Lindsay Lohan is back in the spotlight, shaking off her tabloid past as she takes on the role of a movie star again, coinciding with Netflix’s festive rebranding. Following her successful return in ‘Falling into Christmas’, her latest film ‘Our Little Secret’ marks a significant moment for her as it showcases her enduring charm, even if the film itself is rather underwhelming.
This latest Netflix venture is a step up from Lohan’s previous film, the poorly received ‘Irish Wish’, and while it may not reach great heights, it stands as the best of her trio of Netflix outings. ‘Our Little Secret’ diverges from the typical Hallmark formula, aiming instead for a more polished 2000s comedy feel, drawing comparisons to classics like ‘Meet the Parents’ and ‘Four Christmases’. Directed by Stephen Herek, who has previously worked with stars such as Mark Wahlberg and Angelina Jolie, the film attempts to capture the nostalgia of rom-coms that once had more ambition.
The plot kicks off in 2014, when Lohan’s character, Avery, finds herself at odds with her boyfriend, Logan, played by Ian Harding, during her surprise farewell party as she prepares to move to London. When Logan proposes to keep her from leaving, Avery declines, leading to a decade-long separation. Fast forward ten years, they both arrive at holiday gatherings with new partners, only to discover they are spending Christmas with the same family, as their new significant others are siblings.
This twist, while far-fetched, sets the stage for a series of comedic misadventures, including mishaps with edibles and a host of awkward situations. Although the film lacks the humor it aims for, it maintains a brisk pace and features a talented cast, including ex-SNL members Tim Meadows and Chris Parnell, as well as Judy Reyes and Kristin Chenoweth. Chenoweth shines as a sharp-witted mother figure, injecting life into the film whenever she appears.
Despite Lohan and Harding displaying decent chemistry, the script penned by newcomer Hailey DeDominicis fails to deliver the cleverness needed to elevate the film. As we look ahead, one can only hope that future comedies steer clear of clichéd scenes involving accidental consumption of edibles—an overused trope that diminishes the film’s potential. ‘Our Little Secret’ may not be groundbreaking, but it offers a light-hearted experience for the holiday season, making it a watchable, if not memorable, addition to Netflix’s lineup.
