Our Little Secret (2024) Movie Review: A Christmas Rom-Com That Shines Despite Its Flaws
The holiday season brings with it a wealth of festive movies, and Our Little Secret (2024) is Netflix’s latest addition to its growing catalog of Christmas rom-coms. Directed by Stephen Herek and starring Lindsay Lohan, this film mixes romance, humor, and family drama in a seasonal package. But does it deliver the Christmas magic audiences crave? Let’s dive in.
Plot Overview
Our Little Secret begins in 2014, introducing Avery (Lindsay Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding), lifelong friends turned lovers. Their relationship ends abruptly when Avery rejects Logan’s public proposal and moves to London for her career. A decade later, fate reunites the two at Christmas under unusual circumstances: both are dating new partners, who happen to be siblings.
As they navigate an awkward family holiday, Avery and Logan must keep their romantic history a secret, leading to hilarity, misunderstandings, and surprising revelations. The film’s core narrative is a marriage-remarriage screwball comedy, a nod to classic Hollywood, but with a modern twist.
What Works
Lindsay Lohan’s Return to Form
Lohan shines as Avery, showcasing her knack for comedic timing and emotional nuance. This role reminds audiences of her star power from Mean Girls and The Parent Trap. Her chemistry with Ian Harding is heartfelt, making their journey from exes to potential rekindled love believable and engaging.
Strong Direction by Stephen Herek
Herek brings a polished, nostalgic touch to the film, reminiscent of mid-2000s studio rom-coms. His experience directing classics like The Mighty Ducks and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure helps elevate the movie above standard streaming fare.
Supporting Cast Highlights
Kristin Chenoweth steals scenes as the overbearing matriarch Erica, blending charm with biting wit. Her Southern Belle demeanor adds layers of humor and tension, while Tim Meadows and Judy Reyes offer moments of levity, even if their characters lack depth.
Visual and Situational Humor
The film excels in its comedic sequences, such as Avery’s THC gummy mishap at a church service. Lohan’s expressive reactions and the surreal incorporation of a CGI Mother Mary statue make for memorable, laugh-out-loud moments.
What Falls Short
Underdeveloped Themes
While the film touches on grief and the impact of Avery’s mother’s death, these themes are sidelined in favor of slapstick comedy. A deeper exploration could have added emotional weight.
Predictable Plot
The central deception—hiding Avery and Logan’s past relationship—feels contrived and unnecessary, limiting the film’s potential. Some plot points, like the edibles trope, border on cliché, diminishing their comedic impact.
Missed Opportunities for Supporting Characters
Despite a talented ensemble cast, characters like Cassie (Katie Baker) and Leonard (Dan Bucatinsky) are underutilized. With richer material, these roles could have added complexity to the story.
Streaming Options
For viewers in the United States, Our Little Secret is exclusively available on Netflix as part of its original programming. Subscribers can stream the movie at no additional cost. Unfortunately, it is not currently offered for rental or purchase on other platforms.
Conclusion
Our Little Secret delivers a lighthearted, festive experience, perfect for a cozy movie night. While it doesn’t reinvent the rom-com genre, it benefits from Lohan’s charisma and Herek’s seasoned direction. Fans of holiday films like Four Christmases or Meet the Parents will find plenty to enjoy, even if the film occasionally stumbles.
Ready to watch Our Little Secret? Stream it now on Netflix and add a dash of romance and laughter to your holiday season. Don’t forget to share your thoughts—what’s your favorite holiday rom-com moment? Let us know in the comments below!
