Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding in 'Last Christmas'. Photo: Universal Pictures
With Christmas rapidly in our sights comes Paul Feig’s cheery, sweetly conceived Last Christmas, a production saturated in sentimentality.
Emilia Clarke, one of the shining lights in Game of Thrones, has put her dragons aside to embrace a holiday story that will resonate with many people looking for an uplifting slice of candyfloss cinema.
The narrative is set in London with the build-up to Christmas and focuses on a dysfunctional young woman Katerina (Clarke) trying desperately to find her place in the world.
Emilia Clarke in ‘Last Christmas’. Photo: Universal Pictures
She has recovered fully from a heart transplant, and is engaged as an “elf” who works in a shop selling year-round Christmas gimmicks.
She is a massive George Michael fan and the music of the late star dominates the film’s soundtrack. One of the songs provides the film’s title.
The numbers are a spot-on accompaniment for the turmoil in Katerina’s life.
She’s a 26-year-old aspiring singer who enjoys binge-drinking, one-night stands, self-pity and displays a boorish behaviour that has left her estranged from her sister.
Henry Golding and Emilia Clarke in ‘Last Christmas’. Photo: Universal Pictures
She is also in danger of losing her day job, and is a persona non grata with most of her friends.
She needs to become a better, more responsible person and her life changes when she encounters Henry Golding’s mysterious Tom Webster.
He’s a dashing and infectiously upbeat individual with a penchant for breaking into brief dances routines as if he’s hearing a Gene Kelly musical in his head.
Last Christmas manages to rise above your average romantic comedy, serving up a resounding story.
Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding in ‘Last Christmas’. Photo: Universal Pictures
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Cast: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson
Director: Paul Feig
Classification: 13 LP
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