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Christmas Inheritance
Christmas Inheritance
Christmas Inheritance
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Christmas Inheritance
Film poster
Directed byErnie Barbarash
Written byDinah Eng
Produced byDavid Anselmo
Starring
CinematographyPeter Benison
Edited byGordon McClellan
Music byTerry Frewer
Production
company
Distributed byNetflix
Release date
  • December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15)
Running time
104 minutes
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish

Christmas Inheritance is a 2017 Canadian Christmas comedy-drama film directed by Ernie Barbarash and written by Dinah Eng. The film stars Eliza Taylor, Jake Lacy and Andie MacDowell.

The film features Ellen as a spoiled New York City heiress sent to a small New England town with limited resources to test if she's ready to take over her father's company. When circumstances strand her, her experiences with the townspeople gives her a new perspective on life and her privilege, while also leading to romance with the local inn manager.

The film was released on Netflix on December 15, 2017.[1]

Plot

[edit]

Manhattan business executive Jim Langford wants to retire but fears his daughter Ellen is ill-prepared to take over as CEO. He and his former business partner Zeke yearly exchange Christmas letters in-person in Snow Falls, their New England hometown where their business started.

As a test, Ellen is sent to Snow Falls to hand-deliver this year's letter to "Uncle Zeke" within a box containing them all. Hoping she learn something from the small town lifestyle and wanting her to rely on herself rather than the family wealth and influential name, Jim gives Ellen $100 in cash, instructing her to travel incognito.

In Snow Falls, Ellen befriends Jake, manager of the Snow Falls Guest House inn. Told Zeke has just left for his cabin, Ellen books a room to await him and dines with Jake at his Aunt Debbie's local diner.

With no word from Zeke the next day, Ellen's fiancé Gray tells her to leave the letters and return. Ellen refuses, wanting to fulfill her father's request. Without money to stay another night, she works as a housekeeper for Jake.

When she fails, Ellen pretends to be a baker. Sent to help in Debbie's diner, she is recognized as Langford's daughter. After Ellen explains why she is there incognito, Debbie promises to tell no one and teaches her to bake.

A snowstorm causes road closures and power outages in Snow Falls. Jake shelters many at the inn, so an inspired Ellen offers shelter to homeless Baxter, someone she ignored earlier, then offers her bed to a woman with two children.

Ellen discovers Jake is an artist while helping clean the inn. He explains he lived in NYC and was engaged to a stockbroker who left him for a client, so he returned to Snow Falls. "Silent Night" was playing when she broke up with him, so Jake is triggered by it.

Ellen explains she became a shallow and self-focused teenager upon her mother's death, living for sheer enjoyment. She remarks Jake is teaching her other things are important. They nearly kiss but Ellen stops. Jake later apologizes, saying he has not felt he could trust anyone new like her for ages.

The next day Ellen convinces local businesses to donate items for the charity auction Jake is running. Gray arrives to take Ellen on their Christmas vacation. When she tells him about discusses her experiences in town, he says she does not belong here. Still unable to find Zeke, Ellen reads the letters in the box and is touched. Running into Jake at a bar, Gray reveals Ellen's identity, making him feel betrayed.

The next day, Gray pressures Ellen to leave, so she relents. She asks Jake to give the box of letters to Zeke, but he refuses. Revealing he knows her identity, he remarks she is another dishonest person from NYC. After Ellen leaves, Jake listens to "Silent Night."

On the drive back to NYC, Ellen realizes she left her father's most recent letter at the inn so wants to go back. Gray refuses, dismissing the letters and her father's Christmas tradition as stupid. He then suggests Jake will give the letter back as he knows how important her family is.

Realizing Gray is who revealed her identity to Jake, Ellen chews him out, insisting traveling incognito was necessary for her to learn from the people of Snow Falls. When he says nothing can be learned from "hicks," she gives back her engagement ring and returns to Snow Falls via bus.

At the community Christmas Eve celebration, Ellen finds Jake and apologizes, explaining she has left Gray and has a better perspective on life due to him and everyone in Snow Falls. Dressed as Santa, Zeke reads Jim's letter to everyone in the crowd. It explains Jim sent his daughter incognito to learn the value of tradition, friendship, and love, as she will now be the new CEO.

Zeke was aware of the plan and deliberately kept his distance so Ellen could see the town for herself without anyone's influence. Jim appears as well, to congratulate Ellen on her new position and perspective.

Jim reunites with Debbie, his high school girlfriend. She then sings "Silent Night" as Jake asks Ellen to dance.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

The film began shooting in North Bay, Ontario on March 24, 2017, and wrapped principal production there on April 8, 2017.[2]

Toronto based makeup artist Alessondra Bastianoni worked as key makeup artist with fellow makeup artist Kim Bean as her first assistant.[3]

Reception

[edit]

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 50% based on 6 reviews, and an average rating of 6.2/10.[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Christmas Inheritance

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Christmas Inheritance is a American Christmas film directed by Ernie Barbarash. The plot centers on Ellen Langford, a spoiled socialite and heiress to her father's company, who is tasked by her father with delivering a special in person to his former business partner in the small town of Snow Falls, , while traveling incognito with limited resources to test her readiness to take over the family business. During her journey, Ellen experiences a snowstorm that strands her, leading her to work at the local inn and form connections with the townspeople, ultimately learning the values of hard work, community, and genuine relationships. The film stars as Ellen Langford, alongside as the inn's manager and love interest Jake Collins, with supporting roles played by as Ellen's stepmother Debbie Collins and as her father, Jim Langford. Produced by Breakthrough Entertainment and distributed by , it was released on December 15, 2017, and quickly became one of the streaming service's popular holiday titles. Critically, Christmas Inheritance received mixed reviews, holding a 43% approval rating on based on seven reviews, with critics noting its formulaic Hallmark-style narrative but praising its heartwarming themes of redemption and holiday spirit. On , it has an average user rating of 5.7 out of 10 from over 14,000 votes, reflecting its appeal as light, feel-good entertainment for the season. The movie emphasizes traditional motifs, including snowy small-town settings, festive decorations, and messages about family legacy and personal growth, making it a staple in Netflix's annual holiday lineup.

Synopsis

Plot

Ellen Langford, a spoiled and heiress to her father Jim's multimillion-dollar gift company Home & Hearth Gifts in , becomes embroiled in a public scandal when she accidentally topples a during a charity gala fundraiser, an incident captured in a that embarrasses the . To prove her maturity and readiness to assume the role of CEO upon her father's retirement, Jim challenges Ellen to deliver a handwritten letter to his estranged former business partner and co-founder, Zeke, in the small town of Snow Falls; however, she must travel incognito with only $100 in cash, no credit cards or identification, and by bus, without revealing her true identity or family connection. Ellen embarks on her bus journey from New York but encounters a severe snowstorm that strands her midway. She arrives in Snow Falls and checks into the local inn managed by Jake Collins, a kind-hearted and innkeeper. Strapped for funds after her limited money runs low, Ellen secures an undercover job as a housekeeper at the inn, where she also helps at the diner run by Jake's aunt, Debbie, learning the basics of baking traditional cookies and contributing to the local economy while keeping her background hidden. During her time there, she bonds with the community by volunteering to help organize the annual fete, which faces challenges, and participates in town activities like sheltering stranded travelers during the ongoing storm, fostering her personal growth. As Ellen integrates into Snow Falls life, a romance blossoms between her and Jake, highlighted by moments such as an ice-skating outing on the frozen lake where they share a near-kiss and deepen their connection amid the holiday festivities. Her New York fiancé, Gray, unexpectedly arrives in town searching for her, disapproving of the rustic surroundings and pressuring her to return, but Ellen rejects him after realizing his superficiality contrasts with the genuine relationships she's formed. Tensions rise when her true identity is revealed to the townsfolk through Gray's with Jake, leading to a rift. The contents of the Christmas letter, finally read aloud by Zeke dressed as Santa Claus during the Christmas Eve town event, disclose the history of Jim and Zeke's past partnership in building the company from humble beginnings in Snow Falls, their falling out due to business disagreements, and Jim's annual tradition of sending the letter as a of reconciliation and enduring , prompting Zeke to forgive past grievances and confirm Ellen's readiness as CEO. The town fete proceeds successfully thanks to Ellen's efforts—including a silent she orchestrates—Ellen faces a pivotal decision about her future, ultimately embracing the lessons of and she's learned, securing her inheritance and beginning a relationship with Jake.

Themes

Christmas Inheritance explores several core themes central to its narrative, emphasizing the value of and hard work over inherited . The film portrays the protagonist's journey as one where privilege gives way to personal effort, highlighting how genuine achievement stems from diligence rather than entitlement. This message is reinforced through the contrast between urban superficiality and small-town authenticity, where the fast-paced, materialistic city life is depicted as hollow compared to the sincere, community-oriented values of a rural setting. Additionally, redemption emerges as a key theme, achieved through active involvement in community activities that foster and personal renewal. The restorative power of , such as gift-giving and family reconciliation, serves as a backdrop for these transformations, underscoring how rituals can mend fractured relationships and inspire moral growth. Recurring motifs in the film symbolize these broader ideas, with the fictional town of Snow Falls representing an idyllic haven of holiday purity and simplicity. This setting evokes the essence of unspoiled Christmas spirit, free from commercial excess. The Christmas letter functions as a pivotal motif, acting as a catalyst for themes of inheritance and forgiveness by linking past legacies to present-day accountability. Romantic love is woven in as a pathway to self-discovery, illustrating how interpersonal bonds in a communal environment lead to deeper introspection and change. Furthermore, the story critiques corporate greed within the family gift business, using it to question the ethics of commodifying holiday joy and advocating for heartfelt generosity instead. A unique concept in Christmas Inheritance is the protagonist Ellen's profound transformation from a spoiled heiress to an individual who cherishes genuine human connections, mirroring archetypal redemption tales where characters rediscover their values through adversity and festivity. This arc draws parallels to stories like those in ' works, but adapts them to a modern context of business inheritance and personal ethics. Through her experiences, the film posits that true inheritance lies not in material assets, but in the wisdom gained from humility and communal ties.

Cast and Characters

Principal Cast

The principal cast of Christmas Inheritance features in the lead role of Ellen Langford, a privileged New York socialite and heiress to her family's gift company who embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a small town. Known for her starring role as in the series The 100, transitioned to this holiday film, marking one of her early leading roles in feature-length romantic comedies following her television success. Jake Lacy portrays Jake Collins, the affable and resourceful mail carrier in the quaint town of Snow Falls, serving as Ellen's guide and budding romantic interest amid her challenges. Lacy, recognized from supporting roles in films like The Office and Girls, brings charm to the character's grounded, small-town perspective that contrasts with Ellen's urban background. Andie MacDowell plays Debbie Collins, Jake's warm-hearted mother and the proprietor of the local inn, offering familial wisdom and hospitality that influences the story's themes of community and redemption. A veteran actress with credits in films such as Groundhog Day and Four Weddings and a Funeral, MacDowell provides emotional depth to the maternal figure central to the film's interpersonal dynamics. Neil Crone embodies Jim Langford, Ellen's stern and tradition-bound father who owns the family business and sets the conditions for her inheritance, embodying the generational expectations driving the narrative. , a Canadian known for voice work in like PAW Patrol and live-action roles in , delivers the authoritative presence of the patriarch. The cast was assembled in for the film's production, with completed that year ahead of its December release on .

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast of Christmas Inheritance features several Canadian performers who help populate the quaint, snow-covered town of Snow Falls, enhancing the film's holiday ambiance through their portrayals of local residents and visitors. Michael Xavier plays Gray Pittman, Ellen Langford's self-absorbed New York fiancé, whose urbane demeanor and materialistic attitude contrast sharply with the small-town values, underscoring themes of personal growth and authenticity. Anthony Sherwood portrays Uncle Zeke, a warm and wise family elder who provides guidance to the , reinforcing familial ties and support within the . Lori Hallier appears as Alice, a friendly local who interacts with the main characters to illustrate everyday small-town hospitality. Mag Ruffman embodies Kathy Martin, contributing to scenes that depict neighborly interactions and the collaborative spirit of preparations. Bill Lake serves as Captain Williams, a jovial ferry operator whose affable presence adds a touch of whimsical cheer to the film's transportation sequences, evoking a Santa-like figure amid the winter travel challenges. Additional ensemble members, including Martin Roach as Sheriff Paul Greenleaf and John Tench as Baxter, along with various town extras, collectively bring the festive atmosphere of Snow Falls to life through depictions of communal events, caroling, and winter festivities, drawing on the film's Canadian production roots with many actors hailing from regional theater and television.

Production

Development

"Christmas Inheritance" was developed as an original romantic comedy-drama for , with principal creative work commencing in late 2016. The was written by Dinah Eng, who crafted a story centered on an heiress facing challenges to inherit her family's business, incorporating elements of holiday redemption and family reconciliation. The project drew on established tropes of seasonal self-discovery, positioning it within Netflix's expanding slate of holiday-themed originals. Ernie Barbarash was selected as director. Producers David Anselmo, Jonathan Shore, and Jim Sotos oversaw the pre-production, collaborating through production companies Hideaway Pictures, (MPCA), and Breakthrough Entertainment. The film received the greenlight in early 2017, aligning with Netflix's push into original seasonal content, exemplified by "." During scripting revisions, emphasis was placed on the dynamics of family-run enterprises and small-town values to enhance the redemption arc, ensuring the resonated with audiences seeking uplifting tales. This phase involved refining the challenge at the story's core to balance romance and personal growth. wrapped ahead of , setting the stage for filming in Canadian locations.

Filming

Principal photography for Christmas Inheritance commenced on March 24, 2017, in North Bay, Ontario, Canada, and wrapped on April 8, 2017, with the bulk of the shoot occurring over approximately 16 days in that location to capture the small-town essence of the fictional Snow Falls, New Hampshire. Additional filming took place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, where local landmarks like the Grand Victorian Inn served as key backdrops for interior and exterior scenes, while Toronto locations provided the urban contrast for the New York City sequences. Despite the late spring timing, production teams incorporated artificial holiday decorations throughout the Ontario sites to evoke a festive Christmas environment. The film's cinematography was led by Peter Benison, who utilized a mix of practical effects and to depict winter conditions, including effects essential to the plot's storm sequences. For ground-level simulation during the non-winter shoot, the applied as a for fresh snowfall in shots, addressing the challenges of replicating a New England holiday backdrop in temperate weather. Post-shoot editing was overseen by Gordon McClellan, ensuring a tight schedule aligned with Netflix's streamlined original content pipeline. The production's efficiency was further supported by 's refundable film and television , which offers up to 21.5% on qualifying labor expenditures and has drawn numerous international streaming projects to the province. North Bay's vibrant downtown architecture, in particular, enhanced the film's authentic small-town aesthetic without extensive set builds.

Release

Distribution

Christmas Inheritance premiered exclusively on on December 15, 2017, as an original streaming production with no theatrical release. The film was distributed worldwide through Netflix's platform, granting the service exclusive streaming rights across its global network. Produced in collaboration with entities like MPCA to facilitate international production and reach, it became available simultaneously in over 190 countries, aligning with Netflix's expansive service footprint at the time. As part of Netflix's 2017 holiday programming slate, which included titles like , the film contributed to the platform's seasonal content push targeting family audiences during the period. To support its global accessibility, provided dubbed audio tracks in languages such as German, French, Italian, and Spanish (), alongside English, as well as in English, Spanish, French, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and others, enabling broader international viewership. Following its initial streaming window, Christmas Inheritance was released on DVD and Blu-ray in select international markets, such as in 2020, through distributors like Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, with no official physical release .

Marketing and Promotion

Netflix's campaign for Christmas Inheritance centered on building holiday anticipation through digital trailers and engagement, positioning the film as a cozy romance within its 2017 slate of original content. The official trailer, released on , 2017—just two days before the film's —highlighted romantic tension and festive small-town imagery, such as snowy landscapes and heartfelt family moments, to appeal to viewers seeking lighthearted seasonal entertainment. Key promotional efforts included the trailer's distribution on , where it has accumulated over 1.27 million views, driving pre-release buzz among romance and holiday audiences. Netflix amplified this via , posting the trailer on its Netflix Family page with captions emphasizing the story's themes of self-discovery and love in a winter setting, encouraging shares and comments to foster community interaction. Additional promotion involved cast and crew spotlights in media features, such as Entertainment Weekly's in-depth Q&A exploring the film's production and character arcs, which helped generate editorial coverage ahead of launch. Netflix also leveraged its algorithm-driven personalization to recommend the film to subscribers with histories of watching similar holiday romances, using and content-based models to tailor homepage placements and notifications for targeted viewer segments. This approach integrated the promotion seamlessly with the platform's broader holiday programming push, including announcements of multiple Christmas originals in November 2017 to capitalize on seasonal viewing trends.

Reception

Critical Response

Christmas Inheritance received mixed reviews from critics, with a 43% approval rating on based on seven reviews, indicating a general consensus of mediocrity in the holiday romance . Critics praised the performances of leads and , noting their charm as a highlight in an otherwise familiar story; for instance, Decider commended Lacy for elevating the film and preventing it from becoming entirely forgettable. The movie's feel-good holiday vibe and effective depiction of small-town aesthetics, including snowy settings, were also appreciated for capturing a cozy seasonal atmosphere. However, common criticisms focused on the film's predictable plot and reliance on formulaic romance tropes, with underdeveloped supporting characters failing to add depth. awarded it 2 out of 5 stars, faulting the lack of originality in its narrative about personal growth and romance. Refinery29 acknowledged its unapologetic clichés but suggested it adheres too closely to conventions without innovation. Retrospective reviews since 2017 have often highlighted its appeal as a Hallmark-style offering, suitable for light viewing despite the formulaic elements.

Audience Response

The film Christmas Inheritance received a mixed response, with viewers appreciating its cozy atmosphere while often criticizing its formulaic storytelling. On , it holds an audience score of 40% based on over 250 verified ratings, reflecting a divide between those who found it charming and others who deemed it unoriginal. Similarly, IMDb users rated it 5.7 out of 10 from approximately 14,000 votes, indicating moderate appeal among casual viewers. Many audience members praised the movie for capturing the warmth and spirit of , describing it as a feel-good, option ideal for seasonal viewing. Reviewers frequently highlighted Eliza Taylor's performance as the , noting her ability to convey personal growth and vulnerability, alongside the film's picturesque small-town setting and festive visuals that evoke nostalgia. For instance, one user called it "sappy and snowy and predictable, but still a cozy romantic movie to watch during the holidays," emphasizing its escapist charm despite flaws. On , positive feedback often centered on the heartwarming themes of redemption and , with comments like "Heartwarming and perfect for getting into !" underscoring its role in holiday traditions. Criticisms from audiences largely focused on the screenplay's predictability and reliance on clichés, common to the Netflix holiday romance genre. Viewers pointed out underdeveloped supporting characters and a lack of romantic chemistry between the leads, with some finding the plot contrived, such as the protagonist's abrupt transformation after a single trip. An IMDb review captured this sentiment: "The resolution is what you probably will expect it to be. But the lack of chemistry between two leads is lacking to say the least." Rotten Tomatoes users echoed these views, labeling it "predictable, cheesy and boring" with a "plot that doesn't make sense," though some acknowledged its harmless entertainment value for light viewing. Despite these detractors, the film has maintained a niche following among fans of low-stakes Christmas fare, often rewatched for its comforting predictability during the holiday season.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7608534/
  2. https://www.netflix.com/title/80177441
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/christmas_inheritance
  4. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/christmas-inheritance
  5. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/12/185509/christmas-inheritance-review-netflix
  6. https://lylesmoviefiles.com/2017/12/19/christmas-inheritance-review/
  7. https://www.justjaredjr.com/2017/12/14/the-100s-eliza-taylor-stars-in-netflixs-new-christmas-movie-christmas-inheritance/
  8. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/christmas_inheritance/cast-and-crew
  9. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7608534/fullcredits/
  10. https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/features/christmas-inheritance-is-another-sobaditsgood-netflix-film-to-watch-this-season/news-story/f65bc8e81f9e93eb41995ee50dcb2113
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7608534/locations/
  12. https://www.themoviebuff.net/2021/12/review-christmas-inheritance-fun-film-for-december-rotation/
  13. https://www.ontariocreates.ca/uploads/Film_Commission/ENG/Production_in_Ontario-Yearly_Listings/Production-in-Ontario-2017_en.pdf
  14. https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/another-movie-being-shot-in-north-bay-is-looking-for-extras-566358
  15. https://www.niagarathisweek.com/things-to-do/notl-b-b-takes-starring-role-in-netflix-christmas-movie/article_eb5e9876-7a9a-5ec8-9ef1-cdc923eeb107.html
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7608534/fullcredits
  17. https://letterboxd.com/film/christmas-inheritance/
  18. https://www.ontariocreates.ca/tax-incentives/ofttc
  19. https://northernontario.travel/north-bay/top-10-christmas-movie-hot-spots-north-bay
  20. https://mpcafilm.com/christmas-inheritance/
  21. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/netflix-original-christmas-movies
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7608534/companycredits/
  23. https://www.blu-ray.com/Christmas-Inheritance/861961/
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4STcvndzbE
  25. https://www.facebook.com/NetflixFamily/videos/christmas-inheritance-trailer-netflix/382419645530366/
  26. https://ew.com/movies/2017/12/20/christmas-inheritance-netflix-movie/
  27. https://gibsonbiddle.medium.com/a-brief-history-of-netflix-personalization-1f2debf010a1
  28. https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/coming-soon/christmas-movies-coming-to-netflix-2017/
  29. https://decider.com/2017/12/15/christmas-inheritance-netflix-review/
  30. https://filmswithjosh.com/2024/08/03/review-christmas-inheritance/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7608534/reviews
  32. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/christmas_inheritance/reviews?type=user
  33. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/christmas-inheritance/user-reviews/adult
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