“Unexpected Christmas” came out in November of this year, just in time for the holidays. It quickly became a warm and joyful film that many families enjoyed together. I appreciated, in particular, the much-needed break it gave watchers from the usual overdone holiday films that feel the same.
Led by Tabitha Brown and Lil Rel Howery, it offers a more honest and refreshing look at family and faith. Brown brings her calm, loving presence, while Howery brings her natural and humorous personality — together, they create a warm atmosphere for any audience.
For decades, holiday movies have portrayed a narrow version of the “American Christmas”. Way too often, they’re showing snowy cities, suburban dysfunction, and the same type of family problems. “Unexpected Christmas” stands out by using a black cast and separates itself from the usual trauma, stereotypes, or ‘cultural lessons’ that come with diverse casts.
There are still some classical holiday movie elements. We see a family with strained relationships and bottled-up emotions that come to the surface during the holidays; however, rather than relying on exaggerated plot twists or over-the-top conflicts, this movie distinguishes itself through its genuine character development. It keeps things simple and real.
Tabitha Brown’s role brings in emotional depth, while Lil Rel Howery’s adds humor that feels natural — his jokes make the movie fun without undermining its message. The supporting actors, such as Anna Maria Horsford and Reagan Gomez-Preston, also do an excellent job. They make the family feel lived-in and real, like people we might know in our own lives, which drives the plot.
Visually, the film favors cozy, intimate settings over exaggerated holiday aesthetics, and it works. Warm lighting, close-up shots, and simple decorations help the audience focus on the characters.
One of the movie’s main themes is faith. We see how believing in something bigger than yourself really can help heal family relationships and bring families closer together.
Interestingly, the film does not use black identity and racial storytelling as a narrative device. It rather positions black family life at the center of a universal holiday narrative that can resonate with any audience.
For those seeking an immediate, high-stakes climax, this movie is not for you. It unravels the emotional “aha” moments slower than other movies might. You have to get to know the characters and watch them talk, live, and argue before everything comes together.
Suspense builds gradually, which makes the final moments feel more meaningful. Suspense lovers will probably appreciate the slow payoff. Nevertheless, the movie stays engaging throughout thanks to the genuine performances. The actors bring so much honesty to this film that it makes it almost impossible to look away.
“Unexpected Christmas” does not intend to rewrite the holiday genre, but it is a heartfelt addition. It offers representation, a faith-based story, and emotional reprieve at a time of year that often prioritizes aesthetics over genuine storytelling. Even though the story does take a slower pace, rest assured that the cast never makes it feel boring.
Jacie Schonert 
Danielle Carlisi