“Ex-Mas”: A Rom-Com That Misses the Mark – A critical Look
“Ex-Mas,” the latest Netflix offering, attempts to blend holiday cheer with the familiar tropes of the romantic comedy genre.However, despite a promising premise and a cast with recognizable faces, the film ultimately falls short of delivering a satisfying experience. Let’s delve into why this festive offering feels more like a lump of coal than a sparkling gem.
A Familiar Premise, Flawed Execution
The story centers around Dawn, a driven art student who once had a whirlwind romance with Trey during a Christmas break. Years later, Trey unexpectedly re-enters her life, offering to fund her education – but with strings attached. This setup immediately evokes comparisons to classic rom-coms,but “Ex-Mas” struggles to recapture the magic of its predecessors.
several key areas contribute to this disappointment:
* Technical Deficiencies: The film suffers from noticeable editing issues, frequently enough cutting off dialog mid-sentence. Moreover, the camera work feels amateurish, resembling iPhone Portrait Mode with its overly front-focused framing and occasional warping.
* Lack of Chemistry: Crucially, the connection between Dawn and Trey feels forced and unconvincing. Despite attempts at playful banter and physical proximity, the spark simply isn’t there.
* Character Archetypes: The supporting cast leans heavily into well-worn tropes - the princess,the muscle-bound rival,the awkward intellectual. While these archetypes can be effective, they feel underdeveloped and lack nuance hear.
Cosgrove’s Strengths Misused
Jennette mccurdy, known for her work on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly,” is a talented performer. Though,”Ex-Mas” misuses her strengths. She excels at physical comedy – think slapstick moments like falling into a pool or indulging in a wing-eating contest. Unluckily, the script demands more genuine romantic vulnerability, wich doesn’t quite land.
You’ll notice a disconnect between her comedic timing and the attempts at heartfelt emotion. This leaves the central relationship feeling hollow.
A Troubling Narrative Shift
Beyond the technical and performance issues, the film’s narrative arc raises concerns. Dawn initially presents as a fiercely independent young woman with a clear artistic vision. Yet, the story ultimately frames her decision to prioritize a relationship with Trey - and his financial support – over her dreams as a positive outcome.
This shift feels especially problematic in the current cultural climate. It subtly reinforces the idea that a woman’s worth is tied to her romantic partner and that sacrificing ambition for love is a desirable outcome.
Consider these points:
* Regression of Independence: The film seems to suggest that Dawn’s initial independence was somehow incomplete or misguided.
* Financial Dependence: Trey’s wealth becomes a central plot point, implying that financial security is a prerequisite for happiness.
* Cultural implications: This narrative resonates with a broader societal trend toward more conservative values, which may feel disheartening to some viewers.
The verdict: Skip This One
Ultimately, “Ex-Mas” fails to deliver on its promise. While it may offer a fleeting dose of holiday escapism, its technical flaws, lack of chemistry, and troubling narrative choices make it a disappointing addition to the rom-com canon. If you’re seeking a truly feel-good holiday movie,your time is better spent exploring other options.
You deserve a rom-com that inspires and uplifts, not one that leaves you questioning its underlying message.
