Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson Shine in A Merry Little Ex-Mas

Netflix is decking the halls a little early this year with A Merry Little Ex-Mas, a fresh holiday romcom that’s all about laughter, heartbreak, and a healthy dose of Christmas chaos. Directed by comedy veteran Steve Carr—yeah, the guy behind Next Friday, Daddy Day Care, and Paul Blart: Mall Cop—the film brings together a seriously stacked cast led by Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson.

The story follows a recently divorced woman who’s determined to host one last perfect Christmas before selling her beloved home. Of course, her plans unravel in spectacular fashion when her ex-husband shows up with his new, much younger girlfriend in tow.

This one’s set to premiere worldwide on Netflix, November 12, 2025. If you’re looking for your next holiday obsession, this could very well be it. The film promises a mess of humor, heart, and holiday mayhem—maybe just the kind of Christmas movie we didn’t realize we needed.

The Perfectly Imperfect Holiday Setup

At the center of A Merry Little Ex-Mas is Kate, played by Alicia Silverstone. She’s clinging to the dream of a perfect family Christmas, even though her marriage is over.

Determined to give her family one last magical holiday before selling her home, Kate goes all out. But, as with most Christmas movies, perfection and plans don’t really mix.

Her ex-husband Everett (Oliver Hudson) arrives with his polished new girlfriend, played by Jameela Jamil, and suddenly Kate’s carefully curated holiday starts to wobble. It’s a setup that feels both familiar and fresh—awkward family moments, a little chaos, and maybe a few honest laughs.

Netflix’s holiday lineup has become a tradition of its own, and this movie just fits right in. The tagline pretty much nails it: sometimes the messiest Christmas is the one you remember most.

Alicia Silverstone’s Return to Romcom Royalty

If you’ve missed Alicia Silverstone’s signature charm, this is a welcome comeback. She became a pop culture icon in the ’90s with Clueless, and lately, she’s been popping up in all sorts of projects.

Here, she’s right back in the romantic comedy spotlight, bringing warmth, wit, and a bit of relatable chaos to Kate. She’s also executive producing, so you get the sense she really cares about making this thing work.

Her chemistry with Oliver Hudson—who you might remember from Rules of Engagement or Nashville—is expected to be a highlight. There’s this believable mix of lingering affection and comedic tension that just works, especially during the holidays.

Meet the Cast Bringing the Cheer (and Drama)

Alongside Silverstone and Hudson, the supporting cast is nothing to sneeze at. Jameela Jamil plays Everett’s new girlfriend, a younger, successful woman who shakes up Kate’s holiday plans.

Jamil’s sharp comedic timing (think The Good Place) means the humor should land just right. Pierson Fodé, Wilder Hudson, Emily Hall, and Timothy Innes round things out, and Melissa Joan Hart even pops up both on-screen and as a producer.

It’s a mix of nostalgia and new faces. For anyone who grew up watching Silverstone or Hart, it’s a little like catching up with old friends. With some rising stars in the mix, though, there’s also a real sense of fresh energy.

Behind the Scenes: The Powerhouse Team

With Steve Carr directing, you know you’re in for a blend of heartfelt moments and genuine laughs. He’s built a career on family-friendly comedies that balance chaos and charm—think Dr. Dolittle 2 or Are We Done Yet?

The screenplay comes from Holly Hester, who’s known for sharp, relatable dialogue. She’s got a knack for capturing the bittersweet holiday vibe—where joy and nostalgia sometimes crash into old wounds.

Producers Paula Hart and Melissa Joan Hart bring a lot of experience with family entertainment, so the movie should keep things warm and accessible. Executive producers Alicia Silverstone and Galen Fletcher add a little personal flair, which never hurts.

Netflix’s Expanding Holiday Empire

Netflix has been quietly turning itself into the new home for holiday movies. A Merry Little Ex-Mas is just the latest in a long line of festive flicks that appeal to just about everyone—romantics, cynics, and everyone in between.

What sets this one apart? It’s not afraid to get a little messy, emotionally speaking. Family life isn’t always pretty, and moving on after a breakup is awkward at best. The film leans into that, making the imperfections the heart of the story.

Why This Could Be the Must-Watch Holiday Movie of 2025

There’s something refreshing about a Christmas movie that doesn’t pretend everything’s perfect. A Merry Little Ex-Mas seems to embrace imperfection, reminding us that holidays are about messy people and even messier moments.

With a witty script, a cast that knows what it’s doing, and a director who gets the balance between heart and humor, it’s got all the right ingredients. Could it become a holiday classic? Maybe, maybe not—but it sure looks like a fun ride.

• Release Date: November 12, 2025, exclusively on Netflix
• Director: Steve Carr
• Writers: Holly Hester
• Producers: Paula Hart, Melissa Joan Hart
• Executive Producers: Alicia Silverstone, Galen Fletcher
• Main Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Jameela Jamil, Pierson Fodé, Wilder Hudson, Emily Hall, Timothy Innes

As Netflix keeps cranking out holiday hits, A Merry Little Ex-Mas feels like the right mix of nostalgia and something new. It’s a story about love, loss, and laughter—wrapped up in Christmas lights and the sound of distant carols.

Whether you’re watching with family, friends, or just curled up solo with a mug of cocoa, this movie promises the kind of cozy escapism that makes the holidays worth the fuss. And honestly, isn’t that what we’re all hoping for this time of year?

Final Thoughts

In a cinematic landscape packed with holiday romances, A Merry Little Ex-Mas manages to stand out. It leans into the beautiful messiness of real life, which is honestly refreshing.

This film isn’t just about rekindling love or decorating a picture-perfect tree. It’s more about finding joy in imperfection and laughing when things get chaotic—which, let’s face it, is pretty relatable.

Alicia Silverstone leads the charge, and with Steve Carr directing, there’s a sense this Netflix original could actually become a seasonal favorite. Maybe mark your calendar for November 12th, grab your go-to holiday snacks, and see if this is the delightfully dysfunctional Christmas movie you didn’t know you needed.