Netflix has kicked off its holiday movie season with A Merry Little Ex-Mas, a heartwarming, nostalgia-packed Christmas rom-com that brings 90s icons back into the spotlight. Starring Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson, this cozy small-town Christmas movie blends humor, family drama, and festive charm in a way that’s bound to warm your heart this winter.
Streaming now on Netflix, A Merry Little Ex-Mas marks a delightful start to the platform’s 2025 holiday lineup — one filled with twinkling lights, second chances, and a whole lot of Christmas magic.
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A Merry Little Ex-Mas: Story Overview
Directed by Steve Carr (Daddy Day Care, Doctor Dolittle 2) and produced by Hartbreak Films — the family-owned studio run by Paula and Melissa Joan Hart — A Merry Little Ex-Mas focuses on love, loss, and rediscovering happiness after separation.
The story centers around Kate (Alicia Silverstone) and Everett (Oliver Hudson), a couple going through the final stages of divorce but determined to have one last memorable Christmas together for the sake of their children. Set in the picturesque town of Winterlight, their bittersweet holiday reunion takes unexpected turns as old feelings resurface and new romantic opportunities appear — making this a season of emotional rediscovery.
Written by Holly Hester (Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Grace Under Fire), the movie captures the tender chaos of modern relationships with a nostalgic touch. As Kate and Everett navigate their changing dynamic, the film gently explores how love can evolve, even when life takes unexpected detours.
A Cast Full of Familiar Faces
One of A Merry Little Ex-Mas’s biggest charms lies in its nostalgic casting. For anyone who grew up watching 90s television and movies, this film feels like a warm reunion.
The cast includes:
- Alicia Silverstone (Clueless, The Crush) as Kate — a strong, witty, and warm-hearted mother rediscovering her identity after separation.
- Oliver Hudson (Dawson’s Creek, The Christmas Chronicles) as Everett — the charming yet conflicted husband.
- Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Drive Me Crazy) — in a supporting role that ties the story’s emotional threads together.
- Jameela Jamil (The Good Place, Love at First Sight) as a confident, business-minded friend with a flair for humor and wisdom.
- Pierson Fode (The Wrong Paris) as Chet — a younger, funny, and irresistibly charming potential love interest for Kate.
- Geoffrey Owens (The Cosby Show) and Derek McGrath (Cheers, My Secret Identity) add depth and familiarity to the community of Winterlight.
Each actor brings something special to the table, but it’s Alicia Silverstone who truly anchors the film with her magnetic screen presence.
Alicia Silverstone’s Triumphant Return
After dominating the 90s pop culture scene with roles in Clueless and Batman & Robin, Alicia Silverstone has quietly built a second wave of her career with indie dramas, thrillers, and now, heartfelt comedies.
In A Merry Little Ex-Mas, she shines as Kate, portraying both the fragility and resilience of a woman navigating the complexities of modern family life. Her warmth and natural charm make her character relatable — she’s funny, caring, and introspective without being overly sentimental.
Silverstone’s chemistry with Oliver Hudson feels authentic, adding emotional weight to the couple’s journey. Whether they’re reminiscing over shared memories or arguing about what went wrong, their performances feel lived-in and believable. It’s a reminder of Silverstone’s enduring talent and why audiences still adore her decades after Clueless.
Winterlight: The Perfect Small-Town Christmas Setting
The fictional town of Winterlight feels like it was plucked straight out of a Christmas card — snow-covered streets, friendly neighbors, and cozy coffee shops where even the mayor conducts divorce discussions. The town’s old-fashioned charm and glowing decorations provide the perfect backdrop for a story about rediscovering love and family connection.
Kate’s family home, affectionately nicknamed “The Mothership,” steals the show with its whimsical holiday decorations. From gingerbread-like exteriors to twinkling interiors, every frame bursts with festive spirit — the kind of cinematic Christmas world that Netflix viewers have come to love.
Themes That Hit Home
Unlike typical Christmas romances that rely purely on meet-cutes and mistletoe moments, A Merry Little Ex-Mas digs a little deeper. It explores what happens when love matures — when couples grow apart but still care deeply for one another.
The film doesn’t shy away from emotional realism, showing that separation doesn’t mean the end of family or affection. There’s also a strong message about self-discovery and forgiveness, especially during the holiday season when reflection comes naturally.
However, A Merry Little Ex-Mas still keeps things lighthearted with plenty of humor, quirky townspeople, and feel-good Christmas moments. It strikes a balance between heartfelt drama and cozy entertainment — just the right tone for a Netflix holiday release.
Direction and Pacing
Director Steve Carr brings his signature blend of humor and heart to the film. His transition from family comedies to a holiday romance works surprisingly well. The movie has a warm, comforting pace — although some viewers might find the ending slightly stretched, with multiple emotional climaxes that could have wrapped sooner.
Still, Carr’s storytelling, combined with Holly Hester’s script, ensures that the 90-minute runtime feels full and rewarding. Each scene builds on the last, leading to a satisfying conclusion that celebrates love, family, and new beginnings.
The Supporting Cast Adds Spark
Jameela Jamil plays her role with effortless class and comedic timing, perfectly fitting the role of a confident, too-good-to-be-true businesswoman. Pierson Fode, meanwhile, steals every scene he’s in, providing some of the movie’s most hilarious and charming moments.
The film also benefits from its strong supporting ensemble, who add layers of authenticity and community to Winterlight’s holiday charm.
Minor Flaws
While A Merry Little Ex-Mas delivers plenty of festive fun, it’s not without its clichés. The story occasionally feels predictable — especially in its romantic resolution — and leans heavily on traditional Christmas movie tropes.
That said, these familiar elements are part of what makes holiday films so comforting. The movie’s emotional sincerity and charismatic performances more than make up for its occasional pacing issues.
Final Verdict: A Feel-Good Christmas Watch
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 – Above Average)
A Merry Little Ex-Mas is a delightful, feel-good film that successfully blends 90s nostalgia, modern family dynamics, and classic holiday charm. It’s the perfect cozy watch for anyone who loves small-town Christmas stories filled with humor, warmth, and relatable emotional moments.
Alicia Silverstone delivers one of her most endearing performances in years, and the movie’s message of rediscovering love amid change feels refreshingly real.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when your favorite 90s stars grow up and bring that same charisma to Netflix’s modern holiday lineup — this is your answer.
Watch A Merry Little Ex-Mas If You Liked:
- Our Little Secret (2024)
- Four Christmases (2008)
- The Royal Treatment (2022)
- Dear Christmas (2020)
- All I Want for Christmas (1991)
MVP: Alicia Silverstone
2025 is shaping up to be a major year for Alicia Silverstone — from her role in Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia to her upcoming appearance in the Peacock revival of Clueless, and now this charming Netflix Christmas rom-com.
Her ability to balance emotional depth, humor, and nostalgia makes A Merry Little Ex-Mas a must-watch this holiday season.
Conclusion
Netflix’s A Merry Little Ex-Mas captures everything fans love about holiday movies — festive visuals, heartwarming storytelling, and beloved stars who bring the magic of the 90s back to life. It’s a movie that will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even shed a tear, all while reminding you why Christmas stories never go out of style.
So grab your blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and stream A Merry Little Ex-Mas tonight — because sometimes, the best gifts are the ones wrapped in nostalgia.
