Netflix’s holiday season lineup often blends heartwarming family stories with festive charm, and A Merry Little Ex-Mas is no exception. Starring Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson, this romantic comedy dives into the complexities of divorce and modern family dynamics while celebrating the nostalgia of 90s icons in a small-town Christmas setting. The film brings to life the perfect holiday escapism with just enough holiday cheer, a touch of humour, and a cosy town to fill viewers with seasonal warmth.
A Classic 90s Christmas With a Modern Twist
Living the Dream captures the essence of a nostalgic holiday movie with a blend of timeless themes and modern-day struggles. The story centers on Kate (Alicia Silverstone) and Everett (Oliver Hudson), a couple nearing the end of their divorce proceedings. Set against the backdrop of Winterlight, a charming small town that seems to exist in a perpetual Christmas postcard, the couple attempts to navigate one final Christmas with their children before moving on with their separate lives.
The movie, written by Sabrina the Teenage Witch’s Holly Hester, tackles the universal topic of divorce, particularly for those in their mid-40s dealing with a split after years of raising children and establishing lives together. The show features relatable struggles that many modern families can empathize with: balancing new romantic interests, adjusting to change, and, in Kate’s case, learning to embrace what she already has, even when it feels incomplete.
But it’s the unmistakable charm of the actors, notably Silverstone, that drives this Christmas movie to greater heights.
Key Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character | Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Alicia Silverstone | Kate | Clueless, The Crush |
| Oliver Hudson | Everett | The Christmas Chronicles, Dawson’s Creek |
| Jameela Jamil | High-Powered Businesswoman | The Good Place, Love at First Sight |
| Pierson Fode | Chet | The Wrong Paris, The Big LePLOWski |
| Geoffrey Owens | Unknown | The Cosby Show, The Wrong Paris |
Alicia Silverstone’s Heartfelt Return to the Holiday Genre
For fans of 90s nostalgia, Silverstone’s role as Kate is both a return to form and a reminder of her widespread cultural influence. With hits like Clueless and The Crush, Silverstone became a staple of teen films in the 90s, and this role gives her a chance to reassert her presence in family entertainment.
As Kate, Silverstone exudes the kind of warmth and relatable energy that made her an icon in the 90s. Playing a mother navigating the end of a marriage and the complexities of starting anew, she brings a perfect blend of humor, sensitivity, and strength to the role. Whether sharing comedic moments with her estranged husband or revealing a deeper vulnerability as she grapples with her own future, Silverstone’s performance proves that she still has what it takes to carry a film.
Her portrayal also highlights a recurring theme in A Merry Little Ex-Mas: the idea that even in the face of upheaval, there’s room for joy and a sense of belonging. The film balances its emotional beats with festive comedy, and Silverstone’s portrayal of Kate helps elevate the material, making her a standout even amid the holiday movie formula.
Supporting Cast Brings Holiday Spirit to Life
Silverstone is far from alone in this holiday caper. The supporting cast rounds out the story beautifully, with Oliver Hudson playing her soon-to-be-ex-husband Everett. Hudson, known for his roles in The Christmas Chronicles and Dawson’s Creek, offers a grounded portrayal of a man trying to navigate the post-divorce dynamic while keeping family ties intact. Hudson’s chemistry with Silverstone is palpable, providing a believable foundation for their characters’ complicated relationship.
Jameela Jamil brings her trademark wit and charm to the role of a high-powered businesswoman, offering moments of levity with her comedic timing. The film also introduces Pierson Fode, who steals scenes as a charming yet dim-witted character, adding more humor to the narrative. Together, the cast creates a fun, engaging dynamic that gives the film its lighthearted spirit, even while tackling serious themes.
Movie Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 90 minutes |
| Genre | Holiday, Romantic Comedy |
| Setting | Small-town Winterlight, decorated homes |
| Director | Steve Carr |
| Writer | Holly Hester |
| Producer | Hartbreak Films |
The Predictability of Holiday Rom-Coms
While A Merry Little Ex-Mas excels in casting and holiday charm, it does fall into some familiar traps of the genre. At a crisp 90 minutes, the movie never overstays its welcome, but it also feels like it hits a few predictable beats, especially toward the end. Without giving away spoilers, the film drags out its climax a bit too much, with the romantic resolutions feeling a tad too obvious and forced.
The movie could also have developed the secondary characters more. While Jamil’s character is enjoyable, she doesn’t undergo much growth. Pierson Fode’s Chet is, at times, more caricature than fully fleshed-out character, and while he provides plenty of comedic relief, his arc feels less engaging than the central plotlines.
A Christmas Movie with Heart and Humor
Despite these flaws, A Merry Little Ex-Mas is an enjoyable addition to Netflix’s holiday roster. It taps into the kind of nostalgia that 90s kids (and older Millennials) will appreciate, offering a perfect mix of comedy, romance, and the familiar warmth of the holiday season. Silverstone’s performance is a key reason to tune in, but the film’s gentle heart, charming setting, and relatable family dynamics make it a perfect watch for those seeking a feel-good, easy holiday movie experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, A Merry Little Ex-Mas is a delightful holiday film that combines nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt moments. It stands as a great choice for viewers looking for a lighthearted Christmas movie with a bit of 90s flair. With a stellar performance from Alicia Silverstone and a talented supporting cast, the film captures the spirit of the season while reflecting on the changes that come with it. Despite a few predictable moments, it’s a charming addition to Netflix’s growing collection of holiday films.
FAQ
A Merry Little Ex-Mas will be available for streaming on Netflix starting November 12, 2025.
While A Merry Little Ex-Mas is a family-friendly holiday film, it features themes of divorce and adult relationships, so it may be best for older teens and adults.
The film blends nostalgia, 90s pop culture references, and modern family dynamics to provide a fresh take on the holiday genre. The performances by Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson also bring a new level of depth to the standard rom-com holiday movie.
Yes, A Merry Little Ex-Mas emphasises the importance of family, self-reflection, and finding joy in the little moments, even during times of change.
