Netflix's first Christmas movie of the year is here. And wait, it's actually... good.

It's officially Christmas because Netflix has released its first holiday flick of the season and, wait… it's actually quite good.

A Merry Little Ex-mas revolves around Kate (Alicia Silverstone) and Everett (Oliver Hudson), a recently divorced couple attempting to spend one last 'perfect' Christmas with their grown children before Kate sells the family home in the small town of Winterlight.

But oh no! Kate's plan for a peaceful holiday quickly unravels when Everett brings home a successful, glamorous younger girlfriend, Tess (Jameela Jamil). Not to be bested by her ex, Kate starts a flirtation with a charming cutie named Chet (Pierson Fodé).

Watch the trailer. Post continues after video.

I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed this movie. Okay, I'm not saying it's a masterpiece, but it's easy-viewing, comforting and surprisingly funny — everything a solid Chrissy film should be.

Alicia Silverstone is every bit the charming, warm and cheerful leading lady that these Netflix Christmas movies demand. She brings a soothing and familiar presence to the film that feels like watching an old friend.

Oliver Hudson is as inoffensive and vanilla as any leading man could be — aka he's perfect for this.

But the star of the film (for me, personally) was Jameela Jamil. She is so damn funny as Tess, and every scene she's in is elevated by her hilarious line delivery, wit and chaotic energy.

In lesser hands, Tess would come across as a stereotypical villain, but Jamil can't help but squeeze charisma out of every moment, making Tess much more likeable than the writers probably intended.

One conversation between Everett and Tess made me howl with laughter, a rare experience when watching one of these cheesy films.

"At least the sex was great!" Everett smugly told Tess, who replied "Well, ummm… it was getting there."

Jameela Jamil is the movie's breakout star. Image: Netflix

Between this and The Wrong Paris (another surprise Netflix slay), Pierson Fodé is shaping up to be quite the trusty Netflix staple. In this holiday flick, his comedy chops were tested playing Kate's love interest, a hilarious himbo — and it all worked. He's so much fun to watch (and also rather easy on the eyes).

Melissa Joan Hart randomly popped up as Kate's best friend, April, and look… I don't really know why she's in this movie, even if she did serve as a producer.

Sure, it's fun to imagine Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Cher Horowitz existing in the same universe, and '90s kids will get a kick out of seeing her, but she doesn't bring much energy to her role.

As a quirky side character in a Netflix Christmas movie, I expected a lot more humour, chaos and well, pizzaz. Up against some of this film's zany characters, the former teen star gets lost.

I'm not sure whether Hart was meant to be in more of this film and her scenes were cut, or what happened, but it was a little baffling to see such a recognisable actress stop by to deliver a handful of lo-fi lines with the same enthusiasm as Kate's bag of compost.

While a little inconsistent, the writing has moments of genius, and contains some fresh, zeitgeisty (several mentions of therapy speak) and modern gags rarely heard in these sorts of generic seasonal movies.

There were details like Kate having two fathers and an emphasis on sustainable living, which lifted the film to feel more contemporary.

The family dynamic is super wholesome. Image: Netflix.

The film's overall aesthetic is as festive as you could imagine, carving out a completely cozy and comforting setting that feels like being wrapped in a heated blanket that smells like gingerbread.

Is the film extremely predictable? Of course! I could guess within the first few minutes that these 'exes' at the centre were destined to rekindle by the film's end (which they drag out for an extra 20 minutes than what's needed).

Sure, there are some cheesy moments and unnecessary physical comedy in the film, but I found it all just part of the fun.

However, there were a few moments that I found a little too baffling. At one stage, Kate throws her son's heartfelt letter into a fire for no clear reason, and all I could do is laugh. Bit harsh, Kato.

The movie also spends a long time making it clear that Kate hates living in a small town and wishes she had stayed in the city to pursue her dream of being an architect, only for her to backtrack on all her hopes and dreams in the final minutes.

What starts as a modern, fresh storyline for a Christmas movie does evolve into a fairly standard cookie-cutter romance narrative.

That said, it's still a delight and in the world of Netflix, this little Christmas film is a cut above the rest.

Feature image: Netflix.