It’s a festive season of romance; Mistletoe kisses, love arcs, family drama while the fire burns in the fireplace. Now broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, Boxing Day takes some of the festive buzzwords we know and love from movies like Love and leaves them refreshed. Written, directed and starring Aml Amin, I May Destroy You, Boxing Day is a delightful British Christmas comedy.
British writer Melvin (screenwriter/director Aml Amin) was finally a smash hit;
Her latest book is out, and she lives in Los Angeles with the Love of her life, Lisa (Aja Naomi King). When Lisa actually finds out that she is pregnant, she decides to keep it to herself, knowing that Melvin is not a big fan of children. However, he accepts when he proposes to her very romanticly (even if he throws up a few moments in it). The two travel to London for Christmas to promote Melvin’s new book and see their extended family. Melvin leaves London after his parents’ dramatic breakup, and when he gets on a plane, he leaves his last girlfriend, singer Georgia (Lee-Ann Pinocchio), heartbroken. Melvin now faces the family and Love he left behind, trying to juggle two lives.
Meanwhile, Lisa also puts off her dream job for Melvin without his knowledge. Hiding job and pregnancy secrets, Lisa does her best to meet the Melvins and manages to charm most of them – even Georgia at first. With unresolved feelings between Georgia and Melvin and a lot for everyone, it’s only a matter of time before the truth emerges. I hope this doesn’t complicate Boxing Day celebrations!
Tamara Lawrence is a total thief in scenes:
Melvin Aretha’s outspoken and happy sister is also known as “Boobsy”. Whether she’s Georgia’s assistant/girlfriend, confusing her brother’s pot, or breaking the tension when it gets hot at home, Lawrence gives her a unique glow on screen every time. Every great rom-com needs a solid, goofy role as best friend or sister. And Lawrence fills those shoes perfectly and more.
Boxing Day is like a hug in a movie; From the unabashedly spicy opening line to the perfect rum-com ending, I was thrilled. It’s hard to resist such a charming cast, predictable story, such a beautiful setting. Al Amin, who played three roles as a screenwriter, director and star, kept him out of the park. His script was heavily based on familiar rhythms and bold tendencies. It worked! The love story (and later the love triangle) at the centre of everything works. The related family story adds a beautiful dimension to it all, even if it feels a little unnecessary. (When Melvin’s younger brother and cousin get involved is a bit off track. But provides a funny respite in the more difficult moments of the film.)
The whole thing is a very lively affair, sincere and infectious at its core. Comparisons of Love are unavoidable. Especially given the situation in London and the use of replica cards in romantic gestures, but Boxing Day does work. It may be a little mundane, but it’s genuinely heartfelt, downright hilarious at times. And full of all those moments when holiday novels turn into magical gifts they keep on giving over and over again.
Boxing Day is an absolute delight, a worthy addition to the festive canon rum, armed with memorable characters and genuine laughs.