The holiday season gets an extra splash of festive chaos with A Merry Little Ex‑Mas, a rom-com tailored for viewers looking for laughter, family tensions and Christmas magic. This film is directed by Steve Carr, written by Holly Hester and produced under the imprint of Hartbreak Films. It sets its streaming debut on Netflix for November 12, 2025.
Release Date
Mark your calendar for November 12, 2025. That’s when A Merry Little Ex-Mas premieres globally on Netflix. With its November release, it positions itself ahead of the full holiday rush. It is perfect for viewers wanting a festive movie early.
Cast & Characters
This film boasts a cast that blends nostalgia and fresh comedic energy:
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Alicia Silverstone plays Kate, a recently divorced mother determined to give her family one last perfect Christmas before moving on.
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Oliver Hudson stars as Everett, Kate’s ex-husband, who complicates her plans by bringing his younger, successful new girlfriend into the mix.
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Jameela Jamil, Pierson Fodé and Melissa Joan Hart round out the key ensemble, lending supporting roles that amplify the romantic and comedic stakes.
What to Expect
The movie opens with Kate’s plan: one final Christmas in the family home before she sells it and starts fresh. But when Everett shows up with a younger, confident new partner, the holiday picture-perfect façade quickly unravels. With real snow-filled Canadian exteriors as a backdrop, the film blends warm feelings with laughter. It has awkward moments and the kind of holiday mess that ultimately unites rather than divides. Director Steve Carr notes that Kate’s journey involves realising that sometimes the life you think you’re meant to leave behind is the one you’re meant to embrace.
Why It Stands Out
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The release timing is smart: dropping in early November allows it to lead into the holiday streaming wave rather than just being lost in December’s crowd.
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The cast brings together actors with holiday comedy chops and generational appeal. This is something that adds dimension beyond the typical rom-com formula.
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The production setting shot in Toronto for real winter conditions. It gives the film an atmospheric authenticity often missing from manufactured holiday backdrops.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a holiday film that balances heart and humour and features relatable mid-life, family and relationship themes, A Merry Little Ex-Mas is poised to deliver. With its release on November 12, 2025 on Netflix, the cast you’ll recognise and the holiday stakes you’ll empathise with, it’s one to add to your seasonal watch-list.
