Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

The Knight Before Christmas

Content Caution

MediumKids
LightTeens
LightAdults

Credits

In Theaters

Cast

Home Release Date

Director

Distributor

Reviewer

Kristin Smith

Movie Review

Brooke is a dedicated teacher recovering from heartbreak. After dating an unfaithful man for two years, she no longer believes in romantic love. Or honorable men, for that matter.

But one snowy night in Bracebridge, Ohio, a week from Christmas, everything changes. While driving home in a snow storm, Brooke accidentally hits a mysterious man with her car. Stunned, she rushes him to the hospital where he’s diagnosed with a bit of amnesia. Turns out, he believes his name is Sir Cole and that he’s been transported to the future from the 14th century with an important mission: He must learn to open his heart to love by Christmas Eve night.

Everyone thinks he’s a bit insane, including Brooke, who is letting Cole sleep in her carriage house until his memory recovers. But given his authentic armor and strong desire for honor, it’s also hard to believe that Cole isn’t who he says he is.

And with each passing day, Brooke begins to believe that Cole just might be telling the truth—and that maybe honor and chivalry aren’t quite yet dead after all.

Positive Elements

Although Brooke starts off here as someone who’s wounded, cynical and jaded by love, she slowly learns to trust others, specifically Cole. He, in turn, teaches others to believe in love and “happily ever after.” Similarly, Brooke encourages Cole and is kind, thoughtful and sincere.

Brooke prepares for an annual fundraiser where impoverished families are provided for financially. She also tells her niece, Claire, that “girls can be whatever they want to be.” Claire is kind, thoughtful and generous, too. She gives her gloves to a young friend in need and teaches those around her to be generous.

Sir Cole is tasked to learn to open his heart as the ultimate knightly quest. He defends the honor of others; he’s kind, respectful, brave, valiant and heroic. Cole teaches Brooke how to believe in love again and regain her self-confidence. Cole constantly puts Brooke’s feelings before his own and validates her emotions. Cole rescues two young girls as well.

All in all, this Netflix original emphasizes the value of a pure heart as well as the virtues of kindness, hope, determination, compassion, generosity and truth.

Spiritual Elements

Adults and kids learn to embrace “Christmas magic” and to believe in things even when they can’t logically explain them. Brooke jokes that mistletoe wards off evil spirits.

Sexual Content

Sir Cole walks out of the bathroom shirtless and wrapped in a towel. Elsewhere, he’s referred to as a “hottie” by a few women who flirt with him.

Brooke’s niece, Claire, asks Santa to bring Brooke a “non-cheating boyfriend” for Christmas. Brooke accidentally falls asleep next to Sir Cole on the couch.

Couples kiss, hug, snuggle and flirt.

Violent Content

Sir Cole tackles a young man who steals from an elderly woman and threatens to cut off his hands. Elsewhere, he also threatens to hurt Brooke’s ex-boyfriend with his sword.

Brooke shares that her mother passed away years ago from a sickness and, shortly thereafter, her father also died in an accident. We learn that a man lost his wife to an unnamed illness.

Crude or Profane Language

We hear the phrase “oh my God” a few times. Santa says “d–n” once. Sir Cole repeats the suggestive phrase “Lit AF” after hearing it on TV (though he has no idea what it means). Words such as “sucks” and “douche” are used multiple times. Sir Cole calls a waitress a “wench” and an elderly woman an “old crone” not knowing that those phrases are both heard as negative terms. Sir Cole calls Brooke’s ex-boyfriend a “scoundrel.” A dad exclaims, “Son of a gun!”

Drug and Alcohol Content

None.

Other Negative Elements

Jaded Brooke initially struggles to believe in love. She’s often cynical, wrestling with jealousy and low self-esteem. She confesses to Cole that she dated her ex-boyfriend for two years, hoping that he would change.

Conclusion

Netflix is at it again. Set to compete with multiple streaming services this time of year, Netflix is back to releasing its own version of Hallmark Christmas movies with a twist. And this year, one of the first contenders is the TV-14 flick, The Knight Before Christmas.

Starring Vanessa Hudgens as the jaded Brooke and Josh Whitehouse as Sir Cole, this sweet-but-formulaic Christmas movie is predictably cheesy from start to finish.

The Knight Before Christmas does have a dusting of light language and some very mild sexual content. But the bulk of this chivalrous romantic drama concentrates on solid lessons about bravery, kindness, generosity and honor.

The Plugged In Show logo
Elevate family time with our parent-friendly entertainment reviews! The Plugged In Podcast has in-depth conversations on the latest movies, video games, social media and more.
kristin-smith
Kristin Smith

Kristin Smith joined the Plugged In team in 2017. Formerly a Spanish and English teacher, Kristin loves reading literature and eating authentic Mexican tacos. She and her husband, Eddy, love raising their children Judah and Selah. Kristin also has a deep affection for coffee, music, her dog (Cali) and cat (Aslan).