Review

Movie Review: A Kismet Christmas
Subtitle: "When Fate, Family, and Holiday Chaos Collide in the Most Predictable (But Totally Enjoyable) Way!"

A Kismet Christmas is Hallmark’s feel-good holiday romp that combines everything we love about Christmas with just a sprinkle of fate, a pinch of romance, and a very questionable number of misunderstandings. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Christmas movie was basically just about two people being "meant to be"—and maybe an old love letter or two—this is the movie for you.

The plot follows Kismet (yes, her name is Kismet—because of fate), played by Sarah Ramos who is clearly so charming that it makes the name “Kismet” sound like the most magical name ever, as she returns to her hometown after many years. Why? To reconnect with her family, find her Christmas spirit again, and—naturally—deal with her unresolved feelings for him. Yes, "him" is the charming yet brooding ex, played by Carlo Marks, who, surprise, surprise, is also back in town for the holidays.

So, what happens when fate brings these two back together? Oh, just the usual Hallmark scenario: awkward meetings, reminiscing about "the good old days," and way too many accidental hand brushes. They may not want to admit it, but we all know they’re meant to be together, thanks to the power of fate... and the fact that this is a Hallmark movie, and they can’t not end up together. But the real fun is watching them pretend not to fall back in love while working on the town's Christmas festival and dealing with the usual small-town charm, cookie-baking disasters, and over-the-top Christmas decorations.

The humor in this movie comes from Kismet’s constant attempts to control her feelings and the general chaos that is her life—because, you know, fate always has a way of messing with her plans. Whether she’s reluctantly co-chairing a Christmas committee, attempting to bake the world's least successful gingerbread house, or being told by every well-meaning relative that she’s “so good together” with her ex—her life is an exercise in charmingly awkward moments. And let’s not forget about the inevitable “will they or won’t they?” tension, where every glance is loaded with more emotional baggage than her carry-on suitcase at the airport.

And then there’s the town, which is pure Hallmark perfection. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone’s business (especially when it comes to love lives), Christmas lights are strategically placed, and the town square looks like it was pulled straight out of a holiday postcard. Kismet’s family is all about holiday traditions, from over-the-top decorations to feasts that somehow only end in minor family squabbles, and there’s always that one relative who’s way too invested in Kismet’s love life. Of course, Kismet’s ex has his own perfectly timed family moments to push her toward some life decisions. (Because when has a family holiday ever gone smoothly?)

The romance here is pure Hallmark magic—slow, a little awkward, and then completely inevitable as the movie leads to the standard “kiss under the Christmas tree” finale. The best part? You absolutely know it’s coming, but you still squeal like it’s the first time you’ve ever seen two characters fall in love. They bicker, they fight their feelings, and they pretend not to notice the absolutely stunning chemistry between them—until the mistletoe works its magic, of course.

In the end, A Kismet Christmas is everything you want in a holiday movie: warm, predictable, full of awkward but sweet moments, and, of course, a dash of Christmas miracle magic. So grab your blanket, some cocoa, and a box of tissues (because, let’s face it, you’ll cry at the happy ending), and prepare for a rom-com Christmas extravaganza that’s both totally cheesy and so utterly charming you’ll be singing along to Christmas carols by the end.

If you’re looking for a movie about fate, family, and the ultimate second chance romance (with way too many adorable Christmas decorations), then this movie will give you exactly what you need. 🎄💫❤️