Name: A Castle for Christmas
Genre: Comedy, Adventure
Released: 2021-11-26T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes, Lee Ross, Andi Osho, Tina Gray

The first shot of A Castle for Christmas lingers on Brooke Shields’ Sophie Brown, a bestselling author in a Scottish pub, her face half-lit by the flickering firelight, as she deflects questions about her scandalous book with practiced charm. It’s a promising opening, but the film quickly stumbles into well-trodden Christmas romance tropes.

Director Mary Lambert aims for cozy escapism, and there are moments of warmth. Shields and Cary Elwes, as the grumpy Duke Myles Dunbar, share an undeniable chemistry that elevates the material. Their scenes together—particularly a tense yet playful negotiation over the castle’s sale—are the film’s highlights. Shields, in particular, brings a wry humor and vulnerability to Sophie, making her relatable despite the outlandish premise.

The Scottish setting is undeniably picturesque, with the castle standing in for the fictional Dun Dunbar. The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the landscape, from misty glens to quaint villages. However, the film’s attempt at authenticity falters with stereotypical accents and a plot that relies heavily on predictable romantic comedy beats.

The supporting cast, including Andi Osho as Maisie and Lee Ross as Thomas, provide solid support but are often sidelined by the film’s focus on Shields and Elwes. The knitting club subplot adds a touch of local color but feels underdeveloped.

Where the film truly stumbles is in its pacing and structure. The first act drags as it sets up Sophie’s backstory and her initial encounters with Myles. The middle act picks up, with some charming scenes of Sophie bonding with the locals and attempting to renovate the castle. However, the third act rushes through the resolution, wrapping up the romantic and plot threads in a way that feels unsatisfyingly neat.

The film’s attempts at humor often fall flat, relying on clichés like the grumpy duke softening due to the heroine’s charm. The dialogue can be cringe-inducing, particularly when attempting Scottish accents or references to local customs.

Ultimately, A Castle for Christmas is a forgettable entry in the holiday romance genre.