Netflix’s plethora of talent are often parlayed into holiday films. “Virgin River” star Alexandra Breckenridge is the latest to join the festivities with the newly released “My Secret Santa.”
I first crushed on Breckenridge decades ago in an episode of “Dawson’s Creek.” Two years ago I reviewed her in “Christmas Around the Corner” and deemed her perfect for this sort of movie.
This 2025 Netflix original is standard in production value. Does it have the pedigree to rise above mediocracy?
Secret Santa
Taylor Jacobson (Alexandra Breckenridge) is a single mom. Taylor struggles to pay her bills and is fired from her job at a Christmas cookie factory when the movie opens. Her boss sucks. Then she gets hassled by her landlord who also sucks. Five minutes in and we really feel bad for the character.
In “Gilmore Girls” style, Taylor is super close with her teenage daughter Zoey (Madison MacIsaac). Zooey has just been accepted to an expensive snowboarding camp. Taylor can’t afford said camp, so she disguises herself as Santa Claus for a high paying gig at the luxury ski resort where the camp is being held.
A New Christmas Queen?
As stated before, Alexandra Breckenridge is a perfect lead in a cheesy Netflix Christmas film. She excels at being an independent woman who will do whatever it takes to provide for her daughter. She’s hysterical donning the Santa suit and going undercover at the resort. And she aces the cute part, which is also a must.
She’s portraying three different characters; herself as Taylor, Santa Claus, and the man that is supposedly dressing up as Santa Claus. Taylor’s backstory also includes her being the lead singer for a girl punk bad in the aughts that had a one-hit-wonder. She’s definitely a modern woman.
I’ve enjoyed “Virgin River” and recommend it as a lighthearted drama series. I hope Breckenridge returns for many more Christmas movies, as her talents in this arena are sound.
Supporting Cast
Ryan Eggold co-stars as Matthew Layne, the wealthy son of the resort’s owner. Matthew serves as a love interest for Taylor. Eggold does a fine job in the role, but I was distracted by his uncanny resemblance to Gerard Butler, having to look it up mid film to verify that it wasn’t the “300” star.
Diana Maria Riva is funny as Doralee, the love thirsty landlord. Madison MacIsaac is solid as snowboarding daughter, Zooey. If that weren’t enough, we get a second helping of “Sister, Sister” in as many weeks with Tia Mowry lending support as the antagonistic resort worker, Natasha.
Another Netflix Gem
“My Secret Santa” is a must watch for those of us who love these movies. Its original concept is funny and negates the tropes that are also included. It lands in the rotation of yearly rewatchable holiday films.
