In her latest creation for Netflix, "Best. Christmas. Ever!," director Mary Lambert skillfully blends farcical elements with deeper, meaningful themes, offering viewers a delightful holiday experience. The film, which artfully balances cynicism and sweetness, takes viewers on a journey through the ups and downs of rekindling a broken friendship, underscored by universal themes of forgiveness, contentment, and the poignant reflections that often accompany year-end festivities.
The story revolves around Charlotte Sanders (portrayed by Heather Graham), who dreads the festive season due to the annual brag-filled newsletter from her ex-college best friend, Jackie Jennings (played by Brandy Norwood). Charlotte's life, filled with the pressures of being a mother, wife, and an inventor stuck in a dull engineering job, starkly contrasts with Jackie's seemingly perfect existence. Charlotte's pragmatic nature has led her to put aside her aspirations, focusing instead on her family's stability in their modest Arizona home.
However, Charlotte's world takes an unexpected turn when her son Grant, misunderstanding her sarcastic remark, sets their family road trip's GPS to Jackie's address instead of an aunt's. Unwittingly, Charlotte drives her family across state lines, ending up at Jackie's doorstep in the idyllic, snow-laden town of Hadley Falls. Surprised and overwhelmed by Jackie's warm reception and luxurious home, Charlotte finds herself caught in a web of unintentional chaos.
Director Lambert, alongside writers Todd Calgi Gallicano and Charles Shyer, presents a multifaceted narrative that thankfully avoids reducing its intelligent female protagonists to petty rivalry. Instead, the film delves into the complexity of their frayed friendship, weaving in poignant themes of empathy and generosity, balanced with lighthearted humor. Graham and Norwood deliver performances that skillfully oscillate between comedic and dramatic, adding depth to their characters' journey.
The film's exploration of belief is another highlight, from Charlotte's journey of overcoming skepticism to a whimsical subplot about children seeking the truth about Santa Claus. The film's nuanced approach allows for Charlotte's self-realization and growth, while also giving Jackie room to confront her secrets and make amends.
"Best. Christmas. Ever!" occasionally indulges in over-the-top campiness, adding a layer of delightful absurdity. From Charlotte's rare break of the fourth wall to a hilariously dramatic introduction of Jackie's husband Valentino, the film isn't afraid to embrace its wilder side. Even a seemingly catastrophic revelation about Jackie's newsletter involvement is handled with an amusingly exaggerated gravitas.
The children's quest to debunk Santa's existence culminates in a memorable scene reminiscent of "Elf," albeit with potentially tricky implications for the younger audience. The film's climax, involving a solar-charged hot air balloon and a precarious rescue operation, challenges the viewer's suspension of disbelief with its sheer outrageousness.
Amidst its wackiness, "Best. Christmas. Ever!" is a worthy addition to Netflix's Holiday Cinematic Universe, even featuring characters watching other Netflix holiday movies. The film strikes a harmonious chord with its mixture of festive cheer and emotional resonance. Brandy Norwood's renditions of Christmas classics and Heather Graham's rom-com antics infuse the film with a warm, festive spirit, making it an enjoyable pick for those seeking holiday entertainment.
