If You Want to Watch a New Christmas Movie, Skip This 28%-Rated Prime Video Flop

Oh. What. Fun. aims to be a voice for the millions of mothers whose work remains invisible. However, instead of offering a heartfelt and funny story, it leaves viewers disappointed.

It's a clear example of how a good idea can be ruined by weak drama, ridiculous situations, and a complete lack of warmth.

What Is 'Oh. What. Fun.' About?

Claire is a mother. Every year, she single-handedly becomes the driving force behind the family Christmas celebration. She decorates the house, cooks, buys gifts, and cleans while her adult children and husband do their own thing.

On the eve of the holiday, her house fills with guests: her writer daughter, and her family; her unemployed son; and her daughter with her new boyfriend. When the family leaves for a concert using the tickets Claire bought, forgetting about her, she reaches her breaking point.

She grabs a box of cookies and leaves home on Christmas Eve, embarking on a spontaneous trip to finally find some time for herself.

'Oh. What. Fun.' Tries to Talk About How Hard It Is Being a Mom, and Fails Miserably

Director Michael Showalter had a noble goal: to shed light on the invisible emotional and physical labor of mothers. However, rather than exploring the topic, the movie merely touches on superficial complaints and escalating irritation.

While Claire lugs heavy bags, her family chats carefree in the living room. Though this scene is recognizable, it is repeated so monotonously that it evokes fatigue rather than empathy.

The script offers no development, and the "resolution" of the conflict is even more disappointing. Instead of offering sincere apologies and realizations, the children merely voice further grievances against Claire.

Ultimately, Oh. What. Fun. circles back to its starting point, as if to say, “Yes, mothers have it hard, so what?” This approach is not only unconvincing, it also negates any intended social poignancy.

Literally Not a Single Character in 'Oh. What. Fun.' Will Make You Empathize With Them

Claire's children – a narcissistic writer, a childish slacker, and a perpetually dissatisfied daughter – behave like spoiled teenagers and show no gratitude. Her husband comfortably retreats to the bedroom to watch documentaries.

Even when Claire disappears, they make no serious effort to find her or help her.

Claire, whom Michelle Pfeiffer tries to imbue with charm, is surrounded by such absurd and one-dimensional characters that her escape feels less like liberation and more like just another misfortune.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Oh. What. Fun.'?

• Oh. What. Fun. has 36% from critics and 28% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 5.3/10.

• On Letterboxd, Oh. What. Fun. scored 2.6/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Oh. What. Fun.'?

Oh. What. Fun. is available to stream on Prime Video.