'Christmas at the Castle' Review: Scottish backdrop and refreshing plot make for a romantic Lifetime holiday film
Spoilers for 'Christmas at the Castle'
Lifetime's 'Christmas at the Castle' takes a unique twist to other regurgitated holiday romance plots and delivers a warm fuzzy binge watch for the holidays. The movie follows Blaire Henderson played by the stunning Brooke Burfitt who makes her way to Scotland to find the formula of a rare fragrance called The Heart of the Highlands. When she gets there, she's met with the license owner of the perfume, the handsome and charming aristocrat Alistair McGregor played by 'Good Witch' actor Dan Jeannotte. McGregor doesn't agree to sell the perfume to Henderson who then ends up posing as a documentary filmmaker in order to learn the secret formula of the fragrance.
As holiday romances go, the more the duo spend time in each other's company, there is definitely undeniable chemistry between them. Without giving too much away, Henderson didn't plan on her heart being softened by the stubborn owner of The Heart of the Highlands. What she didn't bank on though is how taking up McGregor's offer to stay at his family home would end up in a whirlwind romance she wasn't expecting.
The movie is absolutely stunning in its scenery as it was filmed in Scotland, and while the twist at the end of the movie makes for a joyous watch, this holiday film definitely makes the good list this year. From the wardrobe of kilts, and a ceilidh (a traditional Scottish social gathering) to the castle and reindeer, you'll find yourself drawn to the Henderson's adventures in Scotland. Not to mention, as we had earlier reported actress Burfitt revealed that the fictional home of the Earl of Glenmorie (Dan Jeannotte) was filmed on the set of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, at Glamis Castle which is the first for Christmas movies. Mostly, we'd say that the storyline even with its predictable romantic moments, still stands out as it doesn't regurgitate many holiday movies that showcase the heroine or hero going back to their small hometown and falling in love. 'Christmas at the Castle' comedy is also another thing that was incredibly refreshing to watch.
Burfitt who's an English actress of British and New Zealand descent speaks with an American accent while Jeannotte who is Canadian sports an English accent. This of course wouldn't be Jeannotte's first time sporting an accent, as he also had a French accent in Hallmark's 'Paris, Wine, and Romance'. With the backdrop of Scotland's winter, Burfitt and McGregor deliver their roles with romantic excellence and portray their journey with each other in all its holiday romance glory. Lifetime, like Hallmark, is known for their annual delivery of romantic holiday films, and with this one, we think they hit the jackpot. As far as Christmas movies go, 'Christmas at the Castle' is definitely a film that can be called upon for warm cozy hot chocolate nights with the family during the holidays. It will also desperately make you want to visit Scotland if you haven't been.
Catch 'Christmas at the Castle' on Wednesday, December 23, at 8/7c on Lifetime. You can watch a sneak peek of the film below: