Netflix’s holiday comedy “My Secret Santa” invites viewers to suspend disbelief in a story centered around creative deception. The film stars Alexandra Breckenridge as Taylor Jacobson, a single mom and former lead singer of a punk band. Set against the holiday backdrop, the plot revolves around her struggle to provide for her daughter, Zoey.
Plot Overview
Weeks before Christmas, Taylor loses her job and faces financial difficulties. Her daughter, Zoey, a talented snowboarder, has been accepted to a prestigious academy at Sun Peaks ski resort. However, Taylor cannot afford the tuition. Fortunately, Sun Peaks offers employee discounts, and the only job available is for a seasonal Santa Claus.
Transformation into Santa
Thanks to her brother and his partner, who are professional costumers, Taylor undergoes an elaborate transformation, donning prosthetics and a Santa suit. She is quickly hired by Natasha (Tia Mowry), the resort’s marketing manager, and Matthew Lane (Ryan Eggold), the general manager with little interest in his role. His father owns the resort, which causes tension between him and Natasha.
Romantic Conflicts
Complications arise when Taylor meets Matthew before adopting her Santa persona. He recognizes her from her band, the Screaming Kittens, and tries to pursue her romantically. As their relationship develops, Taylor must maintain her Santa disguise, leading to comedic situations as she becomes the go-to listener among children and Matthew.
Supporting Characters and Humor
- Diana Maria Riva plays Doralee, Taylor’s grumpy landlady whose unexpected interest in Santa adds a humorous subplot.
- The film features a memorable line from Matthew, inviting Taylor to a Christmas party where she’ll also be in attendance as Santa.
Comparisons to Classic Films
With its premise reminiscent of “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “My Secret Santa” evokes comparisons that may overshadow its strengths. While Breckenridge’s performance is well-executed, the film suffers from a lack of subtlety in its character dynamics. Matthew’s fixation on Santa raises questions about the realism of the storyline.
Final Thoughts
Overall, while “My Secret Santa” has its entertaining moments, it falls short of the classic films it aims to emulate. For viewers seeking genuine holiday cheer and heartfelt storytelling, this film may not meet the mark.
The key question remains: should you stream or skip “My Secret Santa” on Netflix? If you’re looking for a fresh take on holiday comedy, perhaps consider other options.
