‘Last Christmas’ sure to be unexpected classic

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‘Last Christmas’ delivers an powerful message with surprising twist while avoiding the sterotypical “Hallmark movie” stereotypes.

“Last Christmas, I gave you my heart

But the very next day you gave it away

This year, to save me from tears

I’ll give it to someone special”

It’s safe to say these lyrics, written by the famous Wham! singer George Michael were given an entirely new meaning in the film “Last Christmas” that premiered in theaters on Nov. 8. 

A tribute to George Michael, the film showcased many of his hit songs beyond the wildly popular Christmas tune the film was named after. An adaption of the song “Last Christmas” by Wham!, the film was nothing short of stunning.

Starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, audiences expected a light-hearted holiday romantic comedy, like “Love Actually” or something you’d see on the Hallmark channel. However, without any spoilers, the movie had a purpose to entertain beyond the stereotypical rom-com format. With a shocking twist at the end, audiences are reminded of what the holidays are truly about: love.

In the film, 26-year-old Kate (Clarke), an aspiring singer, works as an elf-saleswoman at a Christmas shop. Being rejected at nearly every audition and struggling to find places to spend the night, Kate is down on her luck, until Tom (Golding) comes around. Tom shows Kate that the world isn’t that bad afterall, always encouraging her to “look up” and see what she’s been missing in her beautiful town. 

With a little bit of guidance from Tom, Kate starts to find herself again. No longer miserable and lonely, Kate is content with her life. She only wishes she could spend more time with Tom, but he’s constantly disappearing on her. Distressed about Tom’s whereabouts, Kate comes to a realization that is shocking to audiences.

A true Christmas tale, this film offers more than a heart-warming love story. Kate begins helping out at the homeless shelter and using her voice to bring in money for donations. Reuniting with the family she had been avoiding for quite some time, Kate finds complacency with her dysfunctional life. Accepting the obstacles she has faced, Kate is finally happy again.

Talking about what Christmas is all about, the film features people giving to those in need, spending time with family, and learning to love.

Tom gave Kate his heart in the most unexpected way possible in this beautiful and heart-warming film that will go down in the books as a Christmas classic.