A Merry Little Ex-Mas Review Worth Streaming This Christmas

Netflix is diving headfirst into the holiday season with its new original film A Merry Little Ex-Mas. Honestly, it’s giving Hallmark a serious run for its money.

This festive romantic comedy stars Alicia Silverstone as Kate, a woman trying to savor one last Christmas in her family home before leaving for a dream job in Boston. There’s a twist: she’s newly separated from her husband Everett, played by Oliver Hudson.

The two are determined to keep things civil for their kids—until Everett shows up for the holidays with his glamorous new girlfriend, played by Jameela Jamil. The result? A snowstorm of awkwardness, nostalgia, and rekindled sparks that make for a surprisingly heartfelt seasonal watch.

The Plot: A Festive Reunion with a Twist

At its core, A Merry Little Ex-Mas is a story about love, timing, and second chances. Kate, who’s passionate about sustainability and family traditions, wants to make her last Christmas at home unforgettable.

Her ex, Everett, a workaholic doctor, tries to keep things friendly for their children, Sienna and Gabriel. But when he brings his new flame Tess into the mix, the holiday cheer takes an unexpected turn.

Meanwhile, Kate finds herself drawn to a younger man named Chet, a 28-year-old charmer who brings comic relief and chaos in equal measure. Most of the story unfolds inside Kate’s beautifully decorated home, filled with handmade ornaments, gingerbread cookies, and warm lighting that practically smells like cinnamon.

It’s a classic holiday backdrop, but the emotional tension between Kate and Everett gives it a bittersweet edge. Their chemistry is undeniable, and as they navigate old feelings and new relationships, the line between closure and rekindling gets blurrier by the minute.

Why Alicia Silverstone Shines

Silverstone’s performance is the heart of the film. She brings a grounded, relatable energy to Kate—a woman torn between moving on and holding onto what once was.

Her eco-conscious personality feels authentic, probably a nod to Silverstone’s real-life advocacy for sustainability. She makes Kate more than just another cookie-cutter Christmas heroine; she’s layered, funny, and flawed in the most human way.

Opposite her, Oliver Hudson delivers a charming yet frustrating Everett. He’s the kind of ex who means well but doesn’t always read the room.

Their dynamic feels lived-in, which makes the moments of flirtation and frustration all the more believable. It’s that messy, magnetic connection that keeps viewers hooked.

The Humor: Awkward, Silly, and Perfectly Festive

Netflix Christmas movies are known for their cheesy humor, and A Merry Little Ex-Mas embraces that reputation wholeheartedly. But unlike some of the streamer’s weaker holiday offerings, this one knows how to balance the cringe with genuine laughs.

One standout moment involves Chet’s attempt to put out a small fire—by doing a strip tease. It’s ridiculous, unexpected, and exactly the kind of over-the-top scene that makes holiday rom-coms fun to watch.

Another laugh-out-loud moment comes when Chet tries to act smooth on an icy driveway, only to nearly wipe out in front of Kate’s family. It’s physical comedy done right—silly, but not forced.

And then there’s Nigel, Sienna’s boyfriend, whose only defining trait seems to be that he’s a Harry Potter tour guide. His presence adds a layer of absurdity that keeps the film from taking itself too seriously.

Comedy That Works Because It’s Human

What separates this movie from the usual holiday fluff is that the humor feels earned. It plays off relatable family dynamics—awkward dinners, forced politeness, and the chaos of blending old and new relationships.

It’s a film that knows how to laugh at itself while still tugging at your heartstrings.

The Romance: Sparks, Snow, and Second Chances

Let’s face it—holiday movies live and die by their romantic chemistry, and A Merry Little Ex-Mas delivers in spades. Silverstone and Hudson have a natural connection that makes their scenes together pop.

Whether they’re bickering over tree decorations or sharing quiet moments after a sledding accident, their history feels real. In one particularly warm scene, Everett checks Kate for injuries after she takes a tumble in the snow, and the tension between them is palpable.

It’s the kind of moment that makes viewers root for a reconciliation, even when logic says it’s a bad idea. And yes, Tess’s jealousy is entirely justified—because the sparks between Kate and Everett practically light up the screen.

While the movie flirts with the idea of moving on, it ultimately leans into the nostalgia of rekindled love. For fans of films like It’s Complicated, this story hits all the right notes.

Why This Love Story Works

Too often, Netflix holiday romances feel rushed or forced. But here, the emotional beats are well-paced.

The film gives space for the characters to breathe, argue, and rediscover what they mean to each other. It’s not just about grand gestures—it’s about small, quiet moments that feel authentic.

The Holiday Magic: Cozy, Cheesy, and Comforting

From the snow-covered streets to the candlelit interiors, A Merry Little Ex-Mas nails the holiday aesthetic. The set design feels like a Pinterest board come to life—homemade garlands, gingerbread decorating, and family traditions galore.

It’s the kind of movie you want to watch with a cup of cocoa and a blanket on a snowy night. Beyond the visuals, the film captures the emotional essence of Christmas: connection, forgiveness, and the importance of family.

Netflix’s Christmas Evolution

Netflix has been steadily improving its holiday lineup, and A Merry Little Ex-Mas is proof of that growth. It’s more entertaining than Hot Frosty and more heartfelt than Our Little Secret, striking the right balance between romance and comedy.

The streaming giant seems to have learned that audiences crave a mix of nostalgia and modernity—something that feels both classic and current.

• Strong chemistry between leads
• Relatable humor that doesn’t overdo it
• Cozy holiday setting that feels authentic
• Emotional payoff that lands

Final Thoughts: Should You Stream It?

If you’re into second-chance love stories, cozy holiday energy, and a dash of chaos, A Merry Little Ex-Mas might be worth adding to your queue. It’s not flawless—some characters could use more depth, and yeah, a few jokes fall flat—but it’s still pretty darn charming.

Silverstone and Hudson bring real warmth and wit. They manage to lift what could’ve been just another forgettable rom-com into something honestly enjoyable.

Verdict: Stream it for the nostalgia, stick around for the chemistry, and hey, don’t be shocked if it sneaks onto your list of guilty pleasure holiday favorites.