Unpacking Prime Video’s Surprise Feminist Christmas Movie: Oh. What. Fun.

This article doesn’t carry the weight of breaking news. You won’t find it scrolling across CNN’s ticker tape. Yet, for those of us in the Womaniverse—especially middle-aged mothers—it’s monumental. The release of Prime Video’s Christmas movie, Oh. What. Fun., is a cultural shift that deserves our attention. It prompts conversations similar to those sparked by historic events like the fall of the Berlin Wall or humanity’s first steps on the Moon.

The Unexpected Narrative

When my family decided to stream Oh. What. Fun. last weekend, we entered with the usual expectations that accompany holiday films: charming European princesses navigating life incognito in New York, heartwarming stories about family, or the typical rom-com featuring a grieving widower and a spirited businesswoman. What unfolded, however, was a revelation—an audacious piece of feminist storytelling that’s anything but conventional.

A Stark Opening Scene

The film opens with an uncharacteristically unsettling moment featuring Michelle Pfeiffer. Standing at a Texas petrol station on Christmas Eve, she delivers a startling message to a car full of misbehaving children: “Make sure you’re nice to your mother! Because, one day, she’s going to be… DEAD!” This provocative introduction sets the tone for a movie that boldly critiques conventional holiday narratives.

Challenging Traditional Christmas Tropes

In a striking monologue, Pfeiffer lambasts classic Christmas films, claiming they perpetuate a male-centric view of the holiday experience. “What about the woman at home who’s been taking care of the kids, cooking and cleaning? Eighty-nine seconds of screen time!” she argues. This critique serves as a rallying cry for mothers everywhere, insisting that the unsung heroes of the holidays—mothers—deserve their own narratives.

The Mother’s Journey

Pfeiffer’s character, though a traditional mom, mirrors the exhaustion many women feel during the holiday season. As she attempts to orchestrate a perfect Christmas filled with family traditions and gifts, her family’s ingratitude leads her to a breaking point. In a bold twist, she checks into a motel and effectively goes on strike. This act of defiance sets off a chain of realizations within her family, highlighting the emotional labor that mothers invest in the holiday season.

Feminist Undertones

Oh. What. Fun. transforms into a commentary on the emotional load women bear during Christmas. While it maintains the whimsical charm expected of holiday fare, it also serves up a visceral critique of middle-aged womanhood—a display of raw emotions that resonates deeply with many viewers. The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the genuine struggles mothers face, from picking the right gifts to maintaining family traditions.

Who Wrote This Masterpiece?

Curiously, the script was penned by Chandler Baker, a middle-aged woman from Texas. That explains the film’s authentic insight into the complexities of motherhood. It resonates as a documentary of sorts, showcasing real-life struggles that many women experience every holiday season.

The Backlash from Critics

Despite its unexpected feminist narrative, Oh. What. Fun. has faced harsh criticism, boasting a mere 36% on Rotten Tomatoes. Many reviewers—predominantly male—argue that the film “wastes” Pfeiffer’s talents. Their perceptions seem rooted in nostalgia, longing for her return to roles like Catwoman, rather than appreciating her portrayal of a weary mother tackling her family’s holiday needs.

The Experience of Viewing

For those who truly want to grasp the film’s essence, the recommended viewing companion is a middle-aged woman. Watching it with your wife or mother will lead to rich discussions about the holiday season. My family and I paused the movie multiple times to reflect on our previously flawed perceptions of Christmas, ultimately leading my children to draft a plan for a more collaborative Christmas this year.

Unexpected Outcomes

The narrative’s impact was immediate and heartfelt. My kids felt moved to apologize for Christmas pasts, recognizing their roles in the family dynamic. By the time the story reached its credits, they were ready to contribute meaningfully to our future holiday plans, demonstrating the film’s power to ignite change and foster empathy.

Prime Video’s Oh. What. Fun. serves as a potent reminder of the complexities of motherhood, particularly during the holidays. It’s an unexpected addition to the Christmas movie canon that deserves a spotlight in our ongoing conversations about gender roles and family dynamics.