The Knight Before Christmas

The Knight Before Christmas (2019) is an enchanting Christmas romance movie produced by Netflix. Cozy, charming, and sprinkled with holiday magic, the film provides a modern-day twist on classic fairy tales, recipe for a perfect festive brew. Directed by Monika Mitchell and written by Cara J. Russell, the movie weaves a perfect mix of romance, Christmas spirit, and a touch of fantasy that keeps the viewer engaged and immersed in the story.

Vanessa Hudgens, known for her roles in "High School Musical" and "The Princess Switch", plays Brooke, a smart, practical, and kind-hearted school teacher living in Ohio. Still nursing a broken heart from a previous relationship, Brooke has given up on love, despite the best efforts of her sister and students trying to kindle her faith in true love.

In a parallel timeline, hailing from Norwich, England in the 14th century, Josh Whitehouse takes on the role of Sir Cole Christopher Frederick Lyons, a gallant and dutiful knight. Sir Cole is on a quest to become a true knight by performing an undefined "quest" before midnight on Christmas Eve.

The two worlds unexpectedly intersect when an equally mysterious and eccentric old crone sends Sir Cole hurtling through time and space, and he lands in present-day Ohio, right in the path of Brooke´s car during a snowstorm. Experiencing obvious temporal disorientation, Sir Cole is taken in by Brooke who, convinced he's suffering from amnesia due to her accidental hit, offers him food and shelter.

The movie then wonderfully unfolds as Brooke and Sir Cole spend time together, bringing about a mix of hilarious, touching, and endearing moments. The 14th-century knight tries to navigate the 21st-century world, baffled with gadgets and modern ways of life, creating funny and amusing moments that lighten the movie’s mood. He refers to television as "the magic box" and is surprised when Alexa, the virtual assistant, answers his questions.

Brooke, on the other hand, is taken by Sir Cole's chivalry, nobility, and relentless bravery, aspects she thought were only stories from the past. The juxtaposition of a modern woman and a medieval knight is delightful to watch and makes the story more intriguing.

Beshrew me, to neglect mentioning the solid on-screen chemistry Hudgens and Whitehouse share, it is electric and believable, making viewers root for Sir Cole and Brooke's relationship, in spite of the seemingly impossible nature of it. Throughout, we witness Hudgens deliver a nuanced performance as Brooke, capturing the character’s initial skepticism and gradual blossoming beautifully. The English actor, Josh Whitehouse, too, stands out with his strong performance, effortlessly portraying the character of a chivalrous knight confused in modern times, yet always charming.

Added interest comes with Brooke's best friend and school colleague portrayed by Emmanuelle Chriqui, who adds an additional layer to the plot, creating a well-rounded cast.

The chemistry between the characters, combined with the enchanting Christmas ambience and the fairytale-like plot, encapsulate the viewer in a bubble of holiday romance. Despite the fantastical elements of the storyline, the film remains grounded with relatable characters and realistic dialogue.

The movie's scenic shots of Ohio blanketed in snow and the well-arranged set combine with a fantastic score to establish distinctly festive vibes, making it a delightful holiday watch.

Embedded in The Knight Before Christmas are valuable lessons about kindness, chivalry, and belief in love and destiny, which often take a backseat in our busy lives. It inspires viewers to never give up on love and spread kindness wherever we are.

The Knight Before Christmas is an ideal choice for those seeking a cozy and warm-hearted romantic film to sink into during the holiday season. Julied by its inventive twist to the cliche festive rom-coms, this movie promises a seamless blend of laughter, emotion, and heartwarming romance, reminding us that true love knows no boundaries, not even time. Be prepared to be whisked away into this magical yuletide tale.