Christmas at Plumhill Manor

So, Margot, a New York City architect unexpectedly inherits an English manor. Plumhill manor.

After speaking to her mother, Margot flies off to England to see the manor where she must stay for 7 days. Here she meets an interesting cast of quirky characters including a dashing man, Alfie.

It's a lovely story which you can predict what will happen at the end but its still a good watch.

Margot and Alfie had amazing chemistry right from the start of the film. A nice, festive, feel good movie to watch on a cosy afternoon in December (unless you're like me and watch Christmas movies all year round)

Yet another Christmas movie that I had never even heard about. But then again, Christmas movies is not exactly high on my list of interests. But every now and again do I go all in during December and bingewatch far too many Christmas movies. And 2024 turned out to be one such year. And thus, I came upon the 2024 movie "Christmas at Plumhill Manor" from director Brian Herzlinger.

Truth be told, from the movie's cover alone, I figured that I would be in for a rather generic sappy Christmas movie. But I still opted to watch the movie, and let writers Daniel Levin, Megan Henry Herzlinger and Avery Henry-Bailey have the benefit of the doubt; perhaps they would surprise me with something grand here.

The storyline in the movie ultimately failed to entertain me. The contents of the storyline was just not interesting, nor were the characters particularly memorable or likable. So the movie fell short of entertaining me.

I was not familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie. Despite the fact that the storyline wasn't my cup of eggnog, then I will say that the acting performances were indeed fair.

Now, I am sure that there is an audience out there for this movie, especially those hardcore lovers of sappy Christmas movies. I just didn't enjoy the movie, and I will never return to watch it a second time.

My rating of director Brian Herzlinger's 2024 movie "Christmas at Plumhill Manor" lands on a three out of ten stars.

I couldn't get over the filming of the outdoor scenes with roses, hollyhocks and lupins in flower just before Christmas and all the trees in full leaf. It was obviously filmed in the summer.

The snowdrop wasn't a snowdrop and even if it was they are the first sign of spring and do not flower around Christmas.

The main characters had absolutely no chemistry and the plot was so obviously written with an American view of the U. K. If you're looking for a film where you can disengage from reality then I guess it may interest you but I have seen many better and more believable Christmas films. The house was beautiful though.

This is the first Christmas movie I couldn't make it through this season. I only lasted until the first pub scene.

The redubbing of Margot's lines near the beginning was painfully obvious. The words just didn't match the mouth. And she just seemed so harsh and unlikable.

What finally drove me out was the annoying character of Jackie. Her over the top cheerfulness and overacting was really grating. I couldn't understand half of what she was saying. And those giant teeth were very distracting.

I obviously can't comment on the rest of the movie but I'm sure there was some kind of misunderstanding with 20 minutes left that threatens to blow everything apart. Followed by the "follow your heart" speech and a kiss with one minute left. Just going on on a limb there.

Skip this one.

I liked this movie. The lead actress is brilliant, the manor house pretty and the scene stealer is cute kid Beatrice who is one to watch. She was perfect despite a limited role and the total lack of any other children at all to bounce off.

The filming should have taken place in winter and aside from some of Ipswich in Christmas lights this was mostly achieved with a filter over summer flowers - if you're a gardener it will grate that the poinsettias being repotted are clearly plastic ones and the beautiful snowdrops are actually white aquilegia.

The ensemble had fun making it and didn't take themselves too seriously, and norshould you. Switch off your brain, be thankful for a budget movie with the sole aim of bringing wish fulfilment and good cheer for all it's many flaws it was filmed in Suffolk and people from here will recognise that. The black horse pub in Ipswich you can visit if ever you're at the New Wolsey theatre. Support the arts in UK and in Suffolk and enjoy!