Lindsay Lohan is back on the screen, embracing her role as a movie star with her latest Netflix offering, ‘Our Little Secret’. This film represents a departure from her past tabloid headlines, coinciding with Netflix’s yearly influx of heartwarming holiday films that are quick to produce and consume. Following her 2022 comeback in ‘Falling into Christmas’, which was a hit despite its shortcomings, Lohan’s journey with Netflix took a downturn with the disappointing ‘Irish Wish’. However, her third film with the platform has turned out to be the most enjoyable of the trio, albeit the bar was set quite low.
‘Our Little Secret’ attempts to shake off the typical Hallmark clichés in favor of a more polished 2000s comedy vibe, drawing inspiration from classics like ‘Meet the Parents’ and ‘Four Christmases’. Directed by Stephen Herek, known for his work with stars like Mark Wahlberg and Angelina Jolie, this film aims to attract audiences who cherish the romantic comedies of their youth.
The plot kicks off in 2014, where Avery (played by Lohan) and her boyfriend Logan (Ian Harding) are in the midst of a heated argument at her surprise farewell party. As she prepares to move to London, Logan’s proposal is met with a flat refusal, leading to a decade-long separation. Fast forward to the present, both have new partners and are set to meet their in-laws for the holidays, only to discover that they are spending Christmas with the same family. This unexpected twist prompts them to keep their past relationship a secret, leading to a series of absurd situations involving weed gummies and even a fake dog stomach-pumping.
Despite the film’s efforts to entertain, it falls short of being genuinely funny, though its fast pacing and lively cast manage to keep it somewhat engaging. The film benefits from a talented ensemble that includes former ‘Saturday Night Live’ members and recognizable faces from popular series. Kristin Chenoweth shines as a sharp-tongued mother, elevating the film during her appearances.
While Lohan and Harding share decent chemistry, the script from newcomer Hailey DeDominicis lacks the wit necessary to elevate their performances. As we navigate through the holiday season, one can only hope future comedies steer clear of outdated tropes, such as characters overindulging in edibles, which have become tiresome. ‘Our Little Secret’ may not be a standout holiday classic, but it’s a light-hearted comedy worth a watch during festive downtime on Netflix.
