Lindsay Lohan makes a welcome return to the screen in Netflix’s latest holiday offering, ‘Our Little Secret’. The film marks her evolution from tabloid sensation to a credible movie star, following her successful comeback in ‘Falling into Christmas’. While her previous collaboration with Netflix, ‘Irish Wish’, failed to impress, this new film is a step up, albeit not by much. ‘Our Little Secret’ attempts to break away from the typical Hallmark formula, instead echoing the charm of early 2000s comedies like ‘Meet the Parents’ and ‘Four Christmases’. Directed by Stephen Herek, a veteran of that era, the film aims to attract an audience nostalgic for more ambitious romantic comedies.
The plot kicks off in 2014, where Lohan’s character, Avery, finds herself at a surprise going-away party only to be proposed to by her boyfriend Logan, played by Ian Harding. Fast forward a decade, both are embarking on holiday trips with new partners, only to discover they are spending Christmas with the same family, leading to a web of lies and comedic misunderstandings.
Despite its setup, the film struggles with pacing and humor, often feeling flat despite a talented cast, which includes former ‘Saturday Night Live’ stars and Broadway favorites like Kristin Chenoweth. Chenoweth’s performance as a sharp-tongued mother adds a needed spark, while Lohan and Harding deliver decent banter. However, the script, penned by newcomer Hailey DeDominicis, lacks the cleverness to elevate their performances.
As we approach 2025, one can only hope that the tired trope of characters accidentally ingesting edibles is left behind. Overall, ‘Our Little Secret’ is a passable Christmas comedy, perfect for those looking for light holiday entertainment on Netflix.
Catch it now on the streaming platform and see if it brings a bit of festive cheer, or if it simply leaves you wanting more.
