For many people, a familiar pastime in the weeks leading up to major winter holidays is gathering with family members and watching holiday movies, be they in a theater or on television. During the month of December, the Falls Free Press will return to our tradition of “The 12 Films of Christmas,” focusing on new holiday movies for the year 2024—a year that can still do with plenty of peace and joy. We will review each film, whether naughty or nice, and let you know where to watch.
While having performed on stage and screen for nearly 14 years, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has been in the news most recently for her newest album, Short n’ Sweet, which includes such Billboard hits as “Espresso” and “Taste.” Last year she headlined on Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. Now, this month Netflix premiered a presentation of her new Christmas variety special, A Nonsense Christmas.
Nonsense features Carpenter performing duets with such artists as Tyla, Chappell Roan, and Shania Twain, filtered by comedic sketches with celebrities like Cara Delevingne, Quinta Brunson, Kyle Mooney, and even a special appearance by Santa Claus, played by Sean Astin. Unlike current variety shows like Saturday Night Live, however, Netflix allows Carpenter to be as naughty as she likes without going over PG-13–something she does as much as possible, with multiple poorly-placed innuendos, oddly timed breaks where guest stars attempt to write the show, and costumes that would make Santa Claus blush (if she weren’t already sitting on his lap as he discusses his polyamorous relationship with Shania Twain).
The show’s music on the other hand is fantastic. Carpenter’s duet with Chappell Roan of Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” brings a new style to the song with Roan’s country style flare. “What Do I Get My Brother-in-law” makes what would normally be an amped-up skit on SNL into a toned-down ballad from Carpenter lamenting on how to shop for a sister’s quiet spouse. Most of all, her presentation of “Cindy Lou Who,” a melodic piano tune, reminds audiences why she performed with Taylor Swift, especially after an hour of dirty jokes and filthier clothing, the farthest from an Eras concert.
The Shania Twain and Sean Astin guest spots were an obvious attempt at pulling in those unfamiliar with Carpenter, however I feel that they were still not big enough names to help that group enjoy this special. While this reviewer has listened to and enjoyed multiple songs by Carpenter, and may enjoy the occasional dirty joke, I felt that Nonsense is exactly what the name entails; however, I am not the target for this special, nor for Carpenter’s music. Therefore I leave it up to audiences to decide for themselves.
A Nonsense Christmas is available to stream on Netflix.
