Film Review: Sabrina Carpenter's A Nonsense Christmas

A reflection on Sabrina Carpenter's short but sweet Netflix film 'A Nonsense Christmas' and the festive cheer the film brings overall

All images from sabrinacarpenter on Instagram.

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. I’m back with my final review of the year, Sabrina Carpenter’s brand new Christmas film A Nonsense Christmas which is now streaming across Netflix. As a long term fan of Sabrina’s, the imminent release of this documentary made me so excited as she truly does deserve this wider global coverage. Although it is short at only fifty minutes long, it is jam packed with lots of giddy jokes as well as star studded guests along the singer herself.

The documentary first begins with Carpenter breaking the fourth wall as she invites the audience into a Christmas night alongside her. The singer first began with one of the songs from her special Christmas album fruitcake, and one of my favourites, which was ‘buy me presents’. I instantly loved the whole setup of the film as soon as the song started, it gave classy, dapper and elegant vibes from the get go which set the tone for the rest of the film very well. Carpenter donned a long red dress with black gloves and her backup dancers wore suits which gave an air of class and elegance to the song overall.

After this, Carpenter then introduces the audience to A Nonsense Christmas, gearing them up for the fun filled night ahead. One of my favourite parts of the film then happens as she does her own rendition of ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of Year’ instead singing ‘It’s The Most Nonsense Time Of Year’ (abiding by the theme of the film overall). I absolutely loved the little gimmicks in her rendition and how she put her own spin on the classic overall, my favourite part has to be when she joked that Netflix gave her an unlimited budget so she could do however she pleases then proceeding to smash a candy cane into the set and hurting one of the production team.

The audience are then introduced to Carpenter’s first guest, Tyla as they both sing ‘This Christmas’ together. I loved their costumes as they both reminded me of Christmas presents with their colours and details. Their vocals together were nothing but harmonious and I cannot wait for the day once they properly collaborate, as this little hint was nothing but magical. One little detail I also noticed and adored all throughout the film was the beautiful, intricate set of Carpenter’s Christmas house. The fire is blasting, the kitchen is filled with delicious snacks and the festive atmosphere is truly felt all throughout the film through different levels of ambience as the variety of star studded guests are brought out.

As the film progresses, Carpenter sings another one of my favourites from the fruitcake album ‘santa doesn’t know you like i do’. In this song, she dons a white fluffy overcoat with a little white dress which I honestly think encapsulates the vibe of the song overall. Whilst singing, she also has childhood videos of Christmastime with her family projected in the background which brings a nostalgic element to the song too. I really loved that little touch to the song as it showed how much family means to Carpenter and how she incorporated them so effortlessly into the documentary showing her pride and joy for them towards the audience.

Another thing I loved throughout the film was the little gimmicks and comedic elements in between these songs and special guests. One of the running jokes throughout was ‘A Nonsense Outro’ which was attempted by many of Carpenter’s co-stars including well-known model and actress Cara Delevingne. I really liked how that was a running joke throughout the film as the Nonsense outro was one of the main factors for how Carpenter shot to fame in the first place.

Carpenter’s take on the famous Christmas tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ was really funny too as she played the ‘Ghosted Past’ in which she was a girl from her ex boyfriend’s past who he somehow ‘ghosted’ as he made up numerous excuses for his silly behaviour (who on Earth would ghost Sabrina Carpenter?!) Then, as the skit progressed the ‘Ghosted Present’ and ‘Ghosted Future’ came into play and the girls decided to band together and become friends, leaving the boyfriend behind. That skit really put a smile on my face and it was definitely unforgettable.

Then, my most favourite collaboration out of all the star studded guests happened as Carpenter banded together with Chappell Roan as they sang ‘Last Christmas’ together. I can admit I’m not a huge fan of that song but their beautiful, harmonious vocals blending together effortlessly made me fall in love with the song. I have to admit their costumes and the overall ambience of the setting made me love it even more as both girls donned elegant emerald two pieces with white fur overcoats on top as they sang the song together. I really really liked Sabrina’s outfit as she looked stunning in it and pulled it off so gracefully, she truly looked angelic.

Carpenter then wrapped up the film with two last songs from the fruitcake album; ‘cindy lou who’ (a song which has grown on me recently) as she plays the piano elegantly in a black and white setting whilst wearing a beautiful flowy purple dress mimicking the winter breeze and ‘A Nonsense Christmas’ as she brings back the fun and giddy element of the film to wrap it up on a high.

Overall, the short but sweet film was a joyous and festive watch and a clear five stars across the board from myself. I loved embracing the festive cheer whilst currently battling my winter flu and I know for a fact this will be on repeat for me throughout the festive season.