Emilia Clarkeas KateThe story
About Last Christmas
A young Londoner drifting between failed auditions and friends' sofas works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop, still unsettled a year after a serious illness. A gentle stranger who keeps turning up nudges her to slow down, look up and help others, and as she volunteers at a homeless shelter and mends things with her family, she slowly works out why he is so hard to pin down.
The CineClaus verdict
A soft, drizzly London romcom with the George Michael songbook stitched through it, and more sincere than its reputation suggests. Emilia Clarke gives a messy lead real charm and Henry Golding is easy company, though the Brexit subplot sits awkwardly and the late turn everyone talks about will either land or earn a groan.
Critics were cool on it. British audiences made it a box-office hit anyway. Made for Wham! fans who are happy to cry at a slightly silly film.
The family desk
Can the kids watch?
Our take: rated 12A in the UK, and while there is no real peril, a hostile scene on a bus, a hospital backstory and a heavy late reveal suit twelve and up better than little ones.
Content advice & accessibility
- Our age guidance
- Editorial, separate from the official 12A certificate, and never looser than it.
