THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS DIAMOND
A Holiday Whodunit
What You Need To Know
THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS DIAMOND is a holiday whodunit streaming on UPtv with plenty of twists and turns. Andy arrives to spend Christmas with her friend Olivia and her well-off family. After a valuable necklace goes missing, everyone points the finger at somebody else, and it’s up to Andy to solve the mystery.
Andy is excited to spend Christmas with her friend Olivia even though her wealthy family members look down on her. She’s thrilled at the arrival of Jackie Evanson, her favorite mystery author, who happens to be a family friend.
As they prepare to spend the evening together, tensions are evident. Margaret, Olivia’s mother, makes it clear that she looks down on Andy. Meanwhile, her brother Gary and his wife Leonora are frustrated with Margaret, who has decided not to invest in their real estate deal. Their daughter Harper is unhappy to be there at all. Olivia’s brother Liam is upset that Margaret invited his ex-fiancee, Amelia.
Margaret makes waves when she announces that she’ll give the Christmas Diamond, her special necklace, to whoever makes the best case for why they should get it. However, after everyone gives their pitch and starts sniping at each other, Margaret says no one will get the diamond, as they don’t deserve it.
The power goes out while everyone is in different parts of the house, and when the lights come back on, Margaret notices the diamond is missing. She says no one may leave the house until they find out who took it. After searching everyone’s rooms, the Christmas Diamond turns up in Andy’s room. She asks for the chance to clear her name and find the real culprit and starts her investigation earnestly.
Everyone in the house has a motive — and an alibi. After interrogating each potential suspect and reviewing security camera footage, Andy points the finger at the house’s chef, Raphael. He runs away before they can catch him, and Margaret falls down the stairs in the chaos of trying to find him. After receiving mysterious notes pointing her toward clues, Andy discovers who stole the Christmas Diamond.
THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS DIAMOND is a twisty whodunit that will keep viewers guessing. The mystery is well-thought-out, and the actors give good performances, but the plot does drag a bit in the middle, as certain plot elements don’t really make sense, such as the police not being called until days after the initial theft.
THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS DIAMOND has a moral worldview, but many problematic elements exist. Almost all of the characters disparage Andy, who isn’t rich, and immediately blame her for the theft because they know she doesn’t have much money. Many characters are greedy and willing to do anything to earn more money. There’s also a reveal that two characters had been having extramarital affairs. However, by the movie’s end, the two characters apologize to Andy for their treatment of her. MOVIEGUIDE® advises some caution for younger viewers.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Light moral worldview, as main character Andy is focused on solving the crime and finding justice; many of the characters are extremely greedy and rude, insulting Andy for not being rich, but by the end of the movie Amelia and Margaret have both apologized for their treatment of Andy
Foul Language
No foul language
Violence
One character tuns while carrying a gun and trips and falls, the gun goes off and almost hits someone; in another scene, Margaret is pushed down the stairs, however, this happens offscreen
Sex
No sex
Nudity
No nudity
Alcohol Use
one scene shows everyone drinking wine at dinner, Harper, who is underage, attempts to drink an alcoholic beverage but is caught before she does, Andy and Liam drink cocktails together in one scene
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
None;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Many of the characters lie throughout to create alibis for the crime, but eventually confess the truth, almost all of the characters make disparaging comments to Andy about her financial situation, Liam is a gambler, but at the end of the movie tells Andy he will be joining Gamblers Anonymous, it is revealed that Margaret was not faithful in her marriage and Liam is the product of an affair, Gary is also revealed to be having an affair with a member of Margaret’s staff.
