Two exes reunite at Christmas, hiding their past while old sparks reignite, in Our Little Secret, a cheesy but entertaining holiday rom-com.
Director: Stephen Herek
Genre: Rom-Com, Holiday, Christmas, Comedy
Run Time: 101′
Global Release Date: November 27, 2024
Where to Watch: Stream it on Netflix
When a rom-com pairs childhood friends turned exes with the chaos of holiday family drama, it opens the door to charm, laughter, and, ideally, heartwarming sincerity. Stephen Herek’s Our Little Secret leans into its lighthearted premise with a sense of playfulness, following Avery (Lindsay Lohan, of Falling for Christmas) and Logan (Ian Harding, of Ford V Ferrari) as they navigate the awkward reality of spending Christmas together while hiding their romantic history.
But while the film’s concept promises entertainment, its execution stumbles through cheesy performances, forced chemistry, and an overly familiar formula.
The story begins with an animated prologue narrated by Avery’s father (Henry Czerny, of Righteousness) detailing her lifelong bond with Logan and their eventual breakup in December 2016. This creative touch sets the tone for the film, as does its quirky title sequence, which offers a recap of major cultural events from 2016–2024. It’s an inventive way to place the audience in the present day, where Avery and Logan, now in separate relationships, find themselves unwittingly reunited for Christmas after discovering their new partners are siblings. Avery proposes keeping their history a secret to avoid holiday drama, but the plan becomes increasingly difficult as old feelings surface.
While the film’s premise is fun and self-aware, the execution doesn’t quite deliver. One of the movie’s glaring issues is the lack of chemistry between Lohan and Harding. Their scenes often feel like first takes, with interactions that lack the emotional weight or spark required to sell their complicated dynamic. The forced energy between them makes it hard to invest in the rekindling of their relationship, and even their dramatic moments are undercut by cheesy performances.
Visually, Our Little Secret’s yellow color grading feels distracting and unnecessary, giving the impression of a perpetual Instagram filter that detracts from the overall aesthetic. The script, written by Hailey DeDominicis, embraces the clichés of the genre – childhood friends to lovers, holiday misunderstandings, and inevitable romantic reconciliations – but offers little innovation or surprise.
That said, the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, and its playful tone ensures it remains entertaining despite its flaws. The animated opening and title sequence inject a sense of creativity and fun, and while the acting falters, the concept itself carries enough charm to make it a decent holiday watch.
Ultimately, Our Little Secret is a predictable and uneven rom-com that works best if approached with low expectations. Its nostalgic appeal and quirky touches offer moments of enjoyment, but the lack of chemistry between its leads and an over-reliance on genre tropes prevent it from becoming a standout holiday film.
Our Little Secret: Movie Plot & Recap
Synopsis:
Two childhood friends turned exes unexpectedly reunite for Christmas after discovering their new partners are siblings.
Pros:
- Exes navigating a shared holiday gathering is a fun concept that offers comedic potential.
- Animated prologue and title sequence add personality.
- Lighthearted and easy to watch, despite flaws.
Cons:
- Lohan and Harding lack romantic tension; their performances are stiff and dramatic moments feel insincere
- The yellow color grading undermines the festive vibe.
- The story is predictable, relying on clichés and offering few surprises.
Our Little Secret will be available to stream globally on Netflix from November 27, 2024.
