It’s December, and Netflix is once again delivering its familiar lineup of holiday romantic comedies, one right after the other. This week, we get to unwrap “Our Little Secret,” which is Lindsay Lohan’s third festive film with the platform, following “Falling for Christmas” and “Irish Wish.” Like her previous films, this one doesn’t really try to keep its ‘secret’ hidden. The storyline feels as cozy and predictable as an old Christmas sweater.
Directed by Stephen Herek, “Our Little Secret” stars Lindsay Lohan alongside Ian Harding and Kristin Chenoweth. The film follows the typical romantic holiday formula we’ve come to expect. Once again, we find ourselves rooting for a couple trying to reignite their romance amidst the joyous holiday season. Given that the recipe for these films is already well established, it raises the question of why there isn’t at least a hint of fresh holiday spirit sprinkled into the mix.
The movie begins with an animated flashback that tells the story of Avery (played by Lindsay Lohan) and Logan (played by Ian Harding), who were best friends during childhood and eventually fell in love. However, their relationship suffers due to career ambitions and the distance that comes with them, leading to a breakup. Fast forward ten years, and they awkwardly find themselves reunited while dating siblings, which forces them to spend Christmas together. This setup leads to a series of comedic situations as they attempt to keep their past relationship hidden from their families.
Unfortunately, the opening flashback feels rushed and lacks the emotional depth needed to make us care about Avery and Logan’s reunion. The film doesn’t provide enough insight into why these two should be together. Instead, it relies on nostalgic reminders from their parents rather than showcasing genuine moments between the two leads. Their connection comes across more like a friendship than a romantic bond, and the absence of grand romantic gestures or emotional depth makes it difficult to believe in the authenticity of their love. Additionally, the film doesn’t delve into the reasons behind the failures of their current relationships, leaving gaps in the story that weaken the central romance.
As the film progresses, we see Avery and Logan navigating awkward family gatherings and holiday festivities, which could have been an opportunity for humor and charm. However, the comedic mishaps often feel forced and predictable. The characters find themselves in situations that aim for laughs but often land flat. The chemistry between Avery and Logan fails to spark, making their interactions feel more like a chore than a delightful reunion.
The supporting characters, including their siblings, are underdeveloped, which doesn’t help elevate the story. Kristin Chenoweth’s character, while charming, feels like a missed opportunity for comedic relief. Instead of adding depth to the narrative, these characters often serve as mere plot devices, lacking their own arcs or motivations. This lack of development extends to the family dynamics as well, which could have added layers to the story but instead remain one-dimensional.
The film also struggles with pacing. After the initial setup, the story drags in the middle, losing the momentum it had built up. The attempts to create tension or conflict between Avery and Logan feel contrived and don’t resonate emotionally. Viewers may find themselves checking the time, waiting for something exciting or heartfelt to happen.
Visually, “Our Little Secret” captures the holiday spirit with its festive decorations and cozy settings. The cinematography does a good job of showcasing the beauty of the season, which adds a nice touch to the film. However, beautiful visuals alone cannot compensate for a lack of strong storytelling and character development.
In the end, “Our Little Secret” plays it safe, sticking closely to the established formula of holiday rom-coms without bringing anything new to the table. While it may provide a few chuckles and some holiday cheer, it ultimately falls short of delivering a memorable experience. The film’s reliance on clichés and predictable plot twists may leave viewers feeling underwhelmed.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Lindsay Lohan or enjoy holiday romantic comedies, you might find some enjoyment in “Our Little Secret.” However, if you’re looking for a film that offers fresh perspectives or deeper emotional connections, you may want to look elsewhere this holiday season. The film’s charm is overshadowed by its lack of originality and emotional depth, making it a forgettable addition to Netflix’s holiday lineup.
Leave a Reply