Christmas at the Cabin is a scenic, funny, romantic comedy and a great holiday movie for the whole family to enjoy. Opening scenes show a snow-covered mountain road surrounded by green trees. Josh and Michelle, a married couple, are headed to their cabin for the Christmas holiday along with Michelle’s sister, Poppy.
As they draw closer to the cabin, Josh kisses his wife’s hand while he’s driving, and she humorously responds with, “I know I’m beautiful but keep your eyes on the road!” Michelle is in the Christmas spirit as she sings, Hark the Herald Angels Sing. Unfortunately, the little group gets stuck in the snow before they reach the cabin, so they load themselves down with luggage and Christmas presents as they walk the last distance to the cabin. And they are in for a surprise.
They spot evidence that someone has been staying there even before they walk through the door. An empty soda can and trash litter the porch. A man is spotted in the kitchen as they walk in. The first thing Michelle does is spray the man in the eye with bug spray. Soon after, however, she learns that this “intruder” is a man named Guy, who is her husband Josh’s old college roommate. Michelle welcomes Guy, and in a funny scene Guy replies, “And what a welcome! I still can’t see out of my left eye!” Michelle learns that Josh had invited Guy to visit and stay and she immediately requests a meeting between herself and her husband “outside.” This is not the quiet and cozy holiday getaway she had planned.
From this point on the movie features both tension and comedy as Guy and Michelle get on each other’s nerves, and slowly it becomes obvious that there is chemistry between Guy and Poppy.
One of the themes of the movie is the focus on Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas, but it also shows that God can use various personalities, including the comedic, free-spirited Guy, who often blurts out the first thing that comes to his mind. In another comedic moment, Guy and Michelle discuss the Bible and Guy states the Bible says there is no arrest for the wicked! It’s eventually brought out that the Isaiah passage he refers to actually states there is no “rest” for the wicked.
The film does a solid job in showing the various issues people can sometimes deal with. For instance, Michelle is quite emotional, and we learn it goes back to her job, and how a decision she made affected several employees. And Poppy doesn’t feel as close to Michelle as she would like, believing that Michelle sometimes ignores her. And Guy doesn’t mean to but he says the first thing that comes out of his mouth which sometimes offends Michelle. The characters work through these issues with one another, and every so often Jesus is mentioned in positive way.
In one telling scene, Guy believes that Michelle thinks he is going to Hell because he doesn’t view things exactly as Michelle does. Michelle tells Josh that Guy is annoying, and she doesn’t believe he respects her faith. Josh tells his wife they should show Guy some grace, love, understanding, and patience, which is taken from 1 Corinthians 13. In one scene when she is overwhelmed with emotions, Michelle walks outside to pray.
The movie does a terrific job in showing real people who overcome their struggles by talking and caring for one another and showing forgiveness. For instance, in one scene Guy, Poppy, and Josh decorate the Christmas tree for Michelle while she is sleeping because the tree means a lot to Michelle.
The humor is always enjoyable. In one scene, Josh tells Michelle she is stubborn. “It’s a gift,” Michelle replies. “That keeps on giving!” Josh jokes with her. And ultimately Guy makes it clear that he does believe the Bible is a holy book. And he even explains the word “holy” – something he learned from his grandmother.
The beautiful Christmas music, the true meaning of Christmas being revealed, and the fine acting all combine to make this an enjoyable viewing experience. And the point is made that everyone is flawed and that God’s grace is a gift that can’t be earned but accepted. This is a nicely directed movie with no wasted scenes.
Content Analysis: There is a Christian worldview in this movie. Jesus is mentioned several times and in a positive light, as is grace and the fact that God is holy yet forgiving. The characters pray over a meal, and one character seeks God in prayer outside of the cabin.
Think About It: There is one scene with an innuendo which would probably fly over the heads of most young children. The sleeping arrangements are being discussed, with there being only two beds, with a couple (Josh and Michelle), and two single people, Guy and Poppy. Guy jokes that he can sleep with Poppy and then says, “I can dream,” but he ultimately sleeps on the couch, and nothing sexual happens. This could be a discussion point for older children. The movie is quite wholesome overall, and this is one of the few times a discussion could happen between parents and kids.
Another discussion topic could revolve around losing our tempers, which Michelle does in a few scenes, even telling the other three they are “annoying” as she storms out of the cabin.
The Dove Take: This holiday movie has a great scenic atmosphere and focuses on grace and forgiveness, and it has earned our Dove Seal for All Ages. Parents should realize that it is not intended for the very young but for older children and adults. Ages 8 and up would be a good target audience for this film. It does features snow, decorating a Christmas tree, and awesome music.
