"Unexpected Christmas" is a harmless yuletide flick

As the holiday season approaches, director Michael Vaughn Hernandez collaborates with writer Cassandra Mann on the holiday film “Unexpected Christmas,” produced by 3 Diamonds Films and Eammon Films. Momma Scott (Anna Maria Horsford) wants a quiet Christmas reunion with her adult children. However, her daughter Marissa (DomiNque Perry) arrives home bitter after her recent breakup with Richard (Lil Rel Howery).

Just as the family begins to settle in, the door bursts open, revealing Richard—accompanied by Marissa’s estranged stepsister, Kerry (Regan Gomez-Preston). This unexpected revelation is enough to sour any holiday cheer. Marissa, determined to save face and preserve her holiday spirit, keeps her own surprise guest under wraps—an “unexpected visitor” with a secret that disrupts all emotional expectations.

Meanwhile, the Scotts’ son Kyle (Trell Woodberry) is also concealing a significant secret from his wife, Alicia (Cecilia Friday), and her curiosity is about to trigger more than just holiday bells. Emotional boundaries are drawn, and old wounds threaten to turn the festive atmosphere bitter.

One of the most striking aspects of this film is Lil Rel Howery’s refreshingly straightforward portrayal of Richard. He delivers strong performances alongside Perry and Preston, making it easy to understand why both women are drawn to him. Both actresses excel in their more dramatic scenes.

“Unexpected Christmas” also features strong performances from its supporting cast. The always radiant Anna Maria Horsford as Momma Scott reminds viewers of their own mothers, while Ricco Ross serves as the calm, no-nonsense anchor amid the chaos.

Tabitha Brown, portraying a semi-fictionalized version of herself as the no-nonsense Aunt Debbie, makes a welcome return to the screen, delivering comic relief with her sharp one-liners as if she has been doing this for years. Terrence Terrell once again proves himself to be a talent ready to take center stage.

What makes “Unexpected Christmas” effective is its authenticity. It captures the essence of family life —filled with joy, humor, and lingering grudges —and Cassandra Mann allows the characters to develop naturally, creating a blend of comedy and drama that rarely feels forced. It’s a harmless holiday film that lives up to its title, offering unexpected twists.

Final Grade: B+

“Unexpected Christmas” is now in theaters.