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A divisive Christmas film that viewers either love or hate has made its way to Netflix, sparking a split in opinions. The festive season brings with it a host of beloved films that become part of many households’ yearly viewing rituals, with Love Actually, Elf, The Holiday, Home Alone, Die Hard and How the Grinch Stole Christmas regularly topping people’s lists.
The Family Stone, a 2005 release now available on Netflix, features an impressive ensemble cast including Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson and others.
Mulroney portrays Everett Stone, who introduces his conservative and somewhat stiff girlfriend Meredith Morton (played by Parker) to his family over the Christmas break. He hopes to secure his grandmother’s ring from matriarch Keaton to propose to Meredith.
Upon their arrival at the family home, the Stones’ immediate disapproval and disdain for Meredith is evident, with McAdams being particularly unwelcoming. Meredith’s reserved demeanour, coupled with her anxiety, results in many awkward and uncomfortable encounters.
Adding to the drama is a budding romance when Meredith’s sister, portrayed by Claire Danes, enters the picture, and there’s undeniable chemistry between her and Everett. In a similar vein, Luke Wilson plays Everett’s easy-going younger brother Ben, who manages to coax a gentler side out of Meredith, leading to both Morton sisters ending up with a Stone brother.
Diane Keaton’s character comes across as prickly, a trait that could be linked to her terminal cancer diagnosis, casting a shadow over what she anticipates will be her final family Christmas.
However, these dynamics have not sat well with some viewers.
One Reddit user posted: “This movie is absolutely insane. It has the bones of what should be a run of the mill, Christmas rom-com, with a great cast but it misses the mark so hard that I might be concussed from watching it. What the hell did I just watch?”
They further questioned, “why is everyone so mean to SJP?” and wondered why her character is so “f***ing weird “, and “why does everyone like Claire Danes?”
The comments section was abuzz with responses. One viewer declared: “The Family Stone is one of the worst Christmas films of all time, and it’s truly shocking how committed it is to its horribleness.”
Another concurred: “Thank you! I’ve always hated this movie, but so many people I know say it’s one of their favourite Christmas films.”
A third shared: “I actually hated the entire family except for Luke Wilson. They were insufferable snobs. SJP’s character was fine. Just nervous around the family and no wonder!”
Another viewer confessed: “I broke up with a girl over this movie. Granted, it wasn’t a long relationship, just like 3-4 dates, but no 5th that’s for sure.”
Having both watched it “independently”, he “hated” it while she believed it “was one of the greatest films she’d ever seen”.
However, the film has its devoted admirers. One fan mused: “Dynamics are important and I think this movie does it so well that people become uncomfortable. Because that family feels like a real one and when I watch it, I am possessed by SJP’s anxiety and urge for her to be accepted so the loveliness of the family, for me the viewer, can continue… The Family Stone is great.”
Another enthusiast said: “This is one of my favourite movies of all time, not just Christmas! What’s not to love? SJP typical uptight yuppy, over-achieving oldest son, dutiful oldest daughter, free spirit freak flag son and then there’s Amy. The drama and comedy is excellent! I think I’ll watch it tonight, thanks!”
A third viewer said: “I watch this movie every Christmas. It has a great big Buick sized plot hole (the SJP/Danes conundrum you mentioned) and yet, that epilogue gets me every time. I absolutely adore how Rachel McAdams and Luke Wilson get along.”
Another fan revealed: “It’s the best. Watch three times a season.”
And another noted: “It’s our all time family favourite Christmas movie. High cringe transitioning to family love. This year’s viewing will have a heightened sense of loss. RIP Diane Keaton.”
