Michelle Pfeiffer stars as a Christmas-obsessed mom in the Prime Video holiday comedy 'Oh. What. Fun.', directed by Michael Showalter. The film follows her character's breakdown when her family overlooks her efforts, leading to comedic chaos. Variety's review praises Pfeiffer's performance but critiques the script's lack of depth and rushed resolutions.
Plot Overview
In 'Oh. What. Fun.', Michelle Pfeiffer plays Claire Clauster, a Houston housewife devoted to making Christmas perfect for her family. Her husband Nick (Denis Leary) is complacent, and their adult children—Channing (Felicity Jones), Sammy (Dominic Sessa), and Taylor (Chloë Grace Moretz)—take her for granted. The story escalates when Claire discovers none of her kids entered her in the Best Holiday Mom contest, prompting a passive-aggressive unraveling that includes family conflicts, a forgotten outing, and encounters with neighbors and strangers.
Cast and Crew
Directed by Michael Showalter, who co-wrote the screenplay with Chandler Baker, the film features a strong ensemble including Jason Schwartzman as Channing's husband, Joan Chen as a rival neighbor, Eva Longoria as self-help guru Zazzy Tims, and Danielle Brooks in a supporting role. Production is by Semi-Formal Prods. and Tribeca Studios, with music by Siddhartha Khosla. The runtime is 107 minutes, rated PG-13.
Critical Reception
Variety's review, published December 5, 2025, highlights Pfeiffer's nuanced portrayal of a flawed matriarch, noting her internal conflicts drive the action despite baffling character shifts. However, it criticizes the bland comedy, insufferable supporting characters, and failure to explore Claire's breakdown meaningfully. Moments like a mall chase and a dance sequence fall flat, though subtle darker tones and an unconventional soundtrack with '80s covers add some appeal. The film is compared unfavorably to 'The Family Stone' and seen as a missed opportunity for a sharper indie comedy.
Showalter's direction focuses on maternal anxieties through voiceover, but the third-act reconciliations lack accountability and emotional depth, according to the review.