Minka Kelly is trading Texas high-school football fields for the vineyards of France. The Ransom Canyon and Euphoria actress stars in Champagne Problems, a Netflix Original romantic comedy premiering globally on November 19 2025.
The film, written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson (Love in the Villa, Love, Guaranteed), follows a high-powered American executive who heads to Paris to finalize the acquisition of a legendary champagne estate—only to fall for a charming Parisian who just happens to have deep ties to the vineyard she’s trying to buy.
“It’s a love story that bubbles with humor and heart,” says director Mark Steven Johnson. “We wanted to capture the intoxicating mix of business ambition and holiday magic that only Paris can deliver.”
Plot Overview — Love, Deals, and Decadent Champagne
Sydney Price (Minka Kelly) has one goal: seal a multimillion-dollar acquisition before Christmas. Her company’s eyes are set on Château Cassell, one of France’s most prestigious champagne houses.
But when she takes one evening off for a rare night out in Paris, fate intervenes. Sydney meets Henri Cassell (Tom Wozniczka), a charismatic stranger with an old-world charm that disarms her instantly. Their chemistry is undeniable, and after a whirlwind night in the City of Lights, Sydney believes she’s found a fleeting romance to remember.
The next morning brings an elegant twist of irony: Henri is the son of the vineyard’s founder, Hugo Cassell, and an influential stakeholder in the very company she’s come to acquire. Forced to navigate a week of corporate negotiations, competitive bidders, and undeniable attraction, Sydney must decide whether love or ambition deserves the final toast.
Full Cast of Champagne Problems
| Actor | Role | Notable Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Minka Kelly | Sydney Price | Ransom Canyon, Euphoria, The Roommate |
| Tom Wozniczka | Henri Cassell | Slow Horses |
| Thibault de Montalembert | Hugo Cassell | Call My Agent! |
| Sean Amsing | Roberto Salazar | Love, Guaranteed |
| Flula Borg | Otto Moller | The Suicide Squad, Pitch Perfect 2 |
| Astrid Whettnall | Brigitte Laurent | Into the Night |
| Maeve Courtier-Lilley | Skyler Price | Gran Turismo |
| Xavier Samuel | Ryan Garner | Blonde |
| Mitchell Mullen | Marvin Roth | About Time |
Producers Stephanie Slack and Margret H. Huddleston of Off Camera Entertainment lead the project, with José David Montero (What Happened to Monday) as cinematographer and Ryan Shore (Bride Hard) composing the original score.
Setting & Style — Paris Meets the Countryside
Filmed across Paris and the Champagne region, the movie blends high-fashion city romance with cozy vineyard charm.
Production designer Clémence Martin recreated authentic French cellars and chateaux interiors, using natural light and warm color palettes to emphasize the holiday glow.
According to Netflix’s creative briefing, the film’s tone sits between Emily in Paris and Love Actually, combining workplace comedy with heartfelt Christmas spirit.
“We wanted to show both sides of France — the urban glamour and the rural soul,” explains cinematographer Montero. “Each glass of champagne reflects not only the vineyard’s sparkle but the emotion between these two people.”
Official Trailer and Runtime
The official trailer premiered on October 15 2025, as part of Netflix’s annual Christmas Slate Week. Running 1 hour 39 minutes, Champagne Problems promises a brisk, emotionally satisfying story that fits right into Netflix’s successful lineup of seasonal rom-coms.
The trailer teases flirtatious Parisian nights, vineyard rivalries, and a series of comedic missteps as Sydney and Henri juggle duty and desire.
Behind the Camera — From Love in the Villa to a Holiday Hit
Director Mark Steven Johnson continues his partnership with Netflix after Love in the Villa became a breakout streaming hit in 2022. His signature blend of heartfelt humor and scenic escapism remains intact here.
Producer Stephanie Slack says the film’s message is “about rediscovering what success means.”
“Sydney starts the movie thinking closing a deal defines her worth,” Slack explains. “But through Henri, she learns that the best investments aren’t always financial.”
Minka Kelly’s Return to Romantic Comedy
Known for her dramatic turns in Euphoria and Titans, Minka Kelly returns to the genre that launched her career. She told Netflix Queue in an upcoming interview excerpt:
“After years of heavier roles, I wanted to do something joyful — a movie that feels like a glass of champagne itself: light, fizzy, and full of warmth.”
2025 has been a career-defining year for Kelly, who also headlines Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, renewed for a second season earlier this fall. Champagne Problems marks her first feature film since 2022 and positions her as a leading face of Netflix’s holiday-romance slate.
Why Champagne Problems Stands Out in Netflix’s Holiday Lineup?
Netflix’s 2025 holiday roster includes Falling for Christmas 2, The Royal Rescue, and Under the Mistletoe in Madrid, but insiders at the streamer expect Champagne Problems to be a highlight.
Film analyst Clara Henderson of ScreenWatch Media notes:
“This movie combines all the proven Netflix romance ingredients — travel escapism, workplace tension, and holiday sentiment — but elevates them through French elegance and a star like Minka Kelly.”
The Paris setting, seasoned European supporting cast, and the chemistry between Kelly and Wozniczka have drawn early positive reactions from advance screening reports.
Key Production Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Champagne Problems |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy / Holiday |
| Director & Writer | Mark Steven Johnson |
| Producers | Stephanie Slack, Margret H. Huddleston (Off Camera Entertainment) |
| Cinematographer | José David Montero |
| Composer | Ryan Shore |
| Runtime | 1 hour 39 minutes |
| Filming Locations | Paris and Champagne region, France |
| Release Date | November 19, 2025 (Netflix Global) |
Where and When to Watch?
Champagne Problems will premiere exclusively on Netflix worldwide on November 19 2025, just in time for the holiday season.
The platform plans a coordinated release of behind-the-scenes content and cast interviews through its “Netflix Holidays 2025” campaign, which will spotlight festive titles throughout November and December.
What Audiences Can Expect?
Expect glamorous visuals, witty banter, and an emotional payoff that balances career ambition with heartfelt connection. Early insiders describe it as “the perfect movie to stream with a blanket, a croissant, and a glass of bubbly.”
If Love in the Villa gave audiences a taste of Italian romance, Champagne Problems aims to deliver a French toast to love itself — effervescent, surprising, and deeply satisfying.
FAQs
When does Champagne Problems premiere?
November 19, 2025, exclusively on Netflix.
Who stars in the movie?
Minka Kelly and Tom Wozniczka lead the cast, joined by Thibault de Montalembert, Maeve Courtier-Lilley, Flula Borg, and Astrid Whettnall.
Where was it filmed?
Across Paris and France’s Champagne countryside.
How long is the movie?
1 hour 39 minutes.
Who directed Champagne Problems?
Mark Steven Johnson, known for Love in the Villa and Love, Guaranteed.
