There's space in the movie-verse for Christmas films from Bad Santa to Krampus, through to tenuous links to Die Hard. But if you are marketing as a Christmas Romance/Comedy, your audiences expect both romance, comedy, warm fuzzy feelings or at least want the couple to get together already... even if you know that's what happens from the start.
There was unneeded bad language and an attempt to "make fresh" a tradition of Christmas movie rules. Netflix still aren't getting it totally right yet, attempting to garner the Hallmark and Lifetime audiences that see hundreds of millions flock to the cliche year in and out.
But it's because it didn't either go far enough that this film fails. The characters and story feels like the actors and writer are all bitter curmudgeons (yes even the young couple) who are deftly unlikable to the final beat. I don't route for them opposed to wish them a one night fling they'd regret and I'd say "I told you so". So in that way, maybe they are meant for each other.
It thinks it's a wise cracking dark comedy. It's not. It wants to be a Christmas film. It's takes more than decorations and snow to make a festive film. And it fancies itself a romance. Without an ounce of love or warmth.
Leads you to think no one who worked on the film has ever fallen in love or enjoys Christmas.
Both the leads need to learn what a smile is. Its so bleak. And though Scotland in the winter is a dark and chilly place, it's can't be as frosty as this relationship.
Give it a miss. The festive romance movie selection is in the thousands now Spend your time somewhere else. You'll not feel as depressed.
