Netflix is turning up the thermostat with The Merry Gentlemen, a Christmas rom-com that trades traditional holiday tropes for something a bit spicier. Think Magic Mike meets mistletoe, and you’re getting warm.
The story revolves around Ashley (Britt Robertson), a former big-city dancer determined to rescue her family’s struggling small-town performing arts venue, the Rhythm Room. Her solution? An all-male Christmas revue that’s sure to pack the house. Among her recruits is Luke (Chad Michael Murray), a contractor with hidden talents and undeniable chemistry with Ashley.
Robertson, known for Big Sky and Girlboss, leads the charge, while Murray, a heartthrob since his One Tree Hill days, takes on a role that challenges his comfort zone.
The supporting cast includes Marla Sokoloff, who also penned the script, alongside familiar faces like Beth Broderick (Sabrina the Teenaged Witch), Michael Gross (Family Ties), and Maxwell Caufield (Grease 2).
But the real sizzle comes from the dance numbers. Murray, admitting initial trepidation, embraced the challenge, undergoing extensive rehearsals to master the choreography. The shared experience fostered camaraderie among the male cast, creating an electric energy that translates on screen. Robertson herself couldn’t resist peeking in on rehearsals, particularly drawn to a Western-themed number.
The Merry Gentlemen is sure to a festive feast for the eyes, arriving on Netflix on November 20th. Will Ashley save the Rhythm Room? Will sparks fly between her and Luke? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain: this isn’t your grandma’s Christmas movie.
