‘The Merry Gentlemen’ (2024) Netflix Movie Review - A Seasonal Step Up or a Sashay Down?

Let’s dive into The Merry Gentlemen, Netflix’s 2024 seasonal charmer, starring Britt Robertson as Ashley and Chad Michael Murray as Luke. From the title, you’d think it’s about cheerful Victorian lads singing carols, but nope—it’s essentially Step Up meets A Christmas Carol, minus the ghosts and with a side of eggnog.

On the positive side, Britt Robertson carries the film with her earnest portrayal of Ashley. She strikes a good balance between vulnerability and determination as she rallies a ragtag troupe of dancers to save her family’s venue from financial doom. Chad Michael Murray, in his umpteenth holiday film, plays Luke, the brooding, reluctant dancer who clearly graduated from the Hallmark Academy of Rugged Charm. Together, they have decent chemistry, though it leans more towards “platonic life partners” than “sweeping romantic destiny.”

The choreography, courtesy of Colt Prattes, is a high point. The dance sequences, while not groundbreaking, are energetic enough to momentarily distract from some of the film’s cheesier dialogue. And let’s not forget the set design—cozy yet functional, capturing small-town charm without veering into kitschy territory. The Rhythm Room itself feels like a character, brimming with nostalgia and community spirit.

But here’s where The Merry Gentlemen loses its footing. The script is as predictable as holiday weather in December—snow, sentimentality, and a climactic moment that wraps up far too neatly. You can practically play Christmas movie bingo with its tropes: misunderstood hero? Check. Overbearing parent? Check. A last-minute miracle? Oh, you bet.

The supporting cast tries to liven things up, but they’re saddled with caricature-like roles. Marla Sokoloff’s Marie is your standard sassy best friend, while Michael Gross plays Stan, a gruff yet secretly soft-hearted mentor who might as well be named "Plot Device." Even Hector David Jr. as Ricky—the comic relief—is more groan-inducing than funny.

Director Katrina Marcinowski seems torn between making a heartfelt holiday movie and a dance flick, and the result is a tonal mishmash. Just when you’re settling into a heartfelt moment, it’s interrupted by an out-of-place joke or an overly dramatic montage. The pacing, too, stumbles—some scenes drag on while others rush by, leaving the narrative feeling disjointed.

The music deserves a nod—not for originality, but for consistency. It’s the kind of jazzy, piano-heavy score you’ve heard in every other Christmas movie, doing its best to make you feel nostalgic even if the story hasn’t earned it. It works in spurts but becomes repetitive, much like the film’s themes of community and redemption.

Ultimately, The Merry Gentlemen is like a fruitcake: some will find it charming and heartwarming, while others will struggle to swallow its contrived sweetness. It’s a safe bet for fans of holiday movies looking for a dose of light entertainment, but if you’re hoping for something fresh and innovative, you might be left tapping your toes to a different tune. A festive effort, but not quite a standing ovation.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times