I was talking to a friend about Last Christmas and described it as, “A really expensive Hallmark movie, with people who can actually act, a really weird twist, and a bunch of George Michael music.” I’m going to guess that to a lot of people that would sound pretty terrible. I’m also going to guess that a lot of people will think it is pretty terrible if they watch it. I don’t care. I liked it. And I’m not above defending it just a little.
Kate (Emilia Clarke) is a cynical mess, working in a year-round Christmas shop dressed as an elf. A chance encounter with Tom (Henry Golding) begins to change her outlook on life in ways she never expected.
Kate has a mysterious illness that isn’t defined until well into the film, but it’s one that’s clearly caused her to treat life with a level of disregard that worries her overbearing mother, Petra (Emma Thompson).
Kate learns that she can’t depend on Tom to be there when she needs him, based on his days’ long disappearances and his phone that he keeps in his cupboard. She does, however, begin making some positive moves in her own life, taking better care of her health and volunteering at a homeless shelter because of his inspiration.
The film all leads up to a dramatic twist. One that I was annoyed I didn’t see coming. And yes, I fully expect most of you spotted it a mile away. Sorry. I was probably distracted by all of the pretty twinkle lights.
Look, nothing about Last Christmas is groundbreaking. It’s a sweet, pretty film with a talented cast. The story could have been so much better. And guess what? I don’t care. It’s just the kind of guilty pleasure movie everyone needs every now and again, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
You can catch Last Christmas in theaters on November 8, 2019.
About Last Christmas
Kate (Emilia Clarke) harumphs around London, a bundle of bad decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes, another irritating consequence from her job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Tom (Henry Golding) seems too good to be true when he walks into her life and starts to see through so many of Kate’s barriers. As London transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you gotta let the snow fall where it may, you gotta listen to your heart.