Romance, ambition, and holiday magic in Paris: Champagne Problems is in Netflix top 10

Paris, dusted in the first snowfall of the season. Sydney Price steps off the plane, briefcase in hand, focused on closing a career-defining deal. She isn’t looking for love. She isn’t looking for distraction. But when she meets Henri Cassell, heir to the family champagne house she’s trying to acquire, the unexpected happens: work and heart collide in ways neither planned.

Netflix’s upcoming holiday romantic comedy Champagne Problems, directed by Mark Steven Johnson, stars Minka Kelly as Sydney and Tom Wozniczka as Henri. The story blends festive settings, family intrigue, and workplace ambition into a grounded, modern rom-com. The trailer is at the end of the article.

Johnson keeps the premise simple but effective: a high-powered American executive arrives in France to acquire Château Cassell, a historic champagne estate, only to find herself caught between professional goals and a surprising personal connection. Filmed on location in Paris and the Champagne region, the film highlights real settings rather than idealized backdrops, giving the story a relatable, contemporary feel.

Sydney’s challenge is twofold: evaluate the business and navigate her growing attraction to Henri. The film avoids over-the-top twists or fantasy setups. Instead, it focuses on realistic conflicts—ambition, family loyalty, and unexpected emotion—making it a grounded holiday romance rather than a whimsical fantasy.
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Minka Kelly portrays Sydney with confidence and subtle vulnerability, balancing a career-driven persona with the gradual realization that not everything can be planned. Tom Wozniczka’s Henri complements her perfectly, offering charm and warmth while navigating the pressures of legacy and family duty. Supporting actors Thibault de Montalembert and Flula Borg add texture, from family tension to comic relief.

Visually, the film favors elegance over extravagance. Parisian streets, vineyard landscapes, and cozy holiday décor are captured without being overly polished. Camera work emphasizes character interactions and emotional beats, letting viewers feel the chemistry and tension between Sydney and Henri.

Champagne Problems is light, approachable, and modern. It appeals to audiences who enjoy character-driven romance over slapstick or fairy-tale clichés. The holiday setting enhances warmth and charm without overwhelming the story. The film explores work-life balance, personal growth, and the courage to embrace feelings even when they disrupt plans. Early coverage suggests audiences appreciate its sincerity: it delivers exactly what viewers expect from a holiday rom-com—warmth, humor, and romance grounded in relatable life choices.

Champagne Problems ultimately asks: can ambition and love coexist? Sydney’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the most important deals are not the ones on a spreadsheet.
► Watch on Netflix

In the meantime, enjoy the trailer below.