The Knight Before Christmas (2019) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
The Knight Before Christmas (2019) is a charming holiday romantic comedy that blends Christmas magic with time travel. Directed by Monika Mitchell and starring Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse, the movie follows a medieval knight who is transported to the modern day and finds love in the unlikeliest of places. Released on Netflix, this feel-good film is filled with festive cheer, humor, and heartwarming moments that are perfect for the holiday season. In this review, we’ll explore the plot, performances, and overall vibe of the film, along with details on where you can stream or rent it online in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Christmas Tale Across Centuries
Set in both medieval England and present-day Ohio, The Knight Before Christmas follows Sir Cole (Josh Whitehouse), a 14th-century knight who is magically transported to the 21st century by an enigmatic old crone. His mission is to fulfill a mysterious quest before Christmas Eve, although the exact details of this quest remain unclear to him.
In modern-day Ohio, Sir Cole crosses paths with Brooke (Vanessa Hudgens), a kind-hearted science teacher who has lost her belief in love after a recent breakup. After accidentally hitting Sir Cole with her car, Brooke takes him in, assuming he’s suffering from amnesia due to the accident. As Cole adjusts to the strange world of 2019—complete with cars, cell phones, and Alexa devices—he and Brooke grow closer, sparking a sweet romance that blossoms against the backdrop of the holiday season.
As the clock ticks down to Christmas Eve, Sir Cole must figure out what his true quest is, all while navigating his newfound feelings for Brooke and the possibility that he might be called back to his own time. The film weaves together the magical elements of time travel with the warmth of a classic Christmas romance, offering a cozy, heartwarming story perfect for holiday viewing.
Vanessa Hudgens: A Holiday Movie Queen
Vanessa Hudgens has become a familiar face in Netflix’s holiday film lineup, and her performance in The Knight Before Christmas is as delightful as ever. Hudgens plays Brooke with warmth and charm, embodying the modern woman who is both skeptical of magic and open to the possibility of romance. Her character’s arc is one of rediscovering faith in love, and Hudgens brings sincerity to the role, making Brooke relatable and likable.
Hudgens has a natural on-screen charisma, and her chemistry with Josh Whitehouse adds a touch of whimsy to the film. While the movie’s plot is light and predictable, Hudgens’ performance elevates it, making the character’s journey feel genuine, even amidst the fantasy elements.
Josh Whitehouse: A Charming Knight Out of Time
Josh Whitehouse plays Sir Cole with a mix of gallantry and wide-eyed wonder, portraying a knight who is both brave and utterly baffled by modern conveniences. Whitehouse brings a light comedic touch to the role, especially in scenes where Sir Cole grapples with modern technology or navigates everyday tasks like driving a car or shopping at a grocery store.
His portrayal of Sir Cole strikes the right balance between medieval chivalry and the fish-out-of-water humor that comes with time travel. As the romantic lead, Whitehouse’s chemistry with Hudgens feels genuine, and the pair’s sweet interactions form the emotional core of the movie. Sir Cole’s journey from dutiful knight to a man discovering love for the first time is heartwarming, making him a character that’s easy to root for.
A Blend of Time Travel and Holiday Magic
One of the movie’s strengths is how it blends the elements of time travel with the festive magic of Christmas. While the concept of a knight transported to modern times isn’t entirely new, The Knight Before Christmas manages to keep the story fresh by leaning into the holiday spirit. The film is filled with twinkling lights, cozy fireplaces, and classic Christmas traditions like tree decorating and hot cocoa by the fire.
The time travel aspect adds a fun, whimsical layer to the romance, as Sir Cole’s chivalrous nature contrasts with the casual modern world. The script doesn’t delve too deeply into the mechanics of time travel, instead focusing on the emotional journey of its characters. This decision allows the film to maintain its lighthearted, feel-good tone without getting bogged down in complicated plot details.
Romantic Chemistry: Sweet and Simple
The romantic chemistry between Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse is what gives The Knight Before Christmas its charm. The movie doesn’t try to reinvent the holiday rom-com formula, but rather embraces it with sincerity. Brooke and Sir Cole’s relationship develops gradually, with sweet moments of connection as they bond over shared experiences and Sir Cole’s chivalrous nature.
The romance feels wholesome and innocent, making it perfect for family viewing during the holidays. While the movie follows a predictable path, the chemistry between the leads makes it enjoyable and comforting, like a warm cup of cocoa on a winter’s night.
Critical Reception: A Lighthearted, Festive Rom-Com
The Knight Before Christmas received mixed reviews from critics, with many acknowledging that the film is formulaic but undeniably charming. Critics noted that the movie doesn’t break any new ground in the holiday rom-com genre, but it succeeds in delivering exactly what viewers expect from a Christmas movie—heartwarming moments, festive settings, and a touch of magic.
The film’s simplicity and feel-good nature were praised, particularly in how it embraces the holiday spirit without overcomplicating the plot. For fans of Netflix’s lineup of Christmas movies, The Knight Before Christmas fits comfortably alongside other holiday favorites, offering a light, breezy watch that’s easy to enjoy.
Where to Watch The Knight Before Christmas Online in the U.S.
If you’re looking to stream or rent The Knight Before Christmas online in the U.S., here are the platforms where it is currently available:
Streaming Services
- Netflix
- The Knight Before Christmas is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix. As a Netflix original film, it’s included in the platform’s holiday movie collection, making it easily accessible for subscribers.
Rental and Purchase Options
Since The Knight Before Christmas is a Netflix original, it is not available for rent or purchase on other digital platforms. To watch the film, you’ll need a subscription to Netflix.
Final Thoughts: A Cozy Holiday Romance with a Time-Travel Twist
The Knight Before Christmas is a sweet and simple holiday movie that delivers exactly what it promises—a fun, heartwarming romance set against the backdrop of Christmas magic. While the film doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot or character development, it offers a lighthearted and enjoyable viewing experience, perfect for fans of festive rom-coms.
With charming performances from Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse, along with a whimsical blend of time travel and holiday cheer, The Knight Before Christmas is an ideal movie for cozying up on the couch with family or friends during the holiday season. Whether you’re a fan of Christmas movies, romantic comedies, or just looking for something to brighten your holiday spirit, this Netflix original is worth adding to your holiday watchlist.
