Movie Reviews
Meet Me Next Christmas Movie Review: A charming addition to the holiday lineup
Review: Meet Me Next Christmas is a cozy holiday rom-com that embraces the genre’s classic tropes while adding a splash of musical charm. As part of the holiday season lineup on streaming platforms, it has the feel of a traditional Christmas rom-com but with a few twists that make it a light, enjoyable watch. Christina Milian stars as Layla, a driven woman whose holiday tradition of attending a Pentatonix Christmas show takes on new meaning when her recent breakup leaves her yearning for a Christmas miracle to find her true love.
The film follows Layla’s frantic quest through New York City as she attempts to secure last-minute tickets to the sold-out concert, hoping to meet her “soulmate.” With the help of a spirited concierge, Layla navigates an array of comedic challenges, all designed to test her resolve and holiday spirit. The narrative is built around standard rom-com archetypes, with exaggerated characters and outlandish plot points that bend to create a magical love story.
Milian’s portrayal of Layla is spirited, bringing warmth to the character as she juggles career, heartbreak, and romance. Although her character is well within the holiday-movie mold—a successful professional who finds herself on a romantic adventure—Milian’s performance injects an energy that makes her easy to root for. Layla’s journey also features humorous mishaps, spontaneous dance numbers, and near-misses that are easy to see coming, making the movie feel delightfully predictable.
One of the film’s unique touches is the inclusion of Pentatonix, the popular a cappella group known for their holiday music. They make a few cameo appearances, adding comedic moments and playing up their celebrity status, which adds a playful element to the storyline. Unfortunately, their role is minimal, and the movie doesn’t fully utilize their musical talents or potential impact on the plot. Had Pentatonix been more integrated into Layla’s story, their presence might have felt more meaningful.
Despite these missed opportunities, Meet Me Next Christmas is a charming addition to the holiday lineup. Its familiar formula, mixed with lighthearted musical elements, delivers the warm, feel-good experience that fans of Christmas rom-coms expect. It may not break new ground, but it’s an easy, heartwarming watch for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit—perfect for a cozy evening with hot cocoa and holiday lights.