Last Christmas Review: Kate (Emilia Clarke) can’t maintain relationships with friends and family, including her mother Petra (Emma Thompson). She struggles at her job as Santa's elf but the store owner (Michelle Yeoh), gives her another chance to prove herself. One day, Kate meets Tom, (Henry Golding), a mysterious yet charming guy. All Kate knows is that he works as a volunteer in a shelter for homeless people, and he doesn’t use a phone. As Tom pops in and out of Kate’s life, she feels an inexplicable connection to him, and it doesn’t take long for her to develop feelings for him.
The story by Emma Thompson and her real-life husband Greg Wise initially comes across as a seasonal rom-com, but there’s more to it. Set against the current political scenario in the UK, with an undertone of the racial sentiments, the script gingerly balances all the romantic and comedic elements. The latter stands out - credit is due to the writers for some hilarious moments thanks to their typical English wit. The cast is quite robust too. Emilia Clarke’s nuanced portrayal of Kate makes you want her to find love and happiness, despite some of the ‘not-so-nice’ things she does to her friends and family. Clarke’s vibrant personality shines through it all. Opposite her, Henry Golding makes an interesting match as Tom.
The two actors have good chemistry, and Golding does well enough to create an alluring, mysterious persona. Emma Thompson often steals the limelight as Kate’s mother, Petra, who’s filled with melancholy and sadness but still manages to be endearing as a doting mother. The George Michael soundtrack feels slightly forced at times although that’s hardly detrimental. However, there’s one element in the plot that can either make or break your opinion of this film. This reveal feels cheesy and requires a suspension of belief which may take you out of the rest of the film. That aside, ‘Last Christmas’ is quite enjoyable with good performances, a pleasant background score and witty humour with enough ‘feelgood’ factor around the holidays.
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