REVIEW: ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Is Next Holiday Classic

Based on Barbara Robinson’s 1971 book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is sure to be a holiday family film classic after this season. Given how oversaturated the holiday movie catalog is, with new movies of usually middling quality added annually, that’s no small feat. Whether you’re familiar with the book or not, the film reminds us all—both big and small—that we should not judge those based on appearances. Offering grace when others will not is a gift that can unlock many surprises.

Featuring a layered, sometimes wry, narration from Lauren Graham, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever wastes no time introducing its primary nemesis group – the Herdmans. They are rough. They are mean. And they are not above resorting to force to get what they want. The town’s church serves as a refuge from the Herdmans. Still, after Beth Bradley’s (Molly Belle Wright) brother, Charlie (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez), reveals to one of the Herdman siblings that there are free snacks at church, that refuge is soon taken over.

When the Christmas pageant showrunner is severely injured, Beth’s mother, Grace Bradley (Judy Greer), steps up to the plate to take charge. However, every action she takes is met with great disapproval from the community after the Herdmans – led by the eldest daughter Imogene (Beatrice Schneider) – strongarm their way into lead roles. As her name suggests, Grace handles the situation and the Herdmans gracefully when the other adults in the community do not. Her actions set an example not just for Beth but for the viewer as well.

At the beginning of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, it is an unspoken truth that the Herdmans don’t have much. Little scene snippets peel back the curtain behind this band of redheaded miscreants. They are just doing their best, particularly Imogene. Schneider acts with the world-weariness that will resonate with many, with the eldest daughter taking the role of mother and wrangler instead of focusing on her own needs. While Imogene’s obsession with portraying Mary isn’t subtle, both acting-wise and writing-wise, it is easy to understand why.

Despite the sad truth underlining the Herdmans’ situation, director Dallas Jenkins and his young cast incorporate humor from the get-go. Graham’s narration hits the right beats from the beginning, with editor John Quinn’s quick edits highlighting the Herdmans’ shenanigans and heightening their audacity. Unfortunately, the humorous beginning isn’t maintained for too long. However, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever tries to reclaim that energy later, most notably when the Herdmans ask reasonable questions about the birth of Jesus Christ.

Where Jenkins excels is knowing where to press further on the drama, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has that and more. Grace and Imogene face an uphill battle against the community to prove they can accomplish their tasks. As the audience surrogate, Beth watches her mother handle each hurdle both Herdmans and the community launch at her. The isolation and weight caused by Grace’s decision to do the right thing for these young kids is written on Judy Greer’s brow. But by massaging these moments, Jenkins highlights the importance of the impact of defying communal expectations.

That said, adapting a short book into an hour-and-a-half film is difficult. The 2024 adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever doesn’t escape them entirely. There is a lag in pacing, made further noticeable by the slight imbalance in tone. However, what Jenkins and screenwriters Platte F. Clark, Darin McDaniel, and Ryan Swanson manage to do still works in the end.

As someone who left the faith long ago, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever resonates. While judging people for their actions without question is easy, each person carries their own burdens. Showing grace, support, and understanding towards those who are so easily dismissed is important, especially towards children. It may not always reap desired rewards, which is another lesson in itself, but just a little grace can be the push needed to help someone overcome adversity. How Jenkins, Clark, McDaniel, and Swanson deliver this is done with care so all ages can understand.

Despite its minor issues, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever encapsulates the book’s spirit, evoking the timelessness of Barbara Robinson’s messaging. If there is a new Christmas film to watch with the family this year, this one is it.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is now in theaters.