Christmas films are, more than anything, a form of escapism. It’s relaxing to spend an hour or more watching a predictable romance unfold or witnessing a character go on a transformative journey before it is time to unwrap gifts. Netflix’s latest offering, Champagne Problems, meets the aforementioned criteria, plus the add-on benefit of stunning scenery. In it, Minka Kelly plays an ambitious executive who heads to Paris in the hopes of securing a lucrative deal with a long-standing champagne brand. As is common for most holiday titles, the protagonist goes on a business trip only to find a handsome and conveniently available French man to show her the city. With a European backdrop, romance between the leads, and champagne to spare (filling up a champagne glass while watching this would be fitting), this Netflix rom-com is poised to not only bring the jolly spirit back to full force but satisfy a craving for travel for those unable to plan a getaway abroad. What Is ‘Champagne Problems’ About? When Sydney Price (Kelly) is faced with a major career opportunity, she takes it without hesitation. Yet, while she prepares to take off to Paris with a clear goal in mind, she makes a promise to her sister that she will at least take one night off from her trip to do some sightseeing and ultimately rediscover who she is and what she wants beyond her job. Despite being driven by the prospect of acquiring Château Cassell, a beloved French champagne house, she does free up her itinerary to pay a visit to a local bookstore, where she meets Henri Cassell (Tom Wozniczka). As expected, sparks fly instantly, with Sydney being drawn to him the more they spend time together, having some macaroons and hot chocolate while admiring the Eiffel Tower at night. Although their eventful evening seems like a dream reality, Sydney is reminded the next day that the whole reason she is there is to make sure that she lands the deal and returns to her company with good news. Yet, to the protagonist’s surprise, Henri is the son of Hugo Cassell (Thibault de Montalembert), the very person she came to Paris to negotiate with. As Sydney spends the weekend with Hugo, Henri, and other bidders, she is not only one step closer to making the acquisition happen, but becoming even more emotionally attached to the people she is with and the places she visits. ‘Champagne Problems’ Feels Like a Scenic Getaway Champagne Problems might fit the bill for rom-com lovers seeking their next holiday watch, but it will also appeal to those who are on the lookout for their next holiday escape. Filmed in Paris, as well as Épernay and Reims, the film feels like a stunning venture into the places that Sydney visits throughout it, making viewers feel like they are just as much part of the experience. The main character has been so focused on making it professionally, that she has never gotten to travel for fun. As much as she travels to France for work, she gets to finally do something for her own enjoyment, and open herself to the prospect of love. Although the film does focus on her and Henri, Champagne Problems also features a mismatched group of buyers competing with Sydney to acquire Château Cassell. Amongst them are party animal Roberto Salazar (Sean Amsing), German misfit Otto Moller (Flula Borg), and the hostile-yet-driven Brigitte Laurent (Astrid Whettnall). Each of their different personalities dictate the ways in which they try to convince Hugo to sell his champagne empire, and it’s entertaining to see their persuasion tactics put into motion. Although the supporting characters are primarily one-dimensional and stereotypical, their presence doesn’t hinder the fun viewers have while watching them bond and go head-to-head in this civilized bidding war. Minka Kelly Is a Winning Christmas Rom-Com Lead in ‘Champagne Problems’ Yet, without a doubt, Champagne Problems’ greatest asset is Minka Kelly. The Friday Night Lights alum, who recently graced the screen on Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, proves to be a romantic lead worth rooting for. She isn’t the typical iteration of the businesswoman we see in rom-coms like this. She might be passionate about her job, but she isn’t the type of person looking to pick a fight in order to get what she wants. Throughout the film, Sydney lets go of her planner-oriented mindset and gives into the experience, not only becoming friends with Roberto, but also finding the love of her life. Kelly and Wozniczka, who many might know from Slow Horses, have just the right amount of chemistry to keep you invested. Their stroll through the Christmas market earlier in the film and their sweet exchange at the bookstore towards the end are the highlights of their romantic storyline. Although the couple do not share as much time on screen together as one would hope, writer-director Mark Steven Johnson made the right call in focusing on Sydney’s path to self-discovery. As Hallmark-esque as this Netflix rom-com might be, it offers the perfect combo for what you anticipate from a seasonal title. It delivers on a low-stakes love story between two people from different cultural backgrounds, allows for its main character to grow into her own and understand her worth, and gives viewers the opportunity to escape to Paris without leaving their couch. Its supporting cast might not get the opportunity to go beyond their stereotypical constructs and the main pair might not get as many swoon-worthy sequences together as many might’ve desired, but the film is able to check off all the boxes you would hope for. But more importantly, it makes a case for Kelly to join Kat Graham and Lindsay Lohan as part of the roster of romantic leads in Netflix holiday rom-coms. If this was her first foray into the Christmas movie pipeline, the hope is that it is certainly not her last. Champagne Problems is now available to stream on Netflix.
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‘Champagne Problems’ Review: Minka Kelly’s Netflix Holiday Rom-Com Is the Perfect Seasonal Escapism
