Lindsay Lohan is back in the spotlight, shedding her tabloid past and stepping into the role of a movie star once again, especially with the release of Netflix’s holiday comedy, ‘Our Little Secret’. This follows her previous effort, ‘Falling into Christmas’, which was a light-hearted hit despite not being critically acclaimed. However, her next Netflix film, ‘Irish Wish’, was a disaster, leaving fans concerned about her trajectory with the streaming giant. ‘Our Little Secret’ emerges as her best Netflix outing yet, though that bar is set quite low. Unlike typical Hallmark fare, the film aims to capture the essence of slick comedies from the 2000s, reminiscent of movies like ‘Meet the Parents’ and ‘Four Christmases’. Directed by Stephen Herek, known for his work with big stars in the past, the film seeks to resonate with audiences who grew up enjoying more ambitious romantic comedies.
The plot unfolds with Avery (played by Lohan) and her boyfriend Logan (Ian Harding) arguing at her surprise going-away party in 2014. As Avery prepares to move to London, Logan proposes, but she turns him down, leading to a decade-long separation. Fast forward to the present, they each arrive with new partners to celebrate the holidays, only to discover that their partners are siblings and they are spending Christmas together. This leads to a series of comedic misadventures, including accidental consumption of weed gummies and embarrassing situations, although the film struggles to deliver the laughs it aims for.
While the film features a talented cast, including former ‘Saturday Night Live’ members and other notable actors, the script by debut writer Hailey DeDominicis lacks the depth and cleverness to elevate the performances. Despite its shortcomings, ‘Our Little Secret’ manages to be a decent watch, particularly during the festive season, and serves as a reminder of Lohan’s enduring charm. As the year wraps up, one can only hope that future comedies steer clear of overused tropes, like the classic edible mishap. For now, ‘Our Little Secret’ is available for streaming on Netflix, offering a perfectly serviceable option for holiday viewing.
