Do you ever feel like you have rewatched every single holiday movie in existence? Don’t get me wrong, going with a classic like “Elf” or “Home Alone” is always a safe choice, but having some variety would jazz up this holiday season even more. Just in time, Netflix released multiple new movies to add some spice to the holiday movie section. Each film has a unique storyline that doesn’t follow the typical cliché of almost every other holiday movie. Pop some cookies in the oven, grab a fuzzy blanket and turn on those Christmas tree lights because it’s time to watch some movies. 

A Merry Little Ex-Mas 

Starring Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson, this movie takes the classic rom-com plot, but adds a twist with the element of divorce. The film captures awkward family tension perfectly, with playful yet comical banter that cuts deep enough to convey the characters’ snarky points. The storyline follows Kate (Silverstone) and Everett (Hudson), a couple filing for divorce during the holiday season, set in the picture-perfect winter town. It takes us through the jumbled mess that comes along with a divorce, between dealing with in-laws, their kids and new significant others, but with a comedic and heartfelt tone. An additional side plot that viewers get a glimpse of is that Kate put her career ambitions on hold to focus on her family, which ultimately drove a wedge between their marriage. 

“A Merry Little Ex-Mas” has heartfelt moments of reflection and reconnection. The component of divorce boosts points for creativity as a non-traditional holiday movie plot, but the pace felt slow at times, sometimes even repetitive, leaving me wanting a bit more action throughout the film. Additionally, the plot felt predictable from the beginning, making the ending of the film a little less satisfying. 

Jingle Bell Heist

Produced by Matt Kaplan, producer of the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” films, “Jingle Bell Heist” currently holds the spot of number one most viewed on Netflix, and deservedly so. This film has the audience hooked from the very beginning and continues with a fast pace throughout, good for those with short attention spans. Different from what most expect from a holiday movie, the film has more of a melancholy tone sprinkled with scenes of action, heartbreak and ultimately, happiness. The movie follows Sophia, played by Olivia Holt, and Nick, played by Connor Swindells, struggling with different aspects of their lives, leading to both of them needing money and strangely ending up in a robbery together. 

The film does an excellent job with captivating filming angles and shots, and notable points for the mostly instrumental soundtrack, as it adds to the depth of the film and captures the tone of a mystery rom-com perfectly. There is also a prominent use of silence, which makes you feel as if you are transported into the conversations between the characters, instead of having the characters being bound to their script.

This holiday movie deals with heavier topics that tug on the heartstrings of the audience, capturing raw moments of life and emotion. It gains bonus points for being cinematic, while having great plot twists, ones that are very unexpected. I was pleasantly surprised with this one, an intriguing storyline with the side of a slow-burning romance that creeps through, making it a must-watch this holiday season. 

My Secret Santa 

Released on Dec. 3, “My Secret Santa” was not exactly a holiday hit. Starring Alexandra Breckenridge and Ryan Eggold, this movie follows Taylor, a mom desperately in search of a job during the holiday season, and Matthew, a wealthy man who has never had to balance any responsibilities in his life. Taylor finds herself becoming a Santa, all to be able to support her daughter’s dream of attending a snowboarding school. Although the plot was creative and original, it felt underdeveloped and lacking substance, as there weren’t many exciting points throughout the film.  

The movie features moments of rediscovering love again and finding oneself. Taylor encapsulates the feelings of wanting to do everything in her willpower to make the dream life for her daughter, something most mothers can relate to. The mother-daughter bond shines through, making for a stronger message to be shared. Furthermore, an unexpected romance buds through whilst Taylor is living her double life. 

Overall, this film radiates the same energy as a Hallmark movie, a little cheesy but sometimes, those types of lighthearted movies with a couple cringe moments make for the best movie nights.   

All of these movies are available now, streaming through Netflix. Try something new this holiday season instead of clicking on that same Christmas movie you watch every year. Take some time to watch these new favorites!