When the Mothers Get Their Due: Amazon's "Oh. What. Fun."
- Dec 10, 2025
Ever noticed how the holiday-hero spotlight always seems to shine on the blokes? Amazon's latest festive flick, "Oh. What. Fun." cheekily titled and led by Michelle Pfeiffer as the exasperated Claire Clauster, finally asks the burning question: what about the super-moms who've been shouldering the brunt of Christmas chaos all along?
While our Christmas movie darlings are filled with motherly figures lovingly scattered about, the spotlight rarely swings their way. Reality, however, reminds us that holiday magic often springs from the invisible labours of many women who notably carry the yuletide tugboat.
Pfeiffer, playing a dedicated Houston homemaker with a sociable yet oblivious spouse (Denis Leary), certainly fits the super-mom trope. Her mission? Hosting an impeccable Christmas for her unique brood of adult children, that includes the hard-driven Channing (Felicity Jones), whimsical Taylor (Chloë Grace Moretz), and the lackadaisical Sammy (Dominic Sessa) – and all their peculiar tastes in festive treats.
The star-studded ensemble also boasts Jason Schwartzman, Joan Chen, and a wink from Eva Longoria as Zazzy, Claire's daytime idol, whose Holiday Mom contest Claire's keen to win. The cast, combined with the movie set's welcoming ambiance, blesses the film with a glamorous allure.
However, the movie's Achilles heel is its uninspired script, providing the talented cast with barely a character dimension to explore. Pfeiffer delivers commendable depth as Claire, but the movie's attempt to make her the embodiment of "Everymom" sacrifices her character's complexity.

Their familial bonding lacks the usual quirks and inside jokes that make movie families relatable. When over-baked tensions blow up during a dinner, it's astonishing to realize these characters actually feel anything for each other.
Claire's long list of complaints, though, strikes a familiar chord, indicating a broader social issue around Mama Claus' seldom-acknowledged responsibilities. This can generate a communal sense of fellow-feeling among weary parents, but the nag-list eventually ends up being more disheartening than justifiable.
Surprisingly, the film's storytelling falls short in delineating the rewarding moments justifying Claire's continual sacrifices. Also, the film's take on Christmas magic feels assumed rather than established. Does anyone in the family (including the sparkly-eyed youngest members) genuinely appreciate Claire's relentless pursuit of holiday perfection?
While the movie could have delved into broader discussions around nuclear families and imposed holiday traditions, it shies away from those intricacies. The end is as foreseeable as Santa's yearly visit: a family reunion smothered in grateful sentiments, promising they’ve crossed over to a realm filled with more joy, love, and appreciation.
As a tribute to all hardworking moms, "Oh. What. Fun." feels more last-minute than a thoughtfully picked, heartwarming gift. It’s like the fancy candles you grabbed at the store while running late: aesthetically pleasing, but ultimately, disappointingly ordinary.