UPDATE: The highly anticipated holiday film, Oh. What. Fun., featuring Michelle Pfeiffer, has just premiered on Amazon. This film spotlights the often-overlooked role of mothers during the holiday season, raising important questions about family dynamics and appreciation.
The plot centers around Claire Clauster (played by Pfeiffer), a Houston homemaker who embodies the spirit of Christmas. As she navigates the chaos of her family, Claire’s frustrations culminate in a pivotal moment when she asks, “Where are the holiday movies about moms?” This statement resonates, highlighting that many classic holiday films focus on male characters while sidelining the hard work of women.
Critics are already weighing in on the film’s execution. While it attempts to celebrate mothers like Claire, who tirelessly prepares for the festive season, the movie has received mixed reviews for its formulaic approach and lack of depth. Michael Showalter directs this dramedy, which has been described as a blend of “unearned saccharinity” and “unacknowledged sourness.”
Viewers will find Claire juggling the demands of her three adult children: Channing (Felicity Jones), Taylor (Chloë Grace Moretz), and Sammy (Dominic Sessa), while also managing her marriage to the blissfully unaware Denis Leary. The film’s narrative unfolds as Claire sacrifices her own desires for the sake of a perfect family Christmas, ultimately leading her to a breaking point when her family ditches her for a concert.
Despite its star-studded cast, including Eva Longoria as a daytime host and Jason Schwartzman in a supporting role, critics argue that the film fails to develop its characters beyond superficial traits. This lack of depth raises questions about the authenticity of familial relationships portrayed in the movie.
The film tackles the immense pressure placed on mothers to create a magical holiday experience, echoing the sentiments of many viewers who identify with Claire’s struggles. However, it risks crossing over from relatable to overwhelming, as the script often highlights grievances without offering any reward for Claire’s sacrifices.
As the plot progresses, audiences are left questioning whether Claire’s family truly values her efforts or if they are simply taking her for granted. This theme resonates particularly during the holiday season, a time often filled with expectations and familial obligations.
As the film reaches its conclusion, it offers a predictable resolution filled with apologies and reconciliations, leaving viewers wondering if the journey was truly worth the destination. While critics have described the film as visually appealing, likening it to a last-minute gift that looks good but lacks substance, there remains an underlying hope that it will spark conversations about the roles of mothers in holiday narratives.
With Oh. What. Fun. now available for streaming, audiences are encouraged to engage with its themes and share their thoughts on social media. The film not only aims to entertain but also to provoke reflection on the often-unacknowledged labor of mothers during the festive season.
Stay tuned for more updates as the film garners viewer reactions and discussions unfold across various platforms.