Last Christmas (Film): Plot Twist and Box Office Verdict

Few modern holiday movies spark as much debate as Last Christmas, the 2019 romantic comedy that left audiences either charmed or bewildered. With a ghost twist that literalizes a Wham! lyric and box office returns that far outran its critical reception, the film is a fascinating case study in audience expectation vs. critical consensus.

Worldwide box office: $121.6 million ·
Production budget: $25-30 million ·
Rotten Tomatoes critics score: 46% ·
Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 75% ·
Release year: 2019

Was the Last Christmas movie a hit or a flop?

Seven key numbers, one pattern: the film was a financial success despite widespread critical disapproval.

The pattern: a profitable film that audience sentiment rescued from critical dismissal.

What was the box office performance of Last Christmas?

On a reported budget of $25–30 million, the film earned $121.6 million globally according to Wikipedia (film database). The domestic haul of $35.2 million was modest, but international markets—particularly European territories—pushed the total to profitability. CinemaBlend (film reporting) noted the film “quietly made solid money” despite negative reviews and early spoilage of the twist. The Guardian (UK newspaper) dubbed it “box-office gold” in a piece about critical disdain vs. commercial success.

How was the film received by critics?

The critical split is stark. While Rotten Tomatoes (film aggregator) shows critics at 46% with an average 5.3/10 rating, audiences scored 75%. Metacritic (review aggregator) assigned a weighted score of 50 out of 100, signaling “mixed or average” critical consensus. The disconnect prompted The Guardian (UK newspaper) to investigate why audiences embraced a film critics largely panned.

What is the plot twist in Last Christmas?

Why does Tom keep disappearing?

The mystery that drives the film’s second half: Tom—played by Henry Golding—keeps vanishing without explanation, leaving Kate (Emilia Clarke) confused. The Wrap (film analysis) confirmed the twist: Tom is a ghost. He had died in a cycling accident and donated his heart to Kate during a transplant. The Wham! lyric “Last Christmas I gave you my heart” becomes disturbingly literal: Tom gave Kate his actual heart.

Was the ghost theory correct?

Yes. Early audience theories, discussed on Reddit and social media, correctly predicted that Tom was a ghost. The Wrap (film analysis) noted that director Paul Feig confirmed the ghost structure was intentional from the start. The twist reframes every disappearance: Tom doesn’t actually exist in Kate’s reality; he is a spiritual guide helping her find purpose before she must let go. Baltimore Magazine (arts criticism) argued this works against the film because the romance audiences invested in is, retroactively, impossible.

Why this matters: The twist divides audiences more than any other element. Some praise it as bold and emotionally resonant; others call it a narrative cheat that undermines the romantic comedy premise. Your reaction likely determines your overall verdict on the film.

Is Last Christmas a good movie?

What do critics say?

The Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus stated the film’s “likable leads and musical hook aren’t enough to overcome a poorly conceived story.” The Guardian (UK newspaper) review called it a film that “fails on both counts and at many more things along the way.” Baltimore Magazine (arts criticism) echoed this, arguing the twist actively undermines the romance.

What do audiences say?

The 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes tells a different story. Wikipedia (film database) reports a B− CinemaScore and 3 out of 5 stars on PostTrak—not raves, but positive enough for a holiday comedy. Salt Lake Film Review (regional criticism) called it a “weird and clever holiday treat” that clearly sets up its big reveal.

Is it worth watching?

Five reasons for each side of the decision.

The trade-off: If you value critical craftsmanship and narrative cohesion, Last Christmas may frustrate. If holiday charm, likable stars, and a talking-point ending are enough, you’ll likely enjoy it. For undecided viewers, the audience score is the better signal.

Does Emilia Clarke really sing in Last Christmas?

How were the singing scenes produced?

Yes, Emilia Clarke performed her own vocals for the film. However, Refinery29 (entertainment reporting) confirmed that her voice was blended with George Michael’s original demo recordings, creating a hybrid vocal track. This production choice ties the singing scenes directly to the film’s core conceit: Kate finding her voice through a connection to Tom, who is tied to the song’s history. The result is a technically hybrid performance that captures both Clarke’s natural vocals and the George Michael essence central to the film’s identity.

What this means: Viewers wondering if it’s truly Clarke singing can be reassured—it’s her voice, but not solely her voice. For fans hoping for a purely solo performance, the production reality may disappoint slightly. For those simply enjoying the holiday mood, the blend works effectively within the film’s emotional framework.

Is the ending of the Last Christmas happy or sad?

What happens in the final scene?

Kate organizes a Christmas Eve show for a homeless shelter and performs “Last Christmas” at her family’s restaurant. After the performance, Tom reveals his true nature and disappears. Kate is left alone—but transformed. She has found purpose, mended family relationships, and learned to open her heart. The Wrap (film analysis) describes Tom as a Christmas spirit guide, analogous to the ghosts in A Christmas Carol.

How does the ending affect viewers?

A Reddit discussion forum highlights the “bittersweet” nature of the ending: Kate gains everything—love for herself, family connection, professional direction—but loses Tom in the process. The emotional complexity divides viewers. Some find catharsis in her growth; others find the romance’s impossibility heartbreaking.

The pattern: The ending mirrors the film’s entire reception—bittersweet. Kate gets what she needs (self-worth, purpose), not what she wanted (Tom). For audiences seeking a traditional romantic comedy resolution, this lands as a disappointment. For those open to a more complex emotional note, it resonates.

For a deeper look at the film’s cast and critical reception, check out this Last Christmas movie analysis from Southern Focus.

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