Lindsay Lohan is back, stepping away from tabloid headlines and reclaiming her place as a movie star with her latest Netflix offering, ‘Our Little Secret’. Following her previous success in ‘Falling into Christmas’, which was a hit during the festive season despite its lackluster quality, Lohan’s new film is a welcome return to form, albeit with its own set of flaws.
Set against the backdrop of Christmas, ‘Our Little Secret’ attempts to break away from typical Hallmark fare and instead channels the spirit of early 2000s romantic comedies like ‘Meet the Parents’ and ‘Four Christmases’. Directed by Stephen Herek, known for his work with big-name stars, the film aims to attract audiences who grew up watching more ambitious studio rom-coms.
The film kicks off in 2014 with a young Avery (played by Lohan) and her boyfriend Logan (Ian Harding) at her surprise farewell party before she moves to London. Amidst an argument, Logan proposes, but Avery declines, leading to their split. A decade later, they each arrive with new partners to spend the holiday, only to discover they are celebrating Christmas with the same family, as their partners are siblings. This twist sets off a chain of comedic misadventures, from accidental weed gummies consumption to embarrassing speeches, although the humor often falls flat.
Despite its shortcomings, ‘Our Little Secret’ manages to maintain a brisk pace and features a lively cast, including former Saturday Night Live stars and other recognizable faces. Kristin Chenoweth shines in her role as a sharp-tongued mother, adding much-needed energy to the film.
While Lohan and Harding’s chemistry is decent, the script lacks the wit and inventiveness necessary to elevate their performances. The film’s reliance on cliched comedic tropes, such as characters consuming edibles, does little to inspire confidence in the future of holiday comedies.
Available now on Netflix, ‘Our Little Secret’ is an adequate addition to the holiday movie lineup, offering just enough charm to entertain but ultimately falling short of being a standout.
