Netflix’s ‘A Castle for Christmas’ is so good it cured my seasonal depression

First, I want to thank Outlander and my Ancestry.com DNA results for my obsession with all things Scottish. Secondly, I’d like to thank The Princess Bride for my decades-long love of Cary Elwes. If you, too, love these things, well—you’re in luck. Because Netflix‘s A Castle for Christmas has them both in abundance.

It also has the stunning Brooke Shields, a Vivienne Westwood tartan gown, and some of the best romance tropes in existence. Basically, I grinned like the Cheshire Cat from start to finish—it’s great.

What’s A Castle for Christmas about?

The movie centers around the famous author, Sophie Brown (Brooke Shields), who travels to Scotland hoping to buy a small castle full of family history. Unfortunately for her, the curmudgeonly owner of said castle, Myles, the Duke of Dunbar (Cary Elwes), is reluctant to sell it at all, let alone to a random American woman who just had a tiny little mental breakdown on national television.

As the two cement a deal and try to compromise over the course of a few months together (enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity are my two favorite tropes, just saying), sparks begin to fly as a result. The sweet supporting cast of Scottish villagers and knitting club (yes, a knitting club) will make you want to pack your bags and move to Dunbar without a second thought.

Is A Castle for Christmas cheesy at times? Yes, without question. But isn’t that what we love about holiday romances? It’s also funny, full of gorgeous views and backdrops, and Elwes and Shields are so good together you’ll ship them immediately.

Netflix holiday romance vs. Hallmark

While Hallmark Christmas movies are great and all (we all get sucked into them this time of year), but here’s what Netflix has that Hallmark doesn’t: a basically unlimited budget. And sex. While this PG movie doesn’t show any actual sex, it is most certainly implied and the sexual tension between the leads is *chef’s kiss.*

Also, can we get a round of applause going in the chat over the fact that Netflix decided to feature a romance between two people in their late 50s? It’s like, yes, hello, people over the age of 25 do, in fact, still enjoy romance and sex. Normalize romantic comedies featuring couples of all ages and stages of life, please and thanks!

Join in on the #ACastleForChristmas watch party

I’m not the only one loving A Castle for Christmas—people are abuzz on social media singing its praises.

Cary Elwes still Has It, and should be in 267 more RomComs. #ACastleForChristmas

— Rachel Hawkins/Erin Sterling (@LadyHawkins) November 28, 2021

Well, that was DELIGHTFUL. Not that there was much doubt, but this solidified that I will never not pine for Cary Elwes. #ACastleForChristmas

— Tessa Dare (@TessaDare) November 28, 2021

A Christmas movie starring Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes with a thick Scottish brogue, and a castle? Yes please. #ACastleForChristmas

— 🎅🏿Imani Gandy Cane🎅🏿 (@AngryBlackLady) November 26, 2021

LOVE to see a kiss/Implied Banging at the hour mark!! WE’RE ALL ADULTS HERE IN THE CASTLE! #ACastleForChristmas

— Rachel Hawkins/Erin Sterling (@LadyHawkins) November 28, 2021

So to recap, Sophie winds up with: a library, hot chocolate, inspiration for her new novel, a sexy Duke, and a castle? Way to raise the bar on aspirational content! #ACastleForChristmas

— Abby McDonald (@abbymcdonald) November 28, 2021

I LOVE THAT THIS MOVIE STARS SUPER AWESOME PEOPLE WHO ARE GROWN UPS.

MORE 40+ protagonists, please!#ACastleForChristmas

— Ally Carter (@OfficiallyAlly) November 28, 2021

Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes are perfect together and still have just as much charm and sex appeal as they ever did. Scotland is gorgeous. The castle is a dream. Oh, and did I mention there’s a scene that involves riding white horses in the snow?

You’re welcome. Now go brew a cup of tea and watch this movie.

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