The Merry Gentlemen Review: Holiday Thrills, Winter Chills

Though The Merry Gentlemen may be a clichéd Christmas rom-com, it’s a comforting, uplifting watch to indulge in this holiday season.

While the movie may not become an instant Christmas classic and make it to the top of your holiday favorites film list anytime soon, it’s entertaining enough to watch on a Sunday afternoon with a delicious cup of hot cocoa in tow.

Ashley (Britt Robertson, of Little Fires Everywhere) has been a dancer for The Jingle Bells Broadway production for many years but is unexpectedly let go by the producer, who is eager to replace her with a younger talent right before Christmas. After receiving this earth-shattering news, Ashley returns to her small hometown to visit her parents for the holidays. While there, she learns that her folks struggle to book acts at their beloved nightclub, The Rhythm Room. They are even six months behind on rent. As a last-ditch attempt to revive the venue’s dwindling audience, Ashley rallies some of the town’s local men to perform a striptease dance number each week at the club. The hope is that these events will raise enough money to save the joint from being snatched from Ashley’s parents and turned into a juice bar. 

Of course, this Christmas tale wouldn’t be complete without romance, but rest assured, you don’t have to wait too long to experience it. Love is in the crisp, wintery air, and a spark develops quickly between Ashley and Luke (Chad Michael Murray) soon after they are introduced. A holiday-themed flick wouldn’t be complete without a goofy meet-cute. Still, in good old Hallmark-esque fashion, the pair become acquainted outside the nightclub when Ashley becomes entangled in the decorations that Luke is hanging outside. 

Robertson and Murray have decent enough chemistry, and Ashley and Luke’s back-and-forth banter is amusing to watch. Both characters hold their own, and neither is afraid to give as good as they get. The lingering attraction between the two slowly builds throughout the film’s runtime. Though their love story may not feel fully earned by the end, the romantic tension between them early on is portrayed effectively. The way our two leads meet may be entirely unrealistic, but The Merry Gentlemen doesn’t shy away from the classic Christmas movie rom-com tropes and has fun with them. The dance numbers are also well-choreographed and engaging. Plus, many scenes feature Chad Michael Murray without a shirt on. So, if you’re still in love with him after growing up on One Tree Hill or A Cinderella Story, this might be a rom-com you can get on board with. Think Magic Mike Lite!

The film also has a wholesome tone that feels like a warm, fuzzy blanket. Though after Ashley and Luke meet, we know almost instantly where the movie will end up, there’s something incredibly comforting and charming about the movie. With Christmas rom-coms, viewers know exactly what’s in store, but they’re still feel-good escapism that one can’t help but gravitate towards, especially during the holidays.  

One of the most grounded and relatable aspects of The Merry Gentlemen is the sense of nostalgia it brings during the viewing experience. Ashley is a city girl through and through, and though it’s never revealed why she hasn’t visited her parents for many years, one can only assume that she prefers the hustle and bustle of the city and has been too busy with work to return to the sleepy little town she grew up in. 

This is where the film’s appeal is evident and shines through. While watching The Merry Gentlemen, I couldn’t help but envision all the Christmases I experienced as a kid and families’ memories and traditions during this time. People lead busy lives and often seek out bigger and better opportunities as they grow up and move away. However, when we return to our childhood homes during the holidays to visit loved ones, there’s a real sense of fondness, comfort, and familiarity. With the complexities of life, it’s refreshing to see a Christmas rom-com with a positive outcome and a sense of optimism and positivity, even if the story is a little far-fetched.

Though The Merry Gentlemen may be predictable, it’s a cozy, uplifting film that instills hope and happiness, even among the world’s scrooges.

The Merry Gentlemen will be available to stream globally on Netflix from November 20, 2024.