We’re not sure what we expected from a movie called Fit for Christmas, but this level of cute probably wasn’t it. There’s nothing that stands out plot-wise about the movie — there’s a small town, two very attractive people who initially don’t see eye to eye, families who truly love each other even if they don’t always know how to express it, and a romance that’s about as easy to predict as the ending of this movie – they lived happily ever after and everything worked out, who could have seen that coming?!. But somehow, none of that detracts from the movie. If anything, it might just help it.
If Fit for Christmas stands out in any way, it’s in the antagonism — and the chemistry between the leads. Enemies-to-lovers only works if the actors can do a good job of selling the beginning of it, the dislike, and then the begrudging journey towards seeing the person as something other than what you thought they were. Amanda Kloots and Paul Greene do a pretty good job of that, enough that it’s a real treat to see their more mellow selves at the end. And, though, in Christmas movie tradition, this ends with happiness — and a kiss, I confess I wouldn’t have minded a minute or two more of this couple just existing together.
This is, in general, a strong cast — one that doesn’t stand out in a bad way, and that adds just the right amount to a movie that begins and ends with the leads. Sure, there’s a “love triangle” of sorts, but was anyone rooting for the ex? Even the poor guy felt like he knew the writing was on the wall, so he kept trying to put it off by trying distraction. To the movie’s credit, he’s never made into a bad guy just so the “choice” is easy. Life doesn’t always give you the easy out. Sometimes, you just have to go for what you want, not because the thing you have is horrible, but because you realize you deserve better.
In the end, that’s the message behind this movie, one of growth. Audrey and Griffin are better people for having met each other, and even though they might make each other crazy at times, they also made each other think — and even when they were on opposite sides of the rec center war, they also helped each other. Don’t stay with the person you can predict, the one that will be there for you, but will never challenge you. Instead, take a risk on the person who will push you to do more, and be more.
And always, always, listen to your best friend when it comes to romance.
It’s the beginning of December, and the Christmas movie offerings are plentiful, as they should be. And though Fit For Christmas doesn’t need to jump to the top of your list, it’s still absolutely worth your time, especially if you enjoy your Christmas movies — or, you know, romance in general — with a dash of friction between your leads. There’s, after all, a certain appeal to low-stakes enmity that you know is going to end well in 90 minutes. Especially at Christmas.
Fit For Christmas is now available to stream on Paramount+.
