"A Christmas Prince" We Never Knew We Needed

By Spencer Coile

It’s time to get into the Christmas spirit, readers! With a recent push from Netflix for prestige filmmaking – in 2017 we received Mudbound, and First They Killed My Father, among many less heralded offerings – everyone’s favorite streaming site is now getting festive with their new original film, A Christmas Prince. At first glance, it may seem like a sweet and predictable little RomCom, but within a week, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone on the interwebs not talking about it. 

Why has this sugary, Hallmark-esque film received this hailstorm of attention? Perhaps it is because, in a bit of marketing genius to generate buzz about the film, Netflix tweeted this: 

To the 53 people who've watched A Christmas Prince every day for the past 18 days: Who hurt you?

— Netflix US (@netflix) December 11, 2017

Could this constant viewing possibly mean that A Christmas Prince is actually... good? No, A Christmas Prince is not "good." However, it truly is an experience I recommend...

Rose McIver plays Amber Moore, an ambitious journalist who is sent to the fictional country of Aldovia to write a cover story on Prince Richard (Ben Lamb). He is a notorious playboy, gracing the cover of tabloids across the world. It is Amber's job to get the latest scoop on Richard and his potential abdication of the crown. Is he really the philanderer people make him out to be or, perhaps, a misunderstood public figure with a heart of gold? Along the way, there are mistaken identities, spiteful cousins, and more tobogganing than I care to admit.

If this sounds familiar, it should. A Christmas Prince uses tropes from more competent and revered films: Beauty and the Beast, Sound of Music, even The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. So what made it a cultural phenomenon so quickly?  

For one, it is not a well-made movie. This is immediately made evident by the opening credit scene -- where we see the streets of New York City glossed over with CGI snow. This makes sense, because the film does open in New York. However, if you take a closer look, you will notice that it is not just NYC that is represented here, but Chicago as well.

Once we are introduced to Amber, we are provided with a whole film's worth of exposition. We learn that though she is a quality journalist who only wants to write stories of substance, she is not yet respected by her bosses. We meet her friends who are quick to remind Amber (and us) that she is better than any investigative reporter that they know. We learn that her mother died when she was young and that she is close with her father (who sports a strange accent). We learn that she is a klutz, thus setting her apart from other journalists. And this is all in the first ten minutes! Others have even gone so far as to log their entire experience watching this feel-good gem with a disturbing amount of detail. 

What makes A Christmas Prince a worthwhile treat is neither attention to detail nor character development, but merely enjoyability. It never takes itself too seriously, and because of this, neither should we. If anything, its storytelling gives it the same appeal as "so bad it's good" films. For instance, how are we supposed to believe that Amber is a serious journalist when she writes notes like this: 

A friend of mine recently organized a "Watch A Christmas Prince Together" viewing party. And even though many of us were in different parts of the country, we still tuned in at the same time and laughed about this Netflix film over a group chat. The first time Prince Richard is referred to as "his Royal Hotness," we all quoted that in caps to one another in unison. That is how A Christmas Prince will be experienced best: with a group of friends, enjoying just how silly it all is. You could even turn it into a drinking game; make an event out of watching it and join the fun. 

And if this glowing review doesn't convince you, look no further than the countless tweets about it.  

I made #AChristmasPrince drinking game pic.twitter.com/TOib0aqWxf

— A Christmas Prince #1 Fan (@JennaGuillaume) December 19, 2017

— Katherine #TeamSourCream Locke (@Bibliogato) November 21, 2017

— mystic order of pamplemousse rose la+croix (@meaganrosae) December 16, 2017

Now if you'll excuse me -- I have to go watch A Christmas Prince for the 19th day in a row. 

Comments

[Pedro]

I am a sucker for Hallmark Christmas movies. :). Low budget, completely predictable but enjoyable.

[wil]

enjoyed your thots on this piece :)

[beyaccount]

safe and white

[lylee]

Loved this. I don't watch these movies, but know a great many smart, sophisticated, highly professional women who do. They are pure escapism, which many need right now.

It is also true they are very, very white.

[Jaragon]

This looks like a fun