What Is The Naughty Nine About?
The premise of The Naughty Nine in 307 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a snow‑kissed suburb where Christmas magic feels both real and negotiable, a restless fifth‑grader wakes to discover his stocking is empty. The missing gift ignites a stubborn certainty that he has been mis‑marked by Santa’s infamous list, a notion that fuels both frustration and a mischievous spark. The film settles into a bright, slightly off‑beat holiday tone, balancing the twinkling wonder of the North Pole mythos with the grounded, kid‑centric world of schoolyard schemes and family squabbles.
Andy is a clever, rule‑bending kid who thrives on outwitting the adults around him, especially his diligent older sister Laurel, whose moral compass constantly clashes with his improvised plans. By his side is his loyal best friend Dulce, whose daring spirit matches his own, and Lewis, a tech‑savvy classmate whose gadgets provide the group with the confidence to dream bigger. When a well‑meaning pilot named Bruno—a friend of Andy’s father—offers a glimpse of the reindeer‑filled skies, the stakes suddenly feel as expansive as the polar horizon itself.
Together, the kids pull together an eclectic crew of peers who share the same feeling of being unfairly overlooked by Santa. Their collective resolve gives rise to a whimsical, high‑energy plot: a daring trek to the legendary Santa’s Village with the hope of reclaiming what they believe is rightfully theirs. The journey promises a blend of comedic mishaps, heartfelt camaraderie, and the bright, frosty visuals of a holiday world that feels both familiar and freshly imagined.
At its core, the story is a playful exploration of youthful rebellion tempered by the timeless lesson that being “naughty” isn’t always about breaking rules, but about finding one’s place in a world that often looks down the chimney of expectation. The tone remains light‑hearted and adventurous, inviting viewers to wonder how far a determined group of friends will go to rewrite their own holiday narrative.
What Happens in The Naughty Nine?
The complete story of The Naughty Nine, from the first scene to the last, in 897 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Andy Steele, Winslow Fegley, a fifth-grade troublemaker, spends his days clashing with his sister Laurel, Madilyn Kellam, and plotting schemes with his best friend Dulce Gutierrez, Camila Rodríguez. Laurel always does the right thing and tries to outsmart Andy, though he often outwits her, and the trio’s mischief threads through everything they do. The balance between affection and rivalry defines their dynamic, painting a picture of a schoolyard chemistry that’s equal parts bold and reckless, with Laurel serving as a steady counterpoint to Andy’s impulsive energy and Dulce’s quick-witted loyalty.
On Christmas Day, Andy discovers he didn’t get his video game console, while Dulce learns she won’t find her bow-and-arrow set under the tree. Their tech-savvy friend Lewis Sobong, Anthony John Joo, breaks the news that they may be on the naughty list, and his online algorithm expands the scope beyond their circle, revealing numerous other kids who share the same fate. Faced with a system that feels overly selective, Andy and Dulce resolve that Santa’s rules aren’t fair, and they decide to push back by aiming for the North Pole to claim their presents, with Lewis agreeing to join—even though he isn’t technically on the list himself. The possibility of vindication and the chance to prove their point about fairness push them toward a wild, high-stakes plan.
From there, Andy and Dulce, with Lewis, narrow the likely suspects to locals around them. Their bold outreach brings in a few unusual allies: a pilot named Bruno, Derek Theler who has seen enough of the world to believe there’s more to the story, and Laurel, who is persuaded to step in for a missing Bethany after Bethany backs out once she gets a new cell phone. The group’s next move hinges on trust and timing, as they prepare to navigate a realm they’ve only encountered in stories—the North Pole—and confront a system that seems to profit from fear rather than forgiveness. Andy learns that Bruno may be the key to vindicating their claims, if he can vouch for what he saw in the skies above, while Dulce uses the moment to keep Laurel involved, ensuring the plan keeps moving even if it means bending rules a little.
Bruno flies the kids to the North Pole, where Jon Anthony, played by Deric McCabe, privately confesses to Rose, Clara Stack, that he is on the naughty list because his “originals” are actually stolen designs. Despite that confession, he still helps by crafting convincing elf costumes for everyone, showing that even someone on the edge of exile can be useful. The group’s arrival forces an emergency landing; Bruno smooth-talks the local air force by claiming they’re simply taking inventory, buying time as the team sneaks into Santa’s Village. Inside, Albert, Ayden Elijah, uses his cuteness to distract an elf, while Rose and Ha-Yoon, Imogen Cohen, recruit some of Santa’s reindeer for a getaway. Lewis locates the security room, and Andy, Dulce, Jon Anthony, and Laurel slip into an elf party, though Andy quickly insists they leave when he senses they’re in over their heads. The Naughty List comes into sharper focus as they discover their own names—and Laurel’s—not merely a rumor, and they seize gifts from Santa’s vault, even taking Bethany’s phone as a kind of iffy repayment for the night’s risks.
The escape sequence is chaotic but coordinated, with Rose and Ha-Yoon leading a distraction that buys precious seconds as they sprint through the corridors and haul Lewis and Albert to safety. The moment is complicated when Andy discovers that Laurel has taken Bethany’s phone for herself, casting a shadow over their fragile alliance and forcing Andy to reassess the value of trust versus survival. Bruno warns that their window is closing, and the group must jump from the moving plane to dodge pursuit. In the ensuing confrontation, Andy is captured by elf security and brought before Santa Claus himself, Danny Glover. The elder figure threatens to place him and everyone else on the permanent naughty list unless Andy concedes to a harsher punishment, but Andy insists that he should bear the burden alone, not his friends.
Santa does something unexpected: he narrows the punishment to just himself and Laurel, while the rest of the so-called Naughty Nine are allowed to leave with a renewed chance at redemption. Santa explains that no one stays on the naughty list forever and that the path to goodness is not about erasing who you are but choosing to be better. The group is given a reprieve, and even Bruno gets a lighthearted moment—a selfie with Santa that captures the unlikely alliance formed across this Christmas caper. The film closes on a note of tentative harmony, with the impulse toward mischief tempered by a growing sense of accountability and care for others.
A year later, Andy has been exceptionally well-behaved, and when he’s called to the principal’s office, he’s greeted by Santa who hints that his work is not finished. The legend reveals that Andy will be asked to re-recruit the Naughty Nine for an unknown purpose, suggesting that the lessons of that Christmas adventure will continue to shape how he balances mischief with responsibility. The film maintains a warm, hopeful rhythm, celebrating the possibility of growth, the value of friends who challenge you, and the enduring idea that Christmas spirit lives in choosing to be kind even when it’s easier to be bold.
The Naughty Nine Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Andy and Dulce's school heist and trouble” to “One year later: re-recruitment”. 14 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Andy and Dulce's school heist and trouble
Andy Steele and his best friend Dulce Gutierrez pull a heist, stealing confiscated toys from their school to return to kids in exchange for money. Their scheme lands them in trouble with Laurel, Andy's sister who always tries to do the right thing. Dulce's reckless streak contrasts with Andy's more cunning plans, setting up ongoing friction.
When:Pre-Christmas Where:School
- 2
On Christmas Day: missing gifts and Naughty List hint
On Christmas Day, Andy discovers he didn't get his video game console and Dulce realizes she didn't get her bow and arrow set. They realize they might be on Santa's Naughty List, a suspicion that grows when their tech-savvy friend Lewis Sobong explains how the list works. Lewis's algorithm reveals a wider pool of fellow 'naughty' kids as well.
When:Christmas Day Where:Andy's home
- 3
Discovering the Naughty List expands
Lewis's online scan confirms that many other kids are on the Naughty List, not just Andy and Dulce. The trio debates what it means to be on the list and whether reclaiming gifts is even possible. The humbling realization sparks a bold plan to confront Santa at the North Pole.
When:Christmas Day Where:Lewis's place
- 4
Plan to reach the North Pole
Feeling wronged by Santa's selective judgment, Andy and Dulce decide to travel to the North Pole to retrieve their gifts, with Lewis agreeing to join despite not being on the list. The plan gains momentum as they prepare to depart on this last-minute quest. They consolidate their resources at Lewis's place before heading out.
When:Christmas Day evening Where:Lewis's place
- 5
Narrowing down to locals
Using his internet search, Lewis narrows the Naughty Nine candidates to locals they know, making the mission feel possible. Andy, Dulce, and Lewis assemble their makeshift crew and begin final preparations for the journey. The stakes rise as the team moves from theory to action.
When:Shortly after Christmas Day Where:Lewis's place
- 6
Bruno joins; Bethany backs out; Laurel recruited
Bruno, a pilot familiar to Andy's father, agrees to fly the kids toward the North Pole after claiming he once saw Santa's reindeer. Bethany backs out at the last moment after getting the cell phone her parents bought for her, so Laurel is recruited to fill in by claiming Bethany mocked Laurel's abilities.
When:Pre-departure Where:Airport / Bruno's hangar
- 7
Flight to the North Pole
Bruno flies the kids toward the North Pole. Jon Anthony privately tells Rose that he is on the Naughty List because his 'originals' are stolen designs, though he still helps by crafting elf costumes for everyone.
When:In flight Where:Bruno's plane
- 8
Emergency landing and entering Santa's Village
The flight forces an emergency landing near Santa's Village, and Bruno uses a cover of inventory to explain the stop to local authorities. The kids slip into Santa's Village by distracting an elf with Albert's cuteness.
When:During the journey Where:Near the North Pole / Santa's Village
- 9
The Naughty List and the vault
They locate Santa's vault, which is mostly empty and filled with their gifts, and realize they themselves are on the Naughty List except for Laurel. They seize the gifts as payback, and Laurel takes Bethany's phone in the scramble.
When:Infiltration Where:Santa's Village / Vault
- 10
Escape from Santa's Village
Rose and Ha-Yoon aid in the escape, and the group flees elf security while grabbing Lewis and Albert. Andy's disillusionment grows when he sees Laurel snatch Bethany's phone for herself.
When:Escape sequence Where:Santa's Village / North Pole
Show the other 4 events of The Naughty Nine Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Plane pursuit and Santa's confrontation
Bruno warns that he is being forced back into the air and the kids must jump into the moving plane; Andy chooses not to board and keeps the gifts as elf security catches him.
When:Escape climax Where:Moving plane
- 12
Confrontation with Santa and the resolution
Andy is taken to Santa Claus, who threatens permanent punishment. Andy argues that he should bear the punishment alone, and Santa shortens the list to just him and Laurel, releasing the rest of the Naughty Nine. The siblings reconcile as they realize they can challenge the system together.
When:Immediately after capture Where:Santa's Office
- 13
Santa's mercy and a holiday selfie
Santa explains that no one stays on the naughty list forever and the group is allowed to leave for now. Bruno even gets a selfie with Santa, signaling a rare moment of holiday peace.
When:End of the confrontation Where:Santa's Village
- 14
One year later: re-recruitment
A year later, Andy, now very well-behaved, is summoned to the principal's office where Santa unexpectedly appears to enlist him to re-recruit the Naughty Nine for an unknown purpose.
When:One year later Where:School principal's office
Who Are the Main Characters in The Naughty Nine?
10 characters, among them Andy Steele (Winslow Fegley), Dulce Gutierrez (Camila Rodríguez) and Laurel Steele (Madilyn Kellam): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Andy Steele (Winslow Fegley)
Played by 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
- DG
Dulce Gutierrez (Camila Rodríguez)
Played by 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
- LS
Laurel Steele (Madilyn Kellam)
Played by 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
- LS
Lewis Sobong (Anthony John Joo)
Played by 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
- B(
Bruno (Derek Theler)
Played by 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
- JA
Jon Anthony (Deric McCabe)
Played by 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
- R(
Rose (Clara Stack)
Played by 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
- H(
Ha-Yoon (Imogen Cohen)
Played by 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)
Played by 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
- A(
Albert (Ayden Elijah)
Played by 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
Where and When Is The Naughty Nine Set?
The Naughty Nine is set in North Pole and Santa's Village (Contemporary Christmas season). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
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.
Where
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
What Are the Themes of The Naughty Nine?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Redemption, Friendship and Belief in Santa.
-
01
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.
-
02
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.
-
03
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.
-
04
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.
What Kind of Film Is The Naughty Nine?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced and whimsical holiday caper that feels like a playful, mischievous adventure with a strong heartwarming message about second chances and the true meaning of Christmas.
- mischievous
- hopeful
- whimsical
- adventurous
- playful
- heartwarming
- christmas heist
- coming of age
- redemption
- friendship
Quiz
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