Review: “A Cape Cod Christmas” (2021)

Fancy banner done in a navy ground. On either side, Hollywood red curtains tied back with pearl-white cords. In the center of the banner are four gold-navy-&-red art deco-styled brackets framing out the words “Books by Alicia Presents” (in gold), an art deco element beneath, then “Christmas Romance Reviews” (in pearl white).

Basic banner of navy ground and very light gold art-deco brackets in the upper left and bottom right corners. In bolded pearl white, a movie title is written. This one says, “A Cape Cod Christmas.” Beneath it, in gold, is the date (2021) the movie came out sandwiched between two gold art deco elements.

~ Where Family Traditions and First Love

Get a Second Chance ~

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Katie Leclerc as “Margot Bradford”
Brent Bailey as “Christian Williams”
Cindy Lentol as “Meredith”
Octavia Chavez-Richmond as “Jacklyn”
Paula Plum as “Judith”

Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Platform: Tubi

Date: May 10, 2025

Classic Cinema Scale: Fancy banner with a thick gold border. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Classic Cinema Scale.” Beneath it, three film reels—the top in gold, middle in silver, bottom in bronze. Each has words done in navy. For the gold reel, “Golden Age Worthy: Exceptional performances, chemistry, and production that capture the magic of classic Hollywood.” For the silver, “Matinee Material: Good entertainment with solid elements, though not quite reaching classic status.” And the bronze, “B-Movie Blues: Missing the mark despite potential.”

Matinee Material — Your basic Christmas romance with New England charm

Tissue Box Scale: Fancy banner with a thick gold border. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Tissue Box Scale.” Beneath it, a column of tissue boxes, all in red, gold, and navy—the top is a single box, middle is two, bottom is three. Each has words done in navy. For the single box, “One Box: Keep a tissue handy, but your makeup is safe.” For the duo, “Two Boxes: You’ll definitely need those tissues, but you’ll still be presentable after.” And the trio, “Three Boxes: “Is pepperoni okay?” territory — don’t even bother with mascara!”

One Box — Some sentimental moments that’ll bring tears to your eyes

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When a Christmas movie opens with a folk-artsy soundtrack that doesn’t quite capture Cape Cod’s essence, you approach with cautious optimism.

However, as an authoress myself (under various pen names), I was intrigued by the premise of a fellow writer fighting to save her family’s holiday traditions.

Gold-framed banner with Art Deco brackets in top corners. The banner reads: “Reality Check: Primarily filmed in and around Falmouth, Massachusetts, with scenes also shot in Woods Hole. The production utilized several Falmouth locations including Main Street, Falmouth Village, and Eight Cousins Bookstore, plus a historical waterfront home in Cataumet, according to the ‘Cape Cod Times.’”

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “The Chemistry Test” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

Katie Leclerc and Brent Bailey manage decent chemistry, though some performances veer into overdone territory.

The real standout? Young Christian, who never speaks but conveys his role through perfect expressions and impeccable timing.

Sometimes the best acting requires no words at all.

Gold-framed banner with Art Deco quote marks in top left and bottom right corners, done in red with navy shadows. The banner reads: “ 'We, the family, are what makes this house a home’ — Margot perfectly captures the heart of this story about preserving what truly matters.”

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “Behind the Scenes” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

The Cape Cod-style mansion nestled in the woods provides a stunning backdrop, and watching Margot and Christian decorate it for Christmas offers visual treats.

The classic approach to holiday décor, particularly the collection of family Santas displayed on the mantle, creates authentic warmth.

Gold-framed banner with Art Deco brackets in top corners. The banner reads: “Décor Pro Tip: Display inherited items like family Santas in places of honor – your mantle is perfect. Decorating tells YOUR story, and heirlooms deserve the spotlight. Get creative: turn inherited shot glasses into candle holders or mini planters for holly and pinecones!”

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Most wardrobes remain unremarkable, though Margot’s green cropped mock-neck sweater with white pearls, paired with dark-blue jeans and a rust-colored coat, creates a nice look despite one glaring trend issue.

Gold-framed banner with Art Deco brackets in top corners. The banner reads: “Fashion Pro Tip: Jean-leggings (or ‘jeggings’) represent fashion laziness on steroids. As someone who asks WWEHD (What Would Edith Head Do?), I can’t imagine her approval. Jeans are jeans. Leggings are leggings. Some trends aren’t worth following, especially when comfort trumps style entirely.”

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “The Romance Formula” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

Children’s authoress Margot returns to her family’s Cape Cod home for one last Christmas before her siblings sell the beloved property.

Enter Christian, her childhood best friend and first kiss, now a celebrated artist. Together, they must find a way to preserve family traditions while navigating their rekindled connection.

However, the script stumbles with an unnecessarily mysterious dinner refusal that creates artificial drama.

When Christian declines Margot’s dinner invitation in a suspiciously vague manner (later revealed to be dinner with his sister), it feels contrived. A simple “I’d love to, but my sister’s in town — raincheck?” would’ve avoided forced misunderstandings.

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “The First Kiss” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

What is it with Christmas romance actresses and their inability to pucker?

Christian makes a nice effort, but Margot’s lips seem to fail her — both in the first kiss and the second attempt.

Ladies, kissing is a two-person sport! Don’t make your co-star do all the work, especially in a romance where the kiss is essential.

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “Christian Corner” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

Completely family-friendly, though little ones might giggle at young Margot and Christian’s childhood kiss. No content concerns whatsoever.

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A Cape Cod Christmas delivers a solid romance and family story about preserving traditions and finding your way home.

While the soundtrack disappoints (except for the carolers) and some script choices feel forced, the charming setting and decent performances create an enjoyable holiday experience.

Subsection Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in Hollywood red, is the words, “Highlights” that’s sandwiched between gold-&-red art-deco elements.

Beautiful Cape Cod setting and locations
Young Christian’s exceptional performance
Classic Christmas decorating scenes
Emphasis on family traditions and heritage
Sweet childhood flashbacks

Subsection Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in Hollywood red, is the word, “Lowlights” that’ sandwiched between gold-&-red art-deco elements.

Inconsistent soundtrack choices
Poor puckering skills during romantic moments
Contrived mysterious dinner plot device
Some overacted scenes
Margot’s agent (terrible!)

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “Personal Notes” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

This won’t become an annual must-watch, but it’s pleasant enough for every-other-year viewing.

What is it about redheads with great smiles? Like Elisa Donovan from Eve’s Christmas, Katie Leclerc has that winning combination (even if the roots suggest otherwise!).

And seriously — can we please teach actors proper kissing techniques? No, we don’t need to see your tongues (we get it; French kissing is the standard MO these days!) or watch you tonsil boxing or swallowing each other whole, but c’mon — a kiss shouldn’t be that hard to pull off!

Practice on pillows if necessary, but PUCKER YOUR LIPS in romance scenes!

Have you watched this Cape Cod holiday romance? Share your thoughts on family traditions worth fighting for — and your take on proper on-screen kissing technique — in the comments below!

Related topics: Christmas romance, Cape Cod movies, holiday movies, family traditions, childhood friends romance, Christmas decorating, holiday home décor, family legacy stories, New England Christmas, seasonal entertainment

This review is part of “BBA’s 12 Days of Christmas Movie Reviews” series. Check back daily for a new review!

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Color photo of me, Alicia, authoress and writer of this blog. Because these specific posts are all about Christmas romance movies, I enhanced my photo with a Santa hat and with a bough of holly bracketing the bottom right. In the center of the holly bough are two candy canes crossed like lovers in a romantic embrace. (See what I did there? 😊)

Alicia Strickland

As a romance novelist with expertise in fashion, interior design, and a deep love of classic Hollywood, I bring a unique perspective to holiday romance reviews. Join me in exploring the magic (and occasional missteps) of Christmas movies!

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Alicia Strickland

Hi! I write across multiple genres under various pen names. But for nonfiction, I write as myself. As a designer with a love of Old Hollywood and all things creative, I bring diverse perspectives to my storytelling... and to my blog. In the unlikely event that I’m not writing, I enjoy crafting, gardening, or spending time with my flame-point Siamese, Hunter.

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