Last Christmas (2019)

Last Christmas is the kind of holiday rom-com that sneaks up on you: it starts with twinkly London cheer and messy, laugh-at-yourself misadventures, then gradually reveals a surprisingly tender heart beating underneath the tinsel. Emilia Clarke makes Kate’s self-sabotage feel human rather than cute, and Henry Golding brings an easy, grounding warmth that turns their connection into something you can genuinely lean into, not just root for on autopilot. Paul Feig keeps the vibe bright and breezy, but lets the story make room for family friction, second chances, and the small decencies that add up to a life turning around. It’s definitely sweeter and more sentimental than edgy, and if you don’t like your Christmas movies with a soft, emotional undercurrent, it may not be your flavor—but if you’re on the fence, this one earns its glow.

Last Christmas is clearly aiming to be a warm, London-set holiday rom-com with a bit of emotional heft, using Kate’s self-sabotage and second-chance arc to land a big, feel-good payoff. The problem is the screenplay leans hard on familiar beats and a very “designed” story structure, so the pacing can feel overstuffed while still being oddly predictable, which may leave you watching the plot mechanics instead of getting swept up in the romance. If you’re allergic to clichés, sentimental messaging, or rom-coms that ask you to buy into contrivances to reach the finale, this one will likely test your patience. That said, Emilia Clarke’s charm, a cozy Christmas atmosphere, and a few genuinely sweet moments (plus some heart from the supporting cast) can make it an easy watch if you just want something festive and undemanding.