Valerie Koo

This movie may be mostly a pile of tropes with some froth on top, but it really hit the spot for me. Between the perpetually snowy environs (switching between Christmas markets and palaces), the lush costuming, the fun action sequences, and the sweet actors holding up a pretty basic but ultimately satisfying storyline, I got everything I wanted in a holiday romance/period drama that I couldn’t get from the other Christmas Netflix specials. To echo another reviewer, the lead not only looks like Tom Holland, but has the same puppy dog eyes and demeanor that make him so endearing and easy to root for. I would argue that the heart of the film isn’t the main love line, but the Bolshevik bromance between Matvey and the gang. Who doesn’t love cheeky lads who just want to get their coin, party a little, and have some revolutionary chats? They’re just out here to have a good time and look out for each other. If you’re looking for cinematic artistry, character depth, or narrative/emotional complexity, you have come to the wrong film. But if you’re looking for some feel-good escapist fun, Silver Skates is for you!