One thing has been undeniable throughout Lindsay Lohan’s rollercoaster career in front of the camera: she possesses that intangible, magical ‘IT’ factor that eludes so many in the public eye.  That certain sparkle she brings to the screen catapulted her career to stardom in her teens, whether she was navigating twin hijinks in Disney’s 1998 remake of The Parent Trap or staging the Plastics’ downfall in the original Mean Girls (she also gamely showed up in the movie musical version earlier in 2024).  That knack for blending charisma and comedy again shines in Our Little Secret, a Netflix Christmas concoction directed by Stephen Herek. 

While her last two holiday films (2014’s Falling for Christmas and 2024’s Irish Wish) offered cozy, made-for-streaming comfort, this energetic outing feels polished enough to light up a theater marquee alongside modern classics like The Holiday and Love Actually.  Moving from teen queen to holiday screen queen has fit like a glove, and Lohan’s evolving career interest has found its sweet spot in this seasonal offering. Twenty years after trading places with Jamie Lee Curtis in a Freaky Friday update, she proves she hasn’t lost her magnetic charm or good taste in projects, delivering a winning performance in a refreshingly sophisticated romantic comedy. As Avery, a woman attempting to keep her romantic past hidden during an increasingly chaotic Christmas celebration, Lohan is relatable, charming, and,  yes, laugh-out-loud funny.  She’s reason enough to add this to your queue, but Our Little Secret has far more to offer than just Lohan’s undeniable star power.

The film spins a deliciously tangled web of relationships, holiday cheer, and harmless humor. When Avery (Lohan) arrives at her boyfriend Cameron’s (Jon Rudnitsky, Home Again) family home for Christmas, she discovers an unexpected gift under the metaphorical tree: her ex-flame Logan (Ian Harding, Ford v Ferrari) is dating Cameron’s sister, Cassie (Katie Baker). Rather than derail the holiday festivities with this revelation and determined to keep their past under wraps, Avery and Logan engage in a jolly dance of misdirection, resulting in comedic misunderstandings and moments of genuine poignancy around loss and moving forward.  What begins as a premise worthy of a sitcom’s half-hour shenanigans blossoms into a heartwarming yarn about forgiveness, self-reflection, and embracing life’s surprises wherever and whenever they pop up.

Lohan’s comedic timing is impeccable, and her ability to convey volumes through a wry smile or blank expression of surprise does more for her character development than any script ever could.  Not that the screenplay by Hailey DeDominicis shortchanges the actress on moments to step out of (or back into) her comfort zone through slam dunk moments of hilarity.  The grounded, authentic energy Lohan brings makes even the most over-the-top situations (wait until you see her try to make it through a spontaneous moment during a church service) feel relatable.  Harding matches her beat for beat, creating a dynamic chemistry that feels comfortable and combustible. Their shared scenes are spiked with unresolved tension and lingering affection, making their attempts to maintain composure all the more entertaining.

Of course, a holiday film is only as good as its ensemble, and the supporting cast of Our Little Secret adds essential layers of warmth and wit. Baker’s effervescent Cassie brings a bubbly warmth to the screen, while Rudnitsky’s Cameron strikes a perfect balance by avoiding caricature and blandness. As Cameron and Cassie’s mischievous younger brother Callum, Jake Brennan (Palmer) steals several scenes with his playful antics. Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked) and Dan Bucatinsky (Second Act) shine as hosting parents who smooth over squabbles with tight smiles, extra wine, and withering looks, their screen collaboration suggesting years of shared holidays and inside jokes.

A veteran of classics like Critters and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Herek proves once again his ability to balance ensemble screwball comedy with genuine emotion. Fans of his earlier work, including Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead and The Mighty Ducks, will recognize his talent for creating relatable and lovable characters, even when placed in the most ridiculous situations. In Our Little Secret, he nicely blends the absurdity of Avery and Logan’s predicament with quieter moments of holiday remembrance that will strike a chord with anyone missing someone important to them at this time of year. It’s a juggling act, but Herek handles it easily, keeping the narrative pace crisp while allowing moments of humor and heart to breathe.

While Our Little Secret is undeniably a holiday romance at its core, it also clearly aims higher and routinely hits its mark to carry a broader appeal that transcends the genre. The script trusts its audience, allowing relationships to develop (somewhat) naturally and conflicts to arise (mostly) organically. Its honest approach to comedy and performances that follow suit makes it a film that can be enjoyed by viewers who might not typically gravitate toward seasonal offerings.  A refreshing absence of forced misunderstandings allows for any tension created to come from real emotions, just dressed up in a bit of merry holiday finery.

Our Little Secret wraps up everything excellent about holiday romance films in one sweet package. It’s intelligent, engaging, and surprisingly thoughtful—demonstrating that romantic comedies can still be influential when handled with considerable care and intelligence.   For those seeking something special in their seasonal viewing, this is one secret worth sharing.