Our Little Secret (dir. Stephen Herek)

By: Becky First

You can run from your past, but you can’t hide… Our Little Secret, directed by Stephen Herek, is a festive and fun holiday rom-com that follows Avery (Lindsay Lohan), and ex-boyfriend Logan (Ian Harding) who have an undeniable bond stemming from their youth. After Avery endures family heartbreak, she decides to pursue her dreams in London. One night an emotional (and intoxicated) Logan makes one more attempt at getting her to stay, starting an argument and ending their relationship, filling them both with resentment.

A decade of not speaking later, the former couple are successful and in relationships. Avery focuses on her new boyfriend, Cam (Jon Rudnitsky), and wants to make a strong first impression on his family this holiday season. Little does Avery know, her past is about to catch up to her. In a twist of fate, Cam’s sister, Cassie (Katie Baker) has a boyfriend who looks very familiar, and just like that: Avery and Logan end up under the same roof for Christmas. 

The exes, who both have something at stake, are not looking to stir up any drama. The solution? Pretend they don’t know each other. Ironically, this only stirs up more drama as the duo navigate unresolved emotions, a series of comical plot twists, and a family who have secrets of their own. 

Lindsey Lohan, step aside. The real mean girl of this film is Cam’s mom Erica (Kristin Chenowith). The hard-to-please drama mama disapproves of Avery the moment Erica is presented with a bottle of screw top wine. Chenoweth never forgets a backhanded comment, yet keeps her family busy, leaving Avery and Logan to clean up mess after mess together. As much as Avery vies for Erica’s approval, one is left to wonder if it is for Cam’s benefit or her own. As Our Little Secret unfolds, Cam and Avery spend less screen time together, a decision that provides the characters the opportunity to explore their pasts and consider what they want out of life as the calendar moves closer to Christmas.

Overall, the Netflix holiday rom-com features a plot that is pleasingly predictable yet syrupy sweet. The chemistry between leads Lohan and Harding and their respective sweethearts leave something to be desired, but to be fair, the spotlight is firmly trained on Lindsay Lohan. Our Little Secret is elevated by the uncomfortable friction that Chenoweth nails as the stereotypical mom that most try to avoid during the holidays. 

Target Score - 8/10 Wine Bottles: Our Little Secret  is an easy-to-watch, light-hearted, Netflix holiday romp. The Lindsay Lohan streamer pairs wonderfully with wrapping gifts and sipping a glass of wine (screw top only, of course). 

Our Little Secret is included in Movie Archer’s bite sized coverage of Holiday Streamer Month!