Stephen Herek’s Our Little Secret brings a new layer of awkwardness to the festive rom-com tradition. At its heart, the story is a comedic exploration of love, family, and reconciliation, centered on Avery (Lindsay Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding), two people who thought they’d closed the door on their relationship—only to find it swinging wide open during the most festive time of year. The setup is as delightfully absurd as it sounds: after a messy breakup, the two find themselves forced into a shared holiday due to an uncanny coincidence—their new partners are cousins. From this premise, the film unfolds a tapestry of hilariously uncomfortable moments and surprising emotional beats.
Lohan, reclaiming her footing as a go-to star for holiday cheer, delivers a performance that is both humorous and sincere. As Avery, she balances fiery wit with vulnerability, capturing the frustration of dealing with a familiar yet infuriating ex. Ian Harding’s Logan complements her perfectly, offering a mix of dry humor and understated charm. Their bickering feels authentic, a testament to their chemistry and the script’s ability to navigate the thin line between hostility and lingering affection.
The supporting cast injects the narrative with even more energy. Kristin Chenoweth is a comedic standout as Avery’s meddling aunt, stealing scenes with over-the-top antics and perfectly timed one-liners. Jon Rudnitsky brings an endearingly awkward quality to Logan’s cousin, whose well-meaning efforts to smooth tensions often do the opposite. These characters, while occasionally veering into caricature, add flavor to the story and keep the pace lively.
Visually, Our Little Secret is a Christmas postcard that comes to life. From the snowy small-town streets to the cozy interiors decked in lights and garlands, the film nails its aesthetic. The production design deserves credit for immersing viewers in the holiday spirit, even if it leans heavily into clichés. There’s a comforting predictability in the way it embraces the festive formula: snowball fights, gingerbread mishaps, and a climactic Christmas Eve dinner where everything (and everyone) inevitably boils over.
The film shines brightest in its humor. Whether it’s Avery and Logan trading barbs in the kitchen or a disastrously competitive family tree-decorating session, the comedy feels grounded in relatable holiday chaos. The dialogue is sharp, with just enough snark to make you root for the characters even when they’re at their worst. Herek’s direction ensures the comedic beats land without overstaying their welcome, maintaining a breezy tone throughout.
However, Our Little Secret isn’t without its flaws. The script occasionally overindulges in its own zaniness, relying on well-trodden tropes like misunderstood mistletoe moments and accidental gift mix-ups. These scenes, while entertaining, don’t always add depth to the narrative, and they risk making parts of the story feel formulaic. Additionally, the emotional arc, particularly in the third act, feels rushed. Key moments of reconciliation between Avery and Logan are resolved so quickly that they don’t fully resonate, leaving a sense of missed opportunity.
Despite these shortcomings, the film has an undeniable charm. It understands its purpose: to entertain, to make you laugh, and to leave you feeling warm inside. The script, for all its predictability, is peppered with clever lines and heartfelt exchanges that elevate it above the average holiday fare. Moreover, Lohan and Harding’s performances breathe life into their characters, making their journey—however foreseeable—worth following.
One of the film’s strongest themes is its portrayal of family. The ensemble cast creates a believable, if chaotic, depiction of what it’s like to navigate complex relationships during the holidays. Whether it’s navigating nosy relatives or sharing awkward silences with an ex, the film captures the messiness of human connection with a light touch.
In a saturated market of Christmas movies, Our Little Secret doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a feel-good romp with just the right amount of humor and heart, perfect for a cozy night in. It won’t top any “best of” lists, but for viewers seeking a blend of nostalgia, laughter, and a pinch of romance, it delivers exactly what it promises.
Ultimately, Our Little Secret is a celebration of imperfections—both in its characters and in the holiday season itself. It acknowledges that the holidays are rarely as picture-perfect as we imagine, and that’s okay. They’re messy, they’re awkward, but they’re also filled with moments of connection, joy, and yes, second chances. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Catch it on Netflix to see how Avery and Logan fare in their festive trial by fire—you might just find yourself rooting for them despite yourself.
Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times