This was a decent Christmas movie. The story here is about two strangers, who are going thru some difficult times in their love life, coming together to find a way home for Christmas. What both don't realize, at the time, is that this journey home is more than simply catching a ride together. It becomes more about helping each other move on (and potentially work thru) their relationship woes (and the importance of spending time with others, even if they are strangers, during Christmas). I thought the story worked well for about the first 60 minutes or so. The dialogue between the leads was pretty good. There were a couple of nice scenes at the bar (at the inn) with some good conversation/dialogue between Jen (played Natalie Clark) and Rob (played by Kenny Boyle), our two protagonists in this story. I even had a few laughs during some of the scenes with Sid (played by Sanjeev Kohli), Ernie (played by Sylvester McCoy) and Frank (played by Frazer Hines). However, the story, I thought, broke down on Christmas morning. I am referring to the scene where Jen asks everyone to celebrate Christmas, they all say bah humbug, and she runs off into the woods (as opposed to running/walking along the road, which seemed odd, by the way). Shortly thereafter, Rob had an epiphany and runs after her, and when they get back, everyone is suddenly on board for a nice Christmas dinner. There is a big hole in the script between the first 60 minutes and the last half hour. The writers don't set the viewer up for the last third of the film. Thus, the final third seemed forced (or rushed). It is a pity, really. The acting, overall, was strong, I thought. Both Clark and Boyle' performances were convincing, and, as I noted above, they had some nice dialogue together. The chemistry between the two started to build up a bit on Christmas Eve, but, again, the writers could have done a better job setting this up before they jumped into bed together. For the most part, the supporting cast was great. As I alluded to above, Kohli, McCoy and Hines's performances were quite good (funny, I thought). The Scottish landscape in the film was a plus. There were some beautiful shots on the rolling hills. All in all, it is an entertaining Christmas movie, pretty good for the first two-thirds of the film.
54 Reviews
Pretty good except for the ending...
fandomfatale12 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I really enjoyed the majority of this movie. The ending implies that they probably don't end up together for good, which is not the kind of thing I am looking for in a Christmas romance. Maybe that's more realistic but it's not like the rest of the film was committed to realism so I'm not sure what the filmmakers were trying to accomplish there. I liked the other 99% of it enough to watch it again, but I'll certainly be trimming the end off of my next viewing experience. If you think you'll probably feel the same way about it that I do, then I would stop the movie after she sings her song and they kiss. Perfect ending.
The score killed the vibe a little. It could have used something a little more upbeat. This movie definitely has dramatic moments, it's as much a drama as a comedy, I would say, but some jollier music would have gone a long way in improving my enjoyment.
Otherwise, a cute film with a good romance and a nice change of pace from the Hallmark and Lifetime movies while still being generally the same type of movie.
The score killed the vibe a little. It could have used something a little more upbeat. This movie definitely has dramatic moments, it's as much a drama as a comedy, I would say, but some jollier music would have gone a long way in improving my enjoyment.
Otherwise, a cute film with a good romance and a nice change of pace from the Hallmark and Lifetime movies while still being generally the same type of movie.
Not too bad, but not too good either
philfeeley10 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
No hats, no gloves, walking in a snowstorm with coats open. Not very smart to say the least. It would have been more believable if they had at least fixed that.
Despite the interesting emotional discussions throughout, they threw it all away with a rotten ending.
Despite the interesting emotional discussions throughout, they threw it all away with a rotten ending.
Bitter, depressing and unloving. Not a Christmas Movie
thetales20 December 2021
There's space in the movie-verse for Christmas films from Bad Santa to Krampus, through to tenuous links to Die Hard. But if you are marketing as a Christmas Romance/Comedy, your audiences expect both romance, comedy, warm fuzzy feelings or at least want the couple to get together already... even if you know that's what happens from the start.
There was unneeded bad language and an attempt to "make fresh" a tradition of Christmas movie rules. Netflix still aren't getting it totally right yet, attempting to garner the Hallmark and Lifetime audiences that see hundreds of millions flock to the cliche year in and out.
But it's because it didn't either go far enough that this film fails. The characters and story feels like the actors and writer are all bitter curmudgeons (yes even the young couple) who are deftly unlikable to the final beat. I don't route for them opposed to wish them a one night fling they'd regret and I'd say "I told you so". So in that way, maybe they are meant for each other.
It thinks it's a wise cracking dark comedy. It's not. It wants to be a Christmas film. It's takes more than decorations and snow to make a festive film. And it fancies itself a romance. Without an ounce of love or warmth.
Leads you to think no one who worked on the film has ever fallen in love or enjoys Christmas.
Both the leads need to learn what a smile is. Its so bleak. And though Scotland in the winter is a dark and chilly place, it's can't be as frosty as this relationship.
Give it a miss. The festive romance movie selection is in the thousands now Spend your time somewhere else. You'll not feel as depressed.
There was unneeded bad language and an attempt to "make fresh" a tradition of Christmas movie rules. Netflix still aren't getting it totally right yet, attempting to garner the Hallmark and Lifetime audiences that see hundreds of millions flock to the cliche year in and out.
But it's because it didn't either go far enough that this film fails. The characters and story feels like the actors and writer are all bitter curmudgeons (yes even the young couple) who are deftly unlikable to the final beat. I don't route for them opposed to wish them a one night fling they'd regret and I'd say "I told you so". So in that way, maybe they are meant for each other.
It thinks it's a wise cracking dark comedy. It's not. It wants to be a Christmas film. It's takes more than decorations and snow to make a festive film. And it fancies itself a romance. Without an ounce of love or warmth.
Leads you to think no one who worked on the film has ever fallen in love or enjoys Christmas.
Both the leads need to learn what a smile is. Its so bleak. And though Scotland in the winter is a dark and chilly place, it's can't be as frosty as this relationship.
Give it a miss. The festive romance movie selection is in the thousands now Spend your time somewhere else. You'll not feel as depressed.
Do they deserve each other?
gradgurl200829 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I wanted to love this movie. A movie set in the Highlands of Scotland? I'm in! But... ugh. When Jen stole her ex boyfriend's car, I realized she might not be all there. Then when she fake cried... I thought that Rob should just run. I don't mind the ending, as both of these people are coming off long-term relationships and Jen is way too weird. But it's all so trite and boring. A B&B in Scotland that doesn't stock up for Christmas dinner?! I'm rooting for the teenage romance more than the main characters'? Skip it and watch Leap Year instead.
Dire. Bad acting, bad script
Janet161214 January 2022
This is billed as the first Scots independent feature length film. Maybe they should have waited until they could get better actors on board. OK, it's low budget (I assume), but there are many low budget films ( e.g. Four Weddings with a fantastically talented unknown cast, great script and story). The two leads are just up to the mark. The supporting cast are well known faces to TV viewers.
As soon as this started I could see how it was going to end, so very predictable. We all like a love story but this was more Hallmark and Mills & Boon than a great British romcom.
I could not understand the high rating reviews here, but then we all like different things. Or maybe they watched a different film. I can't abide poor acting, predictable storylines and over the top sentimentality. Re-make it with better actors, a few changes to the script and we'd have a half decent film.
One reviewer has suggested a sequel. A sequel!
As soon as this started I could see how it was going to end, so very predictable. We all like a love story but this was more Hallmark and Mills & Boon than a great British romcom.
I could not understand the high rating reviews here, but then we all like different things. Or maybe they watched a different film. I can't abide poor acting, predictable storylines and over the top sentimentality. Re-make it with better actors, a few changes to the script and we'd have a half decent film.
One reviewer has suggested a sequel. A sequel!
A reminder of what Christmas is about
cbisbee-739959 January 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable watch. The principle characters are given a chance to develop and change before our eyes, as they deal with their heartbreak during the holiday. It is a slow build, yet moves along at a satisfying speed The joys and sadness of the Christmas season are shown, all leading to a concussion. Beautiful.
They definitely lost Christmas
Lizareview21 December 2021
This really isn't a Christmas romance or comedy. There's snow and some gift wrapping around but otherwise void of sentiment.
It feels like this is a sarcastic jibe at what Christmas films are rather than lodging itself in the genre. But it isn't a satire. The production values are low, which is fine. Some bad lighting etc can be forgiven for finishing a movie on smaller budgets but in 2021 where people film on iPhones, your expectations are higher.
This did not deserve to be on BBC. It feels like a paid for Prime film. I thought I'd like the cast at the start but they played one note the whole way through. One trick ponies. Maybe that's through direction or inexperience.
This film also claims to have been the first Scottish Christmas film which is not true at all. Self proclamation aside, I want to watch a Christmas film to feel happy, not depressive. Or indeed watch an alternative Christmas film to Regale the humbug or satire. This neither sits anywhere than directly in humbug, without the wink.
Really shows what comes out of Scottish films shown on BBC. This can't be how good it can be. Otherwise the industry is already dead.
It feels like this is a sarcastic jibe at what Christmas films are rather than lodging itself in the genre. But it isn't a satire. The production values are low, which is fine. Some bad lighting etc can be forgiven for finishing a movie on smaller budgets but in 2021 where people film on iPhones, your expectations are higher.
This did not deserve to be on BBC. It feels like a paid for Prime film. I thought I'd like the cast at the start but they played one note the whole way through. One trick ponies. Maybe that's through direction or inexperience.
This film also claims to have been the first Scottish Christmas film which is not true at all. Self proclamation aside, I want to watch a Christmas film to feel happy, not depressive. Or indeed watch an alternative Christmas film to Regale the humbug or satire. This neither sits anywhere than directly in humbug, without the wink.
Really shows what comes out of Scottish films shown on BBC. This can't be how good it can be. Otherwise the industry is already dead.
Hallmark No, But Good
skt946-149-6679211 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I love Hallmark movies and have watched plenty through the years, especially during the holidays, which drew me to this movie (not Hallmark). As it turned out it was not the typical always happy ending, albeit sappy at times, that is a trademark with Hallmark holiday movies. This movie centers around two people who approach their life situation, emotionally bleak at the moment, through different lenses. I thought the acting was good, though their personalities contrasted the chemistry between the two was there and was heartfelt and funny at times. I was surprised at the ending, but I have to say I liked it. Probably more true to life, and the end left it open for thought, that is, just where might their paths take them. I enjoyed this movie.
No Christmas spirit. Plenty of narcissism
ReelUk22 December 2021
The slogan says "feel good". But it's not. Great to see some famous faces pop up but unfortunately the female lead has nothing to bounce off the male. He's got no charisma, charm or natural screen demeanour . It's very single note. But she does some very strange things eg. Stealing the car.
Maybe used to conventional Christmas movies. But this doesn't feel fresh or interesting. Just sort of grim and trying. Even some dry humour I usually enjoy doesn't elevate them. Either mock the genre or play with it. This straddles neither.
Maybe used to conventional Christmas movies. But this doesn't feel fresh or interesting. Just sort of grim and trying. Even some dry humour I usually enjoy doesn't elevate them. Either mock the genre or play with it. This straddles neither.
What a difference from crummy American movies
kefalasgeorge3 December 2022
Yesterday I watched this idiotic Hollywood film with a Christmas theme .Such a difference ! This movie ,although low budget ,could teach the Americans a thing or two . The acting seemed so natural compared to similar American fare,the storyline was nowhere near improbable ,like some Santa Claus granting a disgruntled mother and wife a wish that changes her life .I mean this is so juvenile ! And yet people watch this crap . This simple Scottish movie with no big name actors delivers a very warm ,human story that does not need any American gimmicks to succeed. It is honest refreshing and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
We All Know A Girl Like Jen
blissey_s25 December 2022
I was fond of this movie, mostly due to the exuberance of Natalie Clark's character and her unfailing optimism about the Christmas spirit. It really translated effectively and gave the film a buoyancy and life that I think would have been missing otherwise. There is something so annoying about her chirpy, uppity personality. It reminds me of girls in school who would thought that parroting false positivity 24/7 was a likeable and charming personality rather than what it actually is, which is painfully contrived. And then we find the opposite nature in Rob who is always dour and impossible to shake out of his depression. The balance between the overly optimistic and overly pessimistic character is a smart contrast and they play well off of each other, though I don't find their on-screen chemistry to be believable in a romantic sense.
Overall, this film is quirky and comforting and has just the right balance of humour, emotion, and Christmas zeal,
Overall, this film is quirky and comforting and has just the right balance of humour, emotion, and Christmas zeal,
Avoid it if you can, there are better ones out there.
adamjohns-4257511 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Lost At Christmas (2020)-
It starts off Hallmark enough, but in a more gritty and British way and you start to think that it has potential, before you realise that you have no interest in the two lead characters whatsoever.
Neither are particularly likeable and I found myself watching it further to see who they might end up with, because surely it wasn't going to be each other. It's the only reason I made it to the end to be honest, I thought that something good was going to happen and that these two were just setting the scene.
The lead male was a grumpy and unfriendly git and I was surprised to find that he had played the same part in the short version of this film. What did he do that was so impressive to keep him in the role? Because it didn't show here.
As for the lead female, I myself would not have gone anywhere with her, what a nut job! But then I also wouldn't have invited him along either if I'd been her.
There are the usual continuity problems, it's freezing, but they aren't wearing their scarves or their coats done up and such like. On some occasions these things can be forgiven, because the rest a film is so good, but not this one.
Actually, the only saving grace of the entire film was the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
Even the seasoned professional actors didn't come out of it well and Clare Grogan in particular was vile.
I've seen films like this before, the car journey home for Christmas is a staple. We all know that Hallmark do them with a bit more polish and sentiment, which doesn't always work, but I think I prefer most of them to this effort, that makes any relationship hard to buy. They also tend to get hot guys too, which at least makes up for some things.
If I had been the writer or director and I had gone with the ending that they chose, I think that I would have had her dying at the end or on her way to hospital for a final treatment, to explain her desperate need to celebrate properly and to get home no matter what. It might also explain why events turn out like they do, because otherwise it's all just rather lame.
Not a win for the Brits I'm afraid.
309.86/1000.
It starts off Hallmark enough, but in a more gritty and British way and you start to think that it has potential, before you realise that you have no interest in the two lead characters whatsoever.
Neither are particularly likeable and I found myself watching it further to see who they might end up with, because surely it wasn't going to be each other. It's the only reason I made it to the end to be honest, I thought that something good was going to happen and that these two were just setting the scene.
The lead male was a grumpy and unfriendly git and I was surprised to find that he had played the same part in the short version of this film. What did he do that was so impressive to keep him in the role? Because it didn't show here.
As for the lead female, I myself would not have gone anywhere with her, what a nut job! But then I also wouldn't have invited him along either if I'd been her.
There are the usual continuity problems, it's freezing, but they aren't wearing their scarves or their coats done up and such like. On some occasions these things can be forgiven, because the rest a film is so good, but not this one.
Actually, the only saving grace of the entire film was the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
Even the seasoned professional actors didn't come out of it well and Clare Grogan in particular was vile.
I've seen films like this before, the car journey home for Christmas is a staple. We all know that Hallmark do them with a bit more polish and sentiment, which doesn't always work, but I think I prefer most of them to this effort, that makes any relationship hard to buy. They also tend to get hot guys too, which at least makes up for some things.
If I had been the writer or director and I had gone with the ending that they chose, I think that I would have had her dying at the end or on her way to hospital for a final treatment, to explain her desperate need to celebrate properly and to get home no matter what. It might also explain why events turn out like they do, because otherwise it's all just rather lame.
Not a win for the Brits I'm afraid.
309.86/1000.
Lost at Christmas
Prismark1018 December 2022
Lost at Christmas is a small scale Scottish film. An antidote to the schmaltzy Hallmark films from the USA.
This bittersweet film is as cold as the Scottish weather in December. I know I have spent the Christmas period a few times up in Scotland over the years.
Bubbly Jen (Natalie Clark) has gone to a small highland town to see her long term boyfriend only to discover he is married.
Meanwhile Rob (Kenny Boyle) has proposed to his girlfriend and has been turned down. What hurt the most is being told, she doesn't love him.
Both Jen and Ron meet at the train station but heavy snow means that all trains are cancelled. Wanting to get back to Glasgow on Christmas Eve is no easy task.
Jen gets hold of a car but needs to stop at an inn because of the worsening weather. Only the residents of the inn are not in the festive mood.
This low budget film has a strong Doctor Who connection. Sylvester McCoy, Frazer Hines, Caitlin Blackwood all appear.
I found the movie tries too hard to be unsentimental and realistic. You end up not caring too much about the love story part when too many people are morose.
The character of Rob is hard to like although he thaws later on. I was more impressed with Natalie Clark as Jen.
Lost at Christmas needed a sprinkling of fairy dust to brighten it up.
This bittersweet film is as cold as the Scottish weather in December. I know I have spent the Christmas period a few times up in Scotland over the years.
Bubbly Jen (Natalie Clark) has gone to a small highland town to see her long term boyfriend only to discover he is married.
Meanwhile Rob (Kenny Boyle) has proposed to his girlfriend and has been turned down. What hurt the most is being told, she doesn't love him.
Both Jen and Ron meet at the train station but heavy snow means that all trains are cancelled. Wanting to get back to Glasgow on Christmas Eve is no easy task.
Jen gets hold of a car but needs to stop at an inn because of the worsening weather. Only the residents of the inn are not in the festive mood.
This low budget film has a strong Doctor Who connection. Sylvester McCoy, Frazer Hines, Caitlin Blackwood all appear.
I found the movie tries too hard to be unsentimental and realistic. You end up not caring too much about the love story part when too many people are morose.
The character of Rob is hard to like although he thaws later on. I was more impressed with Natalie Clark as Jen.
Lost at Christmas needed a sprinkling of fairy dust to brighten it up.
I thought it had promise.....
jnh-123-74678610 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
And then it went nowhere. Very disappointing. I read all the positive reviews giving 10/10 and began to wonder had I watched a different movie? One of the most annoying things for me was these two trekking through falling snow with coats undone, no hats (can't remember if they had gloves on) and seemingly not even breathing hard when they arrived at the inn. Having lived in a cold climate for many years this was just so nonsensical that it diverted me from a lot of the other stuff but perhaps that was a good thing. The music was so off for the season, it would want to make me slit my wrists if I had to sit through it in reality. I persevered to see how it ended hoping for at least one happy moment, but boy what a waste of time that was. As I said at the start, the premise had promise but it was wasted with poor script, poor acting and no chemistry whatsoever between the main couple. I have to add I am not a harsh critic, often giving 10/10 but sorry, no redeeming features here at all.
Not a feelgood Christmas movie
mjmmjmone7 December 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed it
patcal25 December 2021
If the dreadful Christmas Movie dross on the Great! Christmas Channels (used to be Sony) is your thing then this is not for you.
This is a beautifully crafted story enhanced by a sublime and emotional music score. It makes you wish you could be there and be with all of the various characters played excellently by the small team of actors.
The Scottish landscape is wonderfully captured.
When I read nonsense in reviews about there being no visible breaths or coats not buttoned etc. It makes me wonder do some people watch movies just to prove they are good "spotters".
I just sat back, watched the story unfold and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a beautifully crafted story enhanced by a sublime and emotional music score. It makes you wish you could be there and be with all of the various characters played excellently by the small team of actors.
The Scottish landscape is wonderfully captured.
When I read nonsense in reviews about there being no visible breaths or coats not buttoned etc. It makes me wonder do some people watch movies just to prove they are good "spotters".
I just sat back, watched the story unfold and thoroughly enjoyed it.
More Turkey than cracker.
neildanderson7 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The story starts out as an interesting tale of people thrown together, but gradually the interest fizzles out as it turns to a saccharine and obvious ending. Only the last 30 seconds saves it from complete festive cliche.
Hmmm.
bruce-wilson13 December 2020
This is a brilliant movie
sh-6397212 December 2023
This movie is what Christmas is about and my favorite Christmas film the acting is top rate by all, now for the negative part the ending I could scream at the director why did you end it that way I watch it every Christmas in the hope for a miracle and the end would change or that there would be another movie that carries the story on I can't believe some of the poor reviews are you watching the same movie as me or all those other unbelievable Christmas movies with no heart that leave you cold, the two stars have so much chemistry between them and so believable and beautiful to watch o well perhaps next Christmas.
best Christmas movie of the season
harrisondills1 January 2022
Besides some excellent acting and cinematography, the storyline and non intrusive soundtrack made this the best Christmas movie of the season for my spouse and I. I happened to catch the beginning on Christmas when heading to bed but was glad to stay up until the end. Generally, I tend to watch films once but this was an exception. I watched on Boxing Day with my spouse which was a treat. My wife being Scottish felt the cast played their parts well besides relating to the backdrop of the north of Scotland where we bide. The bittersweet aspect of the film made the production memorable and thought the pace was right for a movie filmed in the Highlands. "Local Hero" has nothing on this production and purchasing the film is well worth the cost of a DVD or a watch online.
This could have been great..
mikemikeparker30 December 2021
There are some really good things in this film. The setting is wonderful, the concept is excellent and some of the acting is very, very good.
The central idea - two jilted/betrayed lovers thrown together in a winter storm - works well, and the pub they find themselves in is a perfect melting pot for the disparate characters who are enclosed in this almost magical bubble. However, the minor characters are never developed and feel rushed, and the transformation at the end comes over as forced and implausible. Although the lead actress is excellent, the lead male is dire - at times his face is in search of an expression and his tone is totally off... he really damages the film.
The ending, for me, could also have been subtle and powerful but is spoiled by being rushed and rather sudden.
Hollywood should acquire the script and turn it into a magical, almost ethereal experience. A lost opportunity.
(Oh, and the music is brilliant).
The central idea - two jilted/betrayed lovers thrown together in a winter storm - works well, and the pub they find themselves in is a perfect melting pot for the disparate characters who are enclosed in this almost magical bubble. However, the minor characters are never developed and feel rushed, and the transformation at the end comes over as forced and implausible. Although the lead actress is excellent, the lead male is dire - at times his face is in search of an expression and his tone is totally off... he really damages the film.
The ending, for me, could also have been subtle and powerful but is spoiled by being rushed and rather sudden.
Hollywood should acquire the script and turn it into a magical, almost ethereal experience. A lost opportunity.
(Oh, and the music is brilliant).
Terrible ending
gary_sites24 December 2023
The film had plenty of potential, and it was pretty good for about 45 minutes. The ending stunk up the whole thing. I watch Christmas movies to gather a little Christmas cheer, and as an escape from the otherwise depressing world around us. This film was nothing but a depress fest.
Even though Jen did a couple of things that seemed a bit crazy, I think too many reviewers condemned her unjustly. She's the only one I really cared about. She actually did try to help others, even if he methods may have seemed crazy to some. Give her a break, people--she had a genuine Christmas spirit to share, and she tried.
Even though Jen did a couple of things that seemed a bit crazy, I think too many reviewers condemned her unjustly. She's the only one I really cared about. She actually did try to help others, even if he methods may have seemed crazy to some. Give her a break, people--she had a genuine Christmas spirit to share, and she tried.
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