Alicia Silverstone Stars in Netflix’s Bland Holiday Movie

LOS ANGELES, CA — Alicia Silverstone returns to the screen in Netflix‘s latest holiday offering, *A Merry Little Ex-Mas*, but the film struggles to stand out amid a sea of festive releases. Premiering ahead of the holiday season, the movie attempts to capture the spirit of Christmas, but fails to deliver a compelling story.

In *A Merry Little Ex-Mas*, Silverstone plays Kate, a woman navigating a complicated divorce from her husband, Everett, portrayed by Oliver Hudson. The couple decides to host one last family Christmas for their college-age children. The film depicts the tension between their past as sweethearts and their current struggles with a mature separation.

Kate’s character arc centers on her sacrifices for Everett’s career, including abandoning her dreams of being an architect in Boston for a life in the small town of Winterlight. The film begins with an animated opening that provides insight into Kate’s dreams, juxtaposed against her reality now trapped in a stifling small town and marriage.

As the narrative unfolds, the arrival of Everett’s new girlfriend introduces additional conflict, forcing Kate to confront her past disappointments. Despite some witty dialogue, particularly a line where Kate remarks on Winterlight sounding like a “Yankee Candle,” the script ultimately falls into predictable comedic tropes.

Critics note that the film leans heavily on physical humor, including slapstick moments that detract from character development. Though Silverstone’s charm shines through, the lack of originality and depth in the storytelling leaves something to be desired. With comedic elements that include a shirtless stripper and a Christmas tree fire, the attempts at humor feel stale and forced.

The film’s intentions of addressing gender roles and ambitions are undermined by a weak ending that resolves its themes in a clichéd manner, leaving audiences wishing for a more satisfying conclusion. As the holiday season approaches, viewers may hope for a more memorable film on streaming this December.