User reviews

The dog gets sick, forcing Steph to deal with her family over Christmas. Except... she seems to have very little to do with the dog at all.

Instead we have a cast of diverse-for-the-sake of diversity characters, where their diversity is explicitly explained by everyone else to force people who normally wouldn't hang out together to hang out together. Oh, you're a lesbian? Come hang out with me because my boyfriend isn't talking to me. Blergh.

It's just one trope after another, with nothing original. Sure, it's another girl-returns-to-hometown-to-find-love Christmas movies, but without any of the heart you would expect to find. The whole film feels very forced, and no one seems to have enjoyed making the film.

Recommended for those brief scenes with the dog.

I suppose the first question on everyone's mind, given the title is "Does the dog die?" You'll have to watch to find out. What I can say is that Nugget (played by Reuben) steals every scene that he's in. Ed Oxenbould is as always a pleasure to watch and I find myself wanting to spend much more time with his character in this film. So nice to see Tiriel Mora in a smallish role too.

Yes, it's a Christmas film and yes it's a bit overdone, not unlike the sausages, at times but I woke up the next day wondering what this family might be up to, always a good sign I think. I'd recommend giving it a go.

I'm not sure why this was even made. What is the point of this film? It's set around Christmas but is the furthest from being a Christmas movie.

It's unclear why the main character was even in a relationship with the rich kid. There is never enough of a spark between them to even believe the main character cares about missing Christmas with her Boyfriend. This undermines the whole film off rip. Making the rest hard to even stomach.

Overly annoying cast, predictable story, unrealistic characters and character motivation... and the dog ends up dying? What about this is Christmas. Absolutely depressing movie for the holidays.

Disappointed we even spent the time to watch it. Not sure why so many channels are bothering to air this.

We've watched lots of movies about people going home for the holidays and having to deal with insufferable relatives. Well this is that on steroids. The main character's family is so over the top annoying, non-stop talking, squealing, fussing, pushy, dotty grandma. Etc. Any rational person would have moved way far away from them a long time ago.

Of course we all know from the beginning that her boyfriend with the rich overbearing Mom isn't right for her. And we quickly learned who would be right for her. But to get there is a long slog.

I'm sure she have a big show down with the fan and we'll find out that these are all fine wonderful people. But I just can't stand them. I'm turning it off.

This Australian comedy film has received a range of reviews, which highlights its unique charm and relatability compared to typical American holiday movies.

The film presents an authentic portrayal of everyday characters, depicting real people with flaws-wrinkles and emotional outbursts-rather than the polished figures often seen in American productions. This authenticity is refreshing, particularly for those weary of the predictable and overly sentimental Hallmark style. It offers a sweet narrative that stands apart from formulaic holiday fare, appealing to audiences in search of originality and offbeat character development.

The plot centres around Steph, who navigates her relationship with her wealthy boyfriend's family during the holidays, ultimately returning to her own loud and loving family. This dynamic subtly comments on class differences while capturing the chaotic yet heartwarming essence of family gatherings. While the film may not break new ground in storytelling, it effectively reflects the messiness of human life, resonating with anyone who appreciates films that depict both joy and underlying tensions during festive times.

Though it follows some familiar tropes typical of holiday movies, its quirky characterizations and humour set it apart. The cast delivers commendable performances, showcasing excellent comedic timing and relatability that contribute to a narrative filled with laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt scenes. The film possesses a quintessential Australian edge, blending sharp humour with genuine emotion, making it an enjoyable watch for families during the holiday season.

This distinctive Australian humour may not resonate with everyone, but it provides a delightful alternative to more conventional holiday films. Its heartfelt, silly, exaggerated, and at times unhinged portrayal of Aussie family life captures the spirit of an "Aussie Christmas" in a way that is both familiar and refreshingly different.

Give it a fair chance, and you will likely be glad you did.

I thought it was a nice break from the cookie cutter, formulaic, predictable hallmark style movies. It's different, I'm liking Australian productions and this Christmas in Australia film is definitely that. I like all the characters in this dysfunctional, yet loyal and loving, family. The mom and Dad are great Infact I thought the casting was spot on all the way through. Shayla and Hassan were another bright spot. The scene in the car is hilarious. And nugget, the dog, is a treasure. I guess I don't really get the 1 star ratings. Are you serious? I've seen horrible movies that deserve a 1 star rating and this is definitely not one of those. Lighten up and merry Christmas!

I can say several positive things about this movie. It is possible that people who hate the perfect couples or perfect families all over Hallmark and Lifetime will like this family. I am reminded of a TV movie about "The Partridge Family" where Danny Bonaduce's father was so happy about writing for a show called "All in the Family" where everyone hates each other. The truth is there was love there if you were patient, and that's true of this family too. When Steph first arrives, everyone is happy to see her, and there are a few scenes where they get along. And I think people looking for a nice holiday will eventually be rewarded.

But this much arguing, especially at Christmas, is hard to take. Also, even though I don't like dogs, how exactly is it funny that the dog dies? Or does it? There is a lot of deception going on. And I misunderstood some of it and thought the vet was doing something inexcusable, something that would get her in a lot of trouble. I assume Australia has ethics rules for professionals. I did at least find the vet pleasant.

I did like the pretty holiday clothes. If you hate matching pajamas ... well, it wasn't like that at all.

Okay, I did like Randy, Steph's brother. And his friend Leon, who wasn't used to holiday celebrations. He tried to put up with it all.

Steph had a cousin who usually wore brightly colored exercise wear that showed off a very fit body.

The only thing I can suggest is that you either have patience or record it and fast forward to the end.

I'm an American enjoying this Aussie film. I loved that the characters looked and acted like regular people, not the heavily manicured characters you get in most American TV. People in this movie had wrinkles, thinning hair, unflattering clothing, emotional outbursts, and said inane things regular people would say. Only one character was super thin. Even the rich mother character had obvious wrinkles. In American TV, you see very little of this- everyone gets a glow up. The plot of this movie isn't revolutionary, but it's sweet as expected for a holiday movie. It's a nice contrast to Hallmark movies.

I can only guess the poor reviews are from people who don't get Australian humor or culture.

I found this film a riot- heartfelt, silly, hilarious and unique. It reminded me a bit of a Kerrigan family Christmas, with more family tension.

Sure, it's no cinematic masterpiece, and there were some 'as if' moments, but compared to the other American 'copy and paste' daytime TV style Xmas films on offer, this was an unexpected gem.

Extra stars for Nugget, who was adorable, and the LGBTIQ nods in the storyline.

Suitable for kids 10+

And never trust anyone who turns down a slice of pavlova!

Merry Christmas.

That most American audiences don't quite get Australian humor is not surprising, but what is amazing is the fact that a major network put this on in the US in prime time. Gutsy move.

Fans of Upper Middle Bogan and A Very Moody Christmas/The Moodys (Aussie version) will enjoy this romp. Nobody does dysfunctional families quite like our Australian cousins. It's fairly formulaic, but most Christmas movies are. It is the wacky characterizations that make these shows memorable. I already mentioned A Very Moody Christmas ... this film is very similar to that series. An exuberant family guided by love despite their diverse personalities. I love the southern hemisphere Christmas aspects too ... it's full-on Summer there during Christmastime.

Nugget is Dead? Is a great Aussie Christmas movie! The beginning is a bit slow but the story picks up in the first half and delivers a fantastic second half conclusion. Overall, it's a heartwarming and funny film, with the perfect amount of lameness expected in a quintessential Christmas movie.

The acting is superb and production is quality. The cousins were my favourite characters. I love seeing more Australian movies, keep it up.

The humour is specific, so please don't expect an American Hallmark style movie. I hope this becomes a summer staple, this is a great one to put on with the family.

Endlessly funny, in a truly unhinged way at times while still managing to feeling exactly like any one of my family christmases complete with drama, frustration and heart-warming moments that remind you why you endure it all year after year.

Whilst the movie tugs at the heartstrings it still manages to balance the grim subject matter with laugh-out-loud moments that never feel forced or out of place.

The entire cast is on fire the whole way through and don't miss a beat. It's a quintessential Australian classic that blends sharp humour with genuine heart. Definitely one to watch with the family over the holiday period.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It isn't perfect, sometimes it goes a bit far, but it's a fun and unusually different film from the usual TV holiday films. I like the exotic (to me) Aussie locations and the Aussie characters. I relied on subtitles, as the fast dialogue in the Australian tongue can get rather dizzying. To my taste, it was pleasingly dumb but also kind of touching. And Nugget the dog is adorable. So what more do you want? The actress who plays the main character is sort of the straight man (or woman) to the mayhem going on around her. The woman who plays the vet is also similarly grounded. This movie may not be everyone's cup of Foster's lager, but I enjoyed it!

Made an IMBD account just to leave a review because this film deserves a better score.

It must be nice privilege to watch a film like this and not relate. I've never had a family holiday that went off without a hitch. A Christmas that doesn't involve some level of yelling and disagreement is no holiday at all.

This film was refreshing. The way the family all talk over each other with separate conversations, switching back and forth on different topics - it's something I'm extremely familiar with. It's like a soundbath of holiday fun, stressful conversation, conflicting plans, and explaining yourself over and over. It's something that raises your blood pressure, and in the end somehow you still love these people?

There was a ton of subtle humor that had me chuckling all throughout. Each character was fun and unique in their own little ways. They were also all believable and felt like real people. (I read some reviews that the actors were unattractive. To you I say, grow up.)

It's definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but I suggest it to anyone who has less than perfect Christmas visits and wants to feel seen.