Like his fellow devils, he is ultimately thwarted by the power of Christmas.
- 😈 Devil
- G(
Giuseppe (Joseph) (voiced by Vincenzo Salemme)
Played by Vincenzo Salemme
Mary's husband and a steady figure in the Nativity, offering support and strength in the face of danger. He embodies the protective, humble care of a father and partner. His presence reinforces the domestic side of the Nativity narrative.
- 👨 Faithful
- NA
Nonna Adele (voiced by Marina Ruffo)
Played by Marina Ruffo
The grandmother figure who carries a song passed down through generations. She represents memory, tradition, and the spiritual guidance that helps characters navigate fear. Her influence resonates when the uplifting melody aids in banishing the devil.
- 👵 Grandmother
- SP
Saint Peter (young) (voiced by [not specified])
A young Saint Peter appears with his family, offering protection and a link to heavenly realms. His presence highlights the guardianship and guidance available to those who seek it. He reinforces the theme of faith guiding the events of the Nativity.
- 👼 Guiding figure
Where and When Is Opopomoz Set?
Opopomoz is set in Naples, Hell, Crib's World and Bethlehem (Biblical era, around Jesus's birth). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Biblical era, around Jesus's birth
The events unfold around the Nativity, centering on Christmas night. The action travels from Hell to the earthly Naples and the magical Crib's world, culminating in the birth of Francesco. The film uses timeless Christmas imagery rather than anchoring to a specific year.
Where
Naples, Hell, Crib's World, Bethlehem
The story begins in Hell and then moves to Naples near Mount Vesuvius, described as the Crib's capital. It shifts between the real city and a magical Crib's world where the Nativity takes place. Bethlehem serves as the backdrop for Mary and Joseph's destined journey and the birth of Jesus. The setting blends urban Italian life with mythic, sacred spaces tied to Christmas.
- ❄️ Christmas setting
- 👹 Supernatural conflict
- 🏙️ Naples
- 🗺️ Nativity imagery
What Are the Themes of Opopomoz?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Redemption, Faith & Hope and Family.
-
01
Redemption
Rocco's initial jealousy and mischief set up a fall from grace that is later reversed. Through Sara's courage and the intervening angelic presence, he faces his mistakes and chooses to do the right thing. The devils themselves show weariness and regret, highlighting that forgiveness and change are possible. The arc culminates in the salvation of the newborn and the healing of family bonds.
-
02
Faith & Hope
Faith guides Mary and the heavenly figures as the birth of Jesus approaches. The angel and Saint Peter's family symbolize trust in a higher plan amid temptation. Sara's persistence and belief help steer Rocco away from harm, underscoring hope as a force that transcends danger. Miracles in the Crib's world hinge on steadfast belief and moral courage.
-
03
Family
The film centers on family dynamics, especially the tension between a jealous older child and the newborn. Love, care, and shared fear for the child's future push characters toward reconciliation. The maternal bond of Mary and the eventual birth of Francesco anchor the resolution. The story treats family as a shelter against dark forces and a path to forgiveness.
-
04
Music's Power
A grandmother's song plays a crucial role in warding off the devil, illustrating music as a conduit for memory and protection. The tune awakens protective energy at a critical moment, weakening Satan's hold. The act of singing links the earthly and sacred realms and becomes a catalyst for redemption. Through music, the film ties together love, faith, and miraculous outcome.
What Kind of Film Is Opopomoz?
Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A whimsical and fast-paced animated adventure that blends family comedy with a chaotic, heartwarming journey through a magical nativity story, ultimately celebrating hope and redemption.
- fantastical
- adventurous
- humorous
- heartwarming
- chaotic
- miraculous
- sibling rivalry
- supernatural interference
- religious story
- redemption
Content notes: child endangerment, supernatural manipulation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Opopomoz? Test yourself on the story.
