🎄 Christmas with the Ex: An Honest Review of the 2025 Netflix Movie

When I first saw the trailer, I thought: here we go again, another story about the “one last Christmas together.” But after watching it, I realized the film is a bit craftier than it seems. “A Merry Little Ex-Mas” premiered on November 12, 2025, and within a month, it has already racked up a 5.3 on IMDb and a pile of conflicting reviews. Some call it “the best thing Netflix released this season,” while others just roll their eyes. I watched it twice—and here is the breakdown.

What the Movie Is Really About

Kate and Everett Holden are getting divorced after 20 years of marriage. The kids are nearly grown, the house is up for sale, and all that’s left is to survive one last Christmas together—for the sake of their youngest son, who still believes in a “normal family.” They made a pact: no scenes, no new partners at the table, just a civilized goodbye.

Naturally, Everett doesn’t show up alone. He brings his new girlfriend, Tess—15 years younger, a self-improvement podcaster who sincerely wants to “befriend her ex’s family.” What follows is a continuous chain of minor catastrophes: a burnt turkey, a gingerbread house competition, an accidental night in the same bed, and a flurry of phrases that should have never been uttered out loud.

The most interesting part is that the film doesn’t try to reconcile everyone at any cost. There is no magical snow that fixes everything five minutes before the credits roll. Instead, there are just adults who suddenly remember why they once fell in love—and why they stopped.

Who’s In It and Why It Works

Alicia Silverstone as Kate is perhaps the main reason to watch. She’s no longer Cher from “Clueless,” but that same ironic spark remains. When she looks at her ex’s new girlfriend and delivers a dry “Do you actually eat gluten?”, it’s hilarious and painful at the same time.

Oliver Hudson plays the quintessential “good guy who ruined everything with his career.” Jameela Jamil could have been a caricature of a “younger woman,” but the writers gave her enough moments that you actually start to understand her. Melissa Joan Hart appears for literally eight minutes—and she absolutely steals the scene in the bar.

What to Expect and What You Won’t Find

This isn’t “Love Actually” or “The Holiday.” There is less glamour and more real, awkward silences at the dinner table. There is no grand moral about “Christmas forgiving all.” It’s simply a story about how sometimes the best thing you can do for your family is to let it go.

There are funny moments—yes, the goat on ice skates actually makes an appearance.
There are several truly sharp dialogues about divorce.
There is no excessively sugary happy ending typical of 90% of Netflix Christmas movies.

My Verdict

The film isn’t perfect. Some subplots are left hanging, and the finale feels a bit rushed. But when you’ve spent five years watching the same rotation of holiday comedies, “A Merry Little Ex-Mas” feels fresher than most. Especially if you’ve ever celebrated Christmas with someone you’re no longer with.

Watch it when you want more than just “background” cinema for trimming the tree—when you want something with a bit of a bite. And keep your glass close; the screenwriters gave us plenty to toast to.

FAQ

Where can I watch “A Merry Little Ex-Mas”?

Exclusively on Netflix. It is available with official dubbing and subtitles in multiple languages.

How long is the movie?

91 minutes—fitting perfectly into even the busiest pre-holiday evening.

Is it strictly a comedy or is there drama?

It’s primarily a comedy, but it features a few scenes that might make you want to wipe away a tear and pretend it’s just the steam from your mulled wine.

Is it suitable for watching with parents?

Yes, it has a 7+ rating. There are a couple of jokes about sex, but everything is handled very delicately.

Is it worth watching if I’m not a fan of Christmas movies?

Absolutely. It’s more about relationships after divorce than it is about snowflakes and Santa Claus.

Author — ReelPoint
Think… Watch… Feel.