Actress and musician Brooke Henzell is ready to charm audiences with her role in “Jingle Bell Heist”, Netflix’s upcoming Christmas comedy set and filmed in London, premiering on November 26. Starring alongside Olivia Holt, Connor Swindells, and Lucy Punch, Brooke plays a sharp-witted reporter who finds herself caught in a festive whirlwind filled with humor and heart. Born in Australia and now based in New York, Henzell blends charisma, musicality, and fearless energy on screen — solidifying her place as one of the most promising talents of her generation.
“Jingle Bell Heist” combines action, comedy, and holiday spirit. What first drew you to this story and to the sharp-witted reporter you play?
Like most people, I’m sure, I’ve watched my fair share of holiday films with my family over the years. I know how rare and rewarding it is to stumble across a Christmas film that is ambitious. The really good ones are movies you wind up returning to year after year. The script for Jingle Bell Heist was funny and surprising and I really felt like it had the potential to be one of those seasonal favourites. I was excited to be a part of that, and excited to play this character who is smart and really put together… a bit aspirational!
The film was shot in London — a city that truly feels like Christmas. Do you have a favorite memory or behind-the-scenes moment from filming there?
It was lovely because we were shooting really close to Christmas time. I think that’s rare, and it made both the Christmas happening in the film and the Christmas happening in real life feel ten times more festive. The set was quite sheltered but coming in and out of the city center, it was bustling with people buying gifts and preparing for holiday gatherings. I also got to go straight from shooting to visiting family, so the whole filming process really was like something out of a movie.
You were born in Australia, live in New York, and filmed in London — three very different worlds! How does this mix of cultures shape your perspective as an actress and artist?
I think being able to travel and move between different cultures is hugely beneficial, creatively. The world becomes a bigger and richer tapestry to source from. Particularly as an actor, experiencing new places and ways of living develops a specific type of empathetic capacity.
Besides acting, you’re also a musician and have released your debut EP Blue Room. How do music and acting connect for you? Do they influence each other creatively?
I think with all creative work, the aim is to get a flow state where things feel great and you can be most productive. I think working across mediums has given me a more robust and specific sense of how I can get there; how my brain works and what practices result in my best work.
Your work often balances humor and emotion so naturally. How do you find that sweet spot between comedy and genuine feeling when you perform?
I would say both comedy and tapping into genuine feeling, as you say… they’re both about instinct, at least for me. I try to prepare as much as possible in a largely traditional way, and that lets me relax and follow my intuition once we’re going for it.
Before your film career, you hosted The Makery. What did that experience teach you about connecting with an audience?
That television series was for children so connecting with the audience for me really meant honing a character I thought might be able to speak to all ages. I thought about what was engaging for me as a child — warmth, exuberance, silliness — and tried to bring that to the role.
You’re building an international career that feels both strong and authentic. How do you stay true to your own voice in such a competitive industry?
I’m not sure there’s any other choice. I think audiences are smart, and they can tell when something comes from a cynical place. I think making things that resonate with me, that are exciting to me, is the only way to be of value or of service as an artist. I think none of us are so unique — if something is exciting to me, and I can make it or be a part of it, there is probably an audience for it.
Looking ahead — is there a dream role, director, or type of project you still hope to be part of?
Since I saw Janet Planet by Annie Baker in 2023, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I already loved her work as a playwright so much, but I was unprepared for how beautiful and funny and moving that film would be. It would be a dream come true to work with her in any capacity. I also went to a Q & A with Céline Sciamma a few years ago, and every now and again I review all the notes I took. I treat her advice with a lot of reverence. Kelly Reichardt, too, of course.
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