I watched Our Little Secret and I liked it. 3.5/5
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Netflix’s Our Little Secret offers a delightful mix of holiday cheer, romantic entanglements, and chaotic family dynamics, delivering a lighthearted addition to the festive rom-com genre. Directed by Stephen Herek and starring Lindsay Lohan, this charming romp brings plenty of laughs, a dash of heartache, and just the right amount of seasonal sparkle. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, Our Little Secret succeeds in creating a cozy, feel-good experience that holiday movie fans will appreciate.
A Festive Web of Secrets
The film follows Avery (Lohan), a sharp but sometimes clumsy businesswoman, as she navigates her first Christmas with her boyfriend Cameron’s (Jon Rudnitsky) close-knit but overbearing family, the Morgans. What should be a joyous occasion turns awkward fast when Avery discovers that Cameron’s brother Logan (Ian Harding) is her ex-boyfriend—a romantic history she’d rather keep under wraps.
The premise sets the stage for a series of comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments. Avery and Logan agree to hide their past, leading to a flurry of white lies, misunderstandings, and increasingly elaborate attempts to maintain the charade. Complicating matters further are the eccentric personalities of the Morgan family, led by Kristin Chenoweth’s hilariously controlling matriarch, Erica, whose approval Avery is desperate to earn.
What makes Our Little Secret work is its blend of relatable emotional stakes and over-the-top holiday antics. From a disastrous encounter with THC-laced gummies to an ill-fated Christmas Eve dinner full of shocking revelations, the film keeps the laughs rolling while exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and second chances.
Lindsay Lohan Shines
At the heart of Our Little Secret is Lindsay Lohan, whose performance anchors the film. Lohan effortlessly blends physical comedy with emotional depth, capturing Avery’s determination to make a good impression while grappling with her unresolved feelings for Logan. Whether she’s delivering a hilariously off-the-cuff retelling of the Nativity story at church or reflecting on her late mother’s Christmas traditions, Lohan proves she’s still a charismatic screen presence.
Ian Harding is equally strong as Logan, providing a grounded counterpoint to Avery’s more frantic energy. The chemistry between Lohan and Harding feels natural, making their characters’ shared history and lingering tension believable. Their banter is playful and sharp, and their eventual emotional reconciliation hits just the right note of sincerity.
Kristin Chenoweth, meanwhile, steals the show as Erica, the Morgan family’s Southern Queen Bee. With her impeccable comedic timing and flair for dramatic overreaction, Chenoweth adds an extra layer of hilarity to every scene she’s in. Supporting players like Tim Meadows as the clueless Stan and Judy Reyes as the no-nonsense Margaret round out the ensemble, bringing warmth and humor to the story.
A Familiar but Fun Formula
While Our Little Secret has plenty of charm, it doesn’t stray far from the well-trodden path of holiday rom-coms. The plot is predictable, with the usual mix of secrets, misunderstandings, and last-minute emotional revelations. However, the film leans into its formulaic nature with a self-aware sense of humor, embracing its clichés without feeling stale.
The pacing occasionally falters, with some subplots feeling underdeveloped. For example, Callum’s blackmail scheme—while amusing—doesn’t fully pay off, and certain characters, like Cameron’s ex-girlfriend Sophie, feel more like plot devices than fully realized individuals. Still, the film’s breezy tone and strong performances help smooth over these rough edges.
One of the film’s standout sequences involves Avery mistakenly consuming Callum’s THC-laced gummies before volunteering to read at Christmas Eve mass. The resulting chaos, as Avery improvises a Nativity story using lyrics from Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration,” is laugh-out-loud funny and perfectly encapsulates the movie’s blend of heart and humor.
Emotional Moments Amid the Chaos
Beneath the comedy, Our Little Secret has a surprising amount of emotional depth. Avery’s journey is not just about navigating the Morgan family’s quirks but also about coming to terms with her own past. Her reflections on her late mother and her efforts to hold onto holiday traditions add a poignant layer to the story.
Similarly, the film explores the complexities of modern families with warmth and nuance. From Erica’s overbearing tendencies to Leonard’s secret affair, the Morgan family’s flaws and conflicts feel refreshingly authentic. These moments of honesty help ground the film, preventing it from becoming overly saccharine.
A Holiday Treat Worth Watching
Our Little Secret may not break new ground, but it delivers exactly what you’d want from a holiday rom-com: laughs, romance, and a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. Lindsay Lohan’s winning performance, combined with a strong ensemble cast and plenty of festive antics, makes this film a delightful addition to Netflix’s holiday lineup.
For fans of holiday rom-coms, Our Little Secret is a feel-good treat that pairs perfectly with a mug of hot cocoa and a cozy blanket. It’s the kind of movie that reminds us why we love this genre in the first place—predictable, yes, but also warm, funny, and full of heart.
Final Verdict:
With its charming cast, laugh-out-loud moments, and heartfelt themes, Our Little Secret is a welcome return for Lindsay Lohan and a solid entry in the holiday rom-com genre. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it earns its place on the nice list.