Last Christmas

Last Christmas is a heartwarming holiday-themed romantic comedy released in 2019. This heartfelt movie, directed by Paul Feig, stars Madison Ingoldsby, Emma Thompson, and Boris Isakovic along with a talented supporting cast.

The film is set in London during the festive period and revolves around a young woman named Kate (Emilia Clarke), played adorably by Madison Ingoldsby in her younger years. Kate is a bit lost in life. Being the classic underachiever, she's been making some questionable decisions, which earned her the nickname 'Bad Luck Kate' by her friends. Working as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop under a demanding boss isn't exactly the life Kate had pictured for herself. She's dreaming of kick-starting her singing career and struggles with her self-esteem due to certain health issues she's dealt with in the past.

Emma Thompson, who also co-wrote the screenplay of the movie with her husband Greg Wise, stars as Petra, Kate's overly critical Yugoslav-immigrant mother. Petra struggles with her own fears and stress related to her daughter's health and her family's past, leading to several humorous, poignant, and tension-filled moments. Thompson's brilliant portrayal provides the essential undercurrent of familial bickering and emotional tension that serves as the backdrop to Kate's own personal journey.

Boris Isakovic astoundingly plays Kate's father Ivan, a former lawyer turned mini cab driver, who prefers to stay away from the family's squabbles. In his ever-persistent calm demeanour and accepting nature, Ivan embodies the silent strength, beautifully representing the spirit of many immigrants who have experienced their fair share of struggles in their quest to build a better life for their families. His gentle wisdom and comforting presence are a consistent source of refuge for Kate.

As the story unfolds, the character developments increase in depth, and the charm of London’s Christmas scenery shines. Although the setting is festive, the film tastefully avoids overdoing the Christmas effects and instead uses the holiday background to maximize the sentimentality and romantic flair in the story.

Enter Tom (played by Henry Golding), an enigmatic young man who seems too good to be true. His constant positive attitude is quite the contrast to Kate's cynical outlook on life. Tom appears seemingly out of nowhere, always popping up when Kate needs a shoulder or a little bit of wisdom to bring her back to reality. Their relationship is warm and compelling, evolving in a series of encounters that turn into part charming courtship and part life-coaching sessions. Tom teaches Kate to "Look Up" and appreciate the little things in life, which leads to her self-discovery and a potential romantic connection.

Last Christmas is a film that explores several themes, such as self-discovery, family relationships, immigration, and love, without forgetting to incorporate the essential holiday cheer. It gives you a perfect mix of laughter, romance, and heartache. Besides the compelling storylines, the film also features outstanding performances by its entire cast, which will make you fall instantly in love with the characters.

In terms of music, the film showcases a range of beautiful George Michael songs, including ‘Last Christmas.’ The music binds the storyline brilliantly, adding to the spirit and charm of the story, leaving you humming along well after the movie is over.

Overall, Last Christmas makes for a perfectly cozy and touching Christmas movie. This endearing, off-beat romantic comedy, enlivened by the charm of the main characters and the actors' performances, will keep you engaged and allow you to experience the full spectrum of emotions. Whether you're looking to get into the holiday spirit, or simply enjoy a well-crafted and heartwarming tale with strong performances, Last Christmas is a delightful watch.