You are here:

A Sisterly Christmas

A Sisterly Christmas

Representation Score

3.2/10

Limited

2021

Director

Jerry LaMothe

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

A Sisterly Christmas succeeds most notably in its racial casting. By placing a Black ensemble in an exclusive resort setting, the film challenges the historical tendency to depict luxury spaces as predominantly white bastions. However, the film remains deeply rooted in conventional holiday romance clichés. It functions as a restorative drama focused on repairing social bonds rather than a subversive work that deconstructs systemic hierarchies. The reliance on traditional family structures and straight-centered romance limits its broader cultural and gender-based impact.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does A Sisterly Christmas have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. The romantic and interpersonal relationships remain strictly within the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does A Sisterly Christmas portray gender?

Fair

The story uses a female-centric lens, prioritizing the roles of the sisters and their aunt. While women drive the plot, the film follows traditional romantic clichés without challenging gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Sisterly Christmas?

Excellent

The film features a predominantly Black cast within a high-status luxury resort. This choice challenges the historical tendency to depict luxury spaces as predominantly white.

How does A Sisterly Christmas represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative emphasizes traditional Western holiday values and family cohesion. It reinforces the importance of the nuclear and extended family unit through a sentimental lens.

Does A Sisterly Christmas include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no visible or invisible disabilities portrayed. No character arcs are defined by neurodivergence or physical impairment.

Present on Screen

  • The film provides progressive representation by centering a Black ensemble in a high-status, luxury resort setting.
  • The narrative prioritizes female roles and emotional intelligence through its central characters.

Limited or Absent

  • The film adheres to traditional romantic-drama clichés and conventional family values.
  • There is a lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Sisters Kristina (Deborah Joy Winans) and Vicky (Lisa Michelle Cornelius) receive an early Christmas gift—a luxurious vacation at an exclusive resort—from their Aunt Debbie (Marium Carvell), who hopes to bring them together after they've grown apart since their mother’s death. The sisters are less than thrilled by the idea of spending time together: Vicky loves Christmas, whereas Kristina no longer enjoys the holiday without their mom. With strong convincing from Aunt Debbie, the sisters reluctantly accept her gift. Once they arrive at the resort, Kristina and Vicky run into Reginé (Kyana Teresa), a famous singer and one-time best friend who left them behind when fame came calling.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.