Last Christmas (2019)
Review of Last Christmas (2019)
General Information
- Director: Paul Feig
- Main Cast:
- Emilia Clarke (Kate)
- Henry Golding (Tom)
- Emma Thompson (Petra)
- Michelle Yeoh (Martha)
- Lydia Leonard (Jenna)
- Peter Firth (Hugh)
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 102 minutes
- Studio: Universal Pictures
Plot
Last Christmas is a festive romantic comedy that blends humor with heartwarming drama. Set in London during the Christmas season, the film follows Kate (Emilia Clarke), a young woman whose life has fallen into disarray. Kate works as an elf in a year-round Christmas store, struggling with self-doubt, poor decisions, and unresolved issues from her past. After a series of bad choices, she meets Tom (Henry Golding), a charming and mysterious man who seems to pop up in her life just when she needs him most.
As Kate grows closer to Tom, she begins to rediscover parts of herself that she thought were lost. However, as their connection deepens, Kate starts to uncover secrets about Tom that lead her on an emotional journey of self-reflection, forgiveness, and healing. The film uses the backdrop of the holiday season to explore themes of redemption, second chances, and the importance of family and love.
The film is infused with holiday cheer, but it also has its darker, more introspective moments, particularly as it delves into Kate’s personal struggles and emotional wounds.
Highlights
- Emilia Clarke’s Performance
- Emilia Clarke shines as Kate, bringing a mix of quirky humor and emotional depth to the character. As someone who’s struggling with life’s choices and the weight of past mistakes, Clarke captures Kate’s vulnerability and growing self-awareness. Her comedic timing is spot on, but she also demonstrates a strong emotional range as Kate confronts deeper, more painful truths about herself. Clarke’s performance is both charming and relatable, making Kate a character audiences can root for throughout her journey.
- Henry Golding’s Charismatic Presence
- Henry Golding’s portrayal of Tom adds a spark to the film. As the mysterious yet warm-hearted stranger who encourages Kate to re-examine her life, Golding brings an effortless charisma to the role. His chemistry with Clarke is palpable, and he plays off her energy well, creating a believable and sweet romantic dynamic. Tom’s character, though enigmatic, offers an emotional anchor for Kate’s transformation, and Golding effectively conveys his role as a catalyst for her growth.
- Themes of Redemption and Self-Discovery
- Last Christmas is ultimately about redemption and the healing power of love, with Kate’s personal journey at the forefront. The film sensitively explores themes of self-acceptance, overcoming guilt, and finding purpose. Kate’s path toward self-forgiveness is both touching and uplifting, offering a message that resonates long after the holiday season ends. The movie emphasizes the importance of second chances—not just in romance, but in life and in our relationships with others.
- Holiday Spirit with a Twist
- The Christmas setting provides a magical backdrop for the film’s romantic plot, but it also adds layers of melancholy and nostalgia. The holiday spirit is evident in the festive decorations, the soundtrack, and the lighthearted moments, yet there’s an undercurrent of sadness and healing that gives the film an emotional depth beyond typical rom-com fare. The film has a bittersweet tone, making it stand out from other holiday films by balancing cheerfulness with more serious, reflective moments.
- Strong Supporting Cast
- Last Christmas benefits from a solid supporting cast, including Michelle Yeoh as Kate’s tough-but-loving boss, Martha, and Emma Thompson (who also co-wrote the screenplay) as Kate’s overbearing mother, Petra. Thompson’s portrayal of Petra brings humor, warmth, and complexity to the film, as she navigates her own immigrant experience and cultural differences with her daughter. The ensemble cast adds richness to the story and provides both comedic and emotional moments that complement the lead performances.
- Last Christmas benefits from a solid supporting cast, including Michelle Yeoh as Kate’s tough-but-loving boss, Martha, and Emma Thompson (who also co-wrote the screenplay) as Kate’s overbearing mother, Petra. Thompson’s portrayal of Petra brings humor, warmth, and complexity to the film, as she navigates her own immigrant experience and cultural differences with her daughter. The ensemble cast adds richness to the story and provides both comedic and emotional moments that complement the lead performances.
Criticisms
- Predictable Plot
- While the film offers some delightful moments, its plot follows a predictable trajectory that many viewers will find familiar. The romantic elements are formulaic, and while the twist towards the end adds some surprise, the journey leading up to it can feel somewhat conventional. The film relies on the classic “will they, won’t they” romantic arc and familiar holiday tropes, which may leave some viewers wanting more originality in the storytelling.
- The Twist Can Feel Contrived
- The film’s twist, while emotionally impactful, may feel forced or contrived to some viewers. The reveal, though designed to be a heart-wrenching moment, might come off as overly melodramatic or out of place, depending on personal taste. The buildup to the twist is handled with care, but its eventual reveal may divide audiences—some may find it poignant, while others might feel it detracts from the more grounded aspects of the story.
- Underutilization of Some Characters
- While the supporting cast is strong, some characters, like Martha and Petra, are not as fully developed as they could have been. Michelle Yeoh’s character, despite her strong presence, is somewhat underutilized in terms of character development. Similarly, while Petra’s character has some layers, her role in Kate’s journey is more peripheral than central. These characters add richness to the film but could have been given more depth to enhance the emotional stakes.
- While the supporting cast is strong, some characters, like Martha and Petra, are not as fully developed as they could have been. Michelle Yeoh’s character, despite her strong presence, is somewhat underutilized in terms of character development. Similarly, while Petra’s character has some layers, her role in Kate’s journey is more peripheral than central. These characters add richness to the film but could have been given more depth to enhance the emotional stakes.
Verdict
Last Christmas is a heartfelt and charming holiday film that delivers the right balance of humor, romance, and introspection. Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding provide a compelling lead duo, with strong performances that anchor the story’s emotional beats. While the plot can be predictable and the twist may feel contrived for some, the film’s exploration of themes like redemption, love, and self-discovery offers an emotional payoff. With its mix of holiday cheer and deeper personal reflection, Last Christmas stands out as a feel-good, albeit bittersweet, movie that resonates with those looking for a more meaningful holiday film.
Rating: 8/10
