Lindsay Lohan makes her return to the screen, stepping back into the spotlight with Netflix’s festive offering, ‘Our Little Secret’. This film marks her third collaboration with the streaming giant, following the lukewarm reception of her previous projects. Lohan’s first lead role in nearly a decade, ‘Falling into Christmas’, was a moderate success, showcasing her enduring appeal despite its lack of depth. However, her next venture, ‘Irish Wish’, missed the mark, leading to concerns about her future prospects with Netflix.
‘Our Little Secret’ attempts to break away from the typical Hallmark formula, aiming for a more polished comedic style reminiscent of early 2000s rom-coms. With a notable director like Stephen Herek at the helm, known for working with big names such as Mark Wahlberg and Angelina Jolie, the film tries to capture the charm of classic holiday comedies. While it lacks the boldness of last year’s hit ‘Anyone But You’, it seeks to attract fans of nostalgic romantic comedies.
The plot kicks off in 2014, with Lohan’s character, Avery, rejecting her boyfriend Logan’s proposal just as she prepares to move to London. Fast forward a decade, and both characters find themselves in new relationships, only to realize they will be spending Christmas with the same family, a twist that leads to a series of comedic misadventures. The film features a cast of familiar faces, including ex-SNL stars and talented actors like Kristin Chenoweth, who brings a vibrant energy to her role as a overly dramatic mother.
Despite the film’s bright spots, it struggles to deliver consistent laughs, with a script that falls flat at times. As the year wraps up, it’s hoped that future comedies will avoid overused tropes, like the classic misunderstanding involving edibles. Overall, ‘Our Little Secret’ serves as an average holiday film, providing a light-hearted watch but leaving much to be desired in terms of originality and humor. It is now available for streaming on Netflix.