Emilia Clarke, George Michael’s music (which is supposed to be heavily featured) and Emma Thompson are among the key reasons I felt drawn to Last Christmas, the latest comedy/romance from Spy (2015) director Paul Feig.

Also starring Henry Golding, at the centre of the film is Kate, a young woman who works at a Christmas store as Santa’s elf.

Kate also happens to be subscribed to making bad decisions; a truth that only starts to change after she meets the seemingly perfect Tom (Golding). 

I found myself immediately happy as soon as Last Christmas began, thanks to the beautiful singing at the very beginning. Then came Michelle Yeoh and Thompson’s fun dialogue, plus impressive comic and dramatic timing. Another personal highlight is the Covent Garden setting, one of my favourite parts of London.

Overall, though, Last Christmas isn’t quite my favourite London-based Christmas film – and that’s largely because the story is not especially memorable. It felt watchable at best. The fact that the key revelation towards the end is one I figured out before it was confirmed also didn’t help my enjoyment of Feig’s film.

Additionally, I expected George Michael’s music to be more prominently featured. However, in fairness, it may also be that it was heavily featured and I’m just not quite as familiar with Michael’s back catalogue as I thought.

Last Christmas is kind of ‘easy viewing’ and it’s one you watch if you’re curious enough. Also, maybe watch it for Yeoh and Thompson’s fun performances, plus the aforementioned beautiful singing at the very beginning. It really is lovely.

Happy Film Loving,

G