Last Christmas

Based on the Wham! song by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, "Last Christmas" tells the story of two wayward people, Kate, played by Emilia Clarke, best known in her role as the mother of dragons on "Game of Thrones", and Tom, played by Henry Golding, best known for the film "Crazy Rich Asians."

Kate is a modern Londoner who is having a hard time in life. When we find her in the story she's homeless, because she chooses to couch surf rather than return to her parents home. She works in a Christmas shop where it's Christmas every day. She dresses in an elf costume every day of the year, and sells Christmas wares in the shop, everything from the sublime and beautiful to the tacky and God-awful.

One day, while dusting the shelves in the store window, she notices a man (Tom) out in the street in front of the shop, who is looking up to the sky. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she goes outside to see what the man is staring at. There she finds a rare falcon, who proceeds to defecate in her eye. It can only get uphill from there.

Kate and Tom then begin a friendship of sorts, sharing pieces of their life with one another. Before you know it, the two are inseparable. It's a love story unlike any I've ever seen in film.


The movie was written by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson, who also stars in the movie as Kate's mother. The movie was in the writing stage for years before it went into production.

As the movie shares its name with the George Michael song, Emma Thompson went to George to get his impressions on the project and thoughts on the film. George gave his blessing to the project, and loved the premise and message of the film. Sadly, George passed away Christmas Day of 2016.

After his passing, George's sisters Melanie and Yioda were consulted on the film, as well as George's manager and lifelong friend, David Austin. George's sisters and David are said to approve of the film. In fact, Yioda and Melanie are thanked in the end credits of the film.


It is important to note that this film centers around George Michael. If Kate goes to a bar, they're playing a George Michael song. If she goes to a friend's house, they're listening to a George Michael song.

More than his music, this film includes many challenges that George faced in his life, including his childhood, his history of depression, years of substance abuse, etc. Another theme touched upon in the film: George's philanthropic efforts. While alive, George was ranked second in the U.K. for charitable donations.

Also included in the film is an unreleased song by George, "This is How." It is a profound song with an addicting beat. As a George Michael fan, it is such a gift to hear his voice singing material I have not heard before. It's almost as if he's singing in heaven. Thank you to Yioda and Melanie and to the estate for making this music available to the public.

If you are a George Michael fan, you have to see this film. If you know about the man behind the music, you will pick up on these details as I have.

In closing, let me share a line from the movie, which is my new mantra:

"Love me, love George Michael."


Videos of the trailer of film, "Last Christmas", and "This is How" are found below.

I cannot recommend this movie enough. Ten stars.