Streaming giant Netflix delivers their latest holiday film, "Our Little Secret," from director Stephen Herek. Hailey DeDominicis pens the film's screenplay, which centers on Avery (Lindsay Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding), two resentful exes forced to spend Christmas under the same roof after discovering that their current partners are siblings.
The film begins in 1996 and sets the tone with how Avery and Logan's childhood friendship turned romantic. On the cusp of adulthood, Avery has a career-changing opportunity that will take her across the pond, but Logan doesn't have any drive and makes a half-hearted proposal, which brings their relationship to an end.
"Our Little Secret" then shifts to the present day, where Logan has matured and is passionate about commercial real estate. He's in a new relationship with Cassie (Katie Baker). Avery, meanwhile, is struggling in her career and is involved with Cameron (Jon Rudnitsky). With the holiday approaching, Avery and Logan are ready to meet their partner's matriarch, Erica (Kristin Chenoweth). Naturally, Avery and Logan are taken aback at their unexpected reunion and must cover their tracks before anyone discovers their history.
Christmas is the second fiddle to the movie, which surprised me, considering it's called a holiday film. We could sincerely drop the story and still have the movie. The epic arena is the large house of the cranky mother-in-law Erica, so that's something I would have preferred had the film been more about a weekend trip. Furthermore since Chenworth is the best part of the film , she could have been used more.
Lohan, who has always had a natural comedic timing, seems uncomfortable in her role and stumbles from one awkward situation to another. The situations are attempts at humor falling flat, with scenarios ranging from accidentally consuming candy that makes her high to eating a plate of cookies and blaming Erica's dog for it. None of these situations work effectively, and Lohan deserves better opportunities to showcase her talent.
I was unfamiliar with any previous work of her costar, Ian Harding, but his character is a typical rom-com archetype. The script tries to give him some merit with an angle that Logan will ensure Avery gets in Erica's good graces in exchange for securing a lucrative business deal for him. This plot point mainly adds fuel to the fire, supplemented with sitcom-like complications surrounding a few minor characters, most of whom are wasted, including the usually reliable Tim Meadows.
Director Stephen Herek's handling of "Our Little Secret" has unfortunately resulted in a lackluster film. Although the premise is straightforward and possesses the potential to become an engaging romantic comedy, the final product emerges as a clichéd and uninspired effort.
Final Grade: C-
"Our Little Secret" is streaming now on Netflix.