The holiday season is gaining momentum, and with it, the excitement surrounding new Christmas romantic comedies is heating up! Netflix has jumped headfirst with its new release, Our Little Secret, starring none other than Lindsay Lohan. This festive film is rich with themes of nostalgia, romance, and the occasional holiday mishap, making it the perfect addition to Netflix’s roster of Christmas offerings.
Directed by Stephen Herek, Our Little Secret begins with childhood friends Avery, played by Lohan, and Logan, portrayed by Ian Harding. Their innocent friendship swiftly develops feelings of young love but takes a turn when Avery is offered a job overseas. Fast forward ten years, and they find themselves back together but with new partners. Avery's new boyfriend, Cam, and Logan's girlfriend, Cassie, share more than they initially realize—they're siblings! This twist leads to comedic and romantic conflicts as secrets begin to unravel, reminiscent of the spirited drama often found in holiday films.
Interestingly, Our Little Secret isn't the only film dabbling with this theme of exes reuniting during the holidays. The 2023 film EXmas also has similar vibes. Featuring Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell, EXmas showcases the chaotic yet humorous aftermath when ex-lovers Graham and Ali find themselves back together at his parent’s house for Christmas.
Both these films explore the awkwardness and heartwarming moments of holiday gatherings, where previous relationships can resurface, and old feelings can reignite. It’s not just about finding love during Christmas; it’s about confronting unresolved tension and enjoying the chaotic family dynamics found during the holidays.
If Lohan's return to the Christmas screen has you feeling nostalgic, you may want to sift through the other rom-coms to find gems from previous years. One noteworthy mention is Four Christmases, starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, which embodies the spirit of family craziness, making it another delightful watch for the season.
Certainly, both Our Little Secret and EXmas deliver their distinct spins on familial and romantic relationships. While Our Little Secret leans more heavily on comedic elements, EXmas opts for comical amounts of chaos surrounding familial bonds.
When discussing the performances of the leads, reviews point to Lindsay Lohan's undeniable charm and comedic talent, which many fans believe she highlighted well since her triumphant return to starring roles. Ian Harding complements her performance, bringing warmth and relatability to Logan, making their on-screen chemistry palpable.
On the flip side, EXmas showcases the talent of its leads, Meester and Amell, who create delightful comedic moments filled with playful rivalry. The festive backdrop adds to the charm of their performances, bringing laughter and warmth to viewers.
Despite the similar themes, reactions to both films vary. For example, critics have pointed out EXmas received mixed reviews, currently holding only a 41% score on Rotten Tomatoes, yet audiences have welcomed it with open arms, giving it satisfying ratings. This reflects a common trend where critics may overlook the light-hearted charm and intended humor of festive movies, whereas general audiences tend to embrace them for their warmth and feel-good narratives.
On the other hand, Lohan's Our Little Secret is making waves for its heartwarming storyline and engaging characters, but the pressure is certainly on to see how it fares against its festive counterparts.
Suffice it to say, Netflix would love to establish Our Little Secret as one of those must-see holiday classics. Viewers are encouraged to grab their cocoa and settle in for some light-hearted family fun, filled with love, laughter, and the complicated nature of holiday reunions.
The beauty of the holiday season often lies within its huge array of romantic comedies, and as more films come out, it lifts our spirits, recalling love, joy, and the spirit of giving—all themes wrapped up neatly and tied with festive bows.
So, as holiday lights start twinkling and festivities commence, what are you waiting for? Dive right back to your childhood filled with sweet memories or find encouragement for new ones by watching these charming films!
