EXmas

EXmas

Year: 2023

Runtime: 93 mins

Language: English

Director: Jonah Feingold

Echo Score: 43
RomanceComedy

Graham plans a Christmas surprise for his family, but finds them already celebrating with his ex-fiancée, Ali. A humorous battle ensues as Graham and Ali compete to win back the family’s affection and determine who will be spending Christmas Day with them, and who must leave.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – EXmas (2023)

Explore the full timeline and setting of EXmas (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Christmas season

The timeline revolves around Christmas festivities: six months after the engagement, a surprise trip to Minnesota sets the drama in motion; a hospital crisis tests the family bonds; a year later the couple reconnects in Los Angeles for another Christmas; and a post-credits scene jumps two years forward to show a fuller, continued holiday life.

Location

Minnesota, Los Angeles

Set during the Christmas season, the story centers in a wintry Minnesota home where Ali and Graham confront their past, with the Stroop family Christmas party as the centerpiece. The Minnesota segment evokes cozy, traditional holiday warmth, while the later Los Angeles arc follows the couple as they build a life together with a food truck and business ambitions. The film uses the contrast between these two places to highlight how home, belonging, and growth influence the couple’s choices.

❄️ Winter setting 🏡 Family home 🌇 City contrast

Last Updated: January 06, 2026 at 10:49

Main Characters – EXmas (2023)

Meet the key characters of EXmas (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ali (Leighton Meester)

Ali is thoughtful and resilient, juggling heartbreak with holiday cheer. She bakes and seeks warmth in family, but she also refuses to settle for a shallow reconciliation. Her clever, sometimes stubborn, nature drives the bet with Graham and ultimately helps rebuild trust.

🍪 Baking ❄️ Christmas 💖 Romance

Graham (Robbie Amell)

A game developer with ambition and moments of vanity, he tries to win Ali back by outsizing the family’s approval. A life-changing heart-to-heart and a holiday chaos-filled misstep lead him toward growth and genuine commitment.

🎮 Game developer 💔 Jealousy 💖 Redeemed romance

Jeannie (Kathryn Greenwood)

The warm, meddling mother who invites Ali into the Stroop family, offering practical advice and holiday wisdom that guides the couple toward clarity and reconciliation.

👩 Family matriarch

Dennis (Michael Hitchcock)

The stern but loving father whose medical scare becomes a pivotal moment for the family, highlighting the fragility of life and the importance of togetherness during the holidays.

👨 Family patriarch

Mindy (Veronika Slowikowska)

Graham’s sister, who navigates her own dating life while supporting the central couple. Her revelation about a breakup with Heather anchors a deeper sense of honesty within the family dynamics.

👧 Sister 💬 Family member

Brady (Thomas Cadrot)

Graham’s old high school rival turned coworker, whose presence stokes competitive tension and adds humor to the family Christmas chaos.

🏁 Rival

Jess (Donna Benedicto)

A local love interest who brings warmth to the community scenes and serves as a counterpoint to the central romance during the holiday social arcs.

🌟 Local connection

Heather (Rachel Risen)

Mindy’s girlfriend who appears as a plot thread and returns in the post-credits sequence, adding a layer of jealousy and revenge to the broader romance.

💖 Love triangle

Elliot (Steven Huy)

Graham’s brother, a steady presence in the family dynamic who helps reveal the interactions and tensions between Ali and Graham during the holidays.

👦 Sibling

Last Updated: January 06, 2026 at 10:49

Major Themes – EXmas (2023)

Explore the central themes of EXmas (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Second Chances

Love and forgiveness drive the central romance, showing that second chances are possible after pride and misunderstandings. Ali and Graham navigate hurt, vulnerability, and a shared desire for belonging within a busy holiday season. Their journey highlights honest communication, patience, and growth as paths back to one another. The story culminates in a renewed commitment and a hopeful future.

👪 Family Ties

Family dynamics shape the couple’s decisions as much as their romance. The Stroop family traditions, the Christmas party, and the hospital moment test loyalty and reveal who truly belongs in the circle. Humor and warmth help navigate awkward tensions while underscoring the value of chosen and blood relations. The narrative uses family as the heart and barometer of genuine connection.

🎭 Competition & Reconciliation

The bet to win over the family creates comedic chaos and exposes insecurities on both sides. Sabotage and jealousy push the characters toward vulnerability, forcing them to confront what they really want. Resolution comes through restraint, honesty, and a renewed focus on shared goals and respect. The arc reinforces that love is strengthened by teamwork rather than one-upping each other.

Last Updated: January 06, 2026 at 10:49

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies like EXmas with festive romantic rivalry

Exes collide at family gatherings, sparking a playful battle for affection.If you enjoyed the playful battle of exes in EXmas, you'll love these movies. This collection features holiday romantic comedies where former flames use competitive hijinks to win over a family's affection, leading to heartwarming second chances.

festiveplayfulcompetitiveheartwarmingromanticsillychaoticsentimental

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a straightforward, fast-paced sequence of events where a character's holiday plans are upended by the unexpected presence of an ex. A series of comedic set-pieces involving playful sabotage and festive chaos creates conflict, which is ultimately resolved through a genuine emotional moment that reminds the characters of their connection, culminating in a happy reunion.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a specific blend of holiday cheer, romantic competition, and lighthearted comedy. The central 'battle of the exes' premise provides a reliable structure for fast-paced, entertaining stories that balance silly antics with a genuinely heartwarming emotional core.

Fast-paced light comedies like EXmas

Lighthearted stories that move quickly from one humorous situation to the next.Fans of EXmas's quick, humorous pace will enjoy these movies. This selection highlights fast-moving comedies with a light tone and low emotional weight, perfect for when you want comforting entertainment that's consistently fun and never slows down.

playfulfast-pacedlightheartedcomfortingsillybreezyfunescapist

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread are built on a foundation of rapid-fire events and quick-witted dialogue. The plot is driven by a succession of humorous situations—like parties, misunderstandings, and playful conflicts—that keep the energy high. Character arcs are simple, focusing on personal growth or reconciliation without heavy drama, ensuring the overall journey remains upbeat and breezy.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their primary goal of delivering effortless, cheerful entertainment through a specific rhythm. The combination of fast pacing, a light tone, and straightforward complexity creates a uniquely comforting and energizing vibe that feels like a delightful escape.

Unlock the Full Story of EXmas

Don't stop at just watching — explore EXmas in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what EXmas is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

EXmas Summary

Read a complete plot summary of EXmas, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

EXmas Summary

EXmas Timeline

Track the full timeline of EXmas with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

EXmas Timeline

EXmas Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of EXmas that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

EXmas Spoiler-Free Summary

More About EXmas

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about EXmas: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About EXmas