"Christmas as Usual" is one of the most frustrating holiday movies I've ever sat through. While it’s marketed as a light-hearted family comedy, it quickly devolves into a display of outdated, racist stereotypes and unbearable family dynamics that left me feeling anything but festive.
The central family is portrayed as insufferably obnoxious, with every interaction dripping in passive-aggressive behavior and outright hostility. The supposed comedic moments often hinge on cruel or demeaning comments that left a bitter taste in my mouth. Worse still, the blatant racism toward Jashan, the fiancé, was shockingly brazen for a modern film. It’s infuriating to see the family’s xenophobia and cultural ignorance played off as "quirky" or "relatable." Poor Jashan deserved so much better than the selfish, inconsiderate fiancé and her family.
The movie fails to provide any meaningful redemption arc for the characters. Instead, it leans into tired clichés and reinforces harmful stereotypes. If this is meant to represent a typical Norwegian Christmas, I refuse to believe it reflects the kindness and warmth many associate with Norwegian culture.
Ultimately, "Christmas as Usual" left me feeling angry and disappointed. If you're looking for a feel-good holiday movie, skip this one. It’s neither heartwarming nor funny — just an infuriating mess of a film.