Ian Harding takes center stage in Netflix’s heartwarming Christmas romantic comedy Our Little Secret. Interestingly, this film reflects a recurring issue faced by his character in Pretty Little Liars. This delightful project is part of Lindsay Lohan’s creative collaboration with Netflix and is helmed by director Stephen Herek, with Lohan serving as an executive producer. Our Little Secret introduces viewers to the charming characters Avery (played by Lohan) and Logan (portrayed by Harding), who share a childhood bond that blossoms into love. However, their relationship takes a hit when Avery accepts a job opportunity in London, prompting Logan to desperately try to convince her to stay.

Fast forward ten years, and we find Avery back in her hometown, now dating Cam (Jon Rudnitsky), while Logan is in a relationship with Cassie (Katie Baker). As both prepare to celebrate the holidays with their respective partners’ families, they remain unaware that Cam and Cassie are actually siblings. In a bid to keep their past relationship a secret, Avery and Logan agree not to disclose their history. However, their plans spiral out of control when Cam and Cassie’s younger brother uncovers their hidden romance. Despite Logan moving on, his love for Avery lingers, echoing the significant challenges faced by his character in Pretty Little Liars.

Explore the Parallels Between Ian Harding’s Character in Our Little Secret and Ezra’s Dating Dilemma

Understanding the Key Differences Between Ezra and Logan’s Relationships

Ian Harding’s most notable performance remains as Ezra Fitz in the popular mystery teen drama series Pretty Little Liars. Set against the backdrop of the fictional town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, Pretty Little Liars follows the lives of four best friends: Aria (Lucy Hale), Emily (Shay Mitchell), Hanna (Ashley Benson), and Spencer (Troian Bellisario). The narrative kicks off a year after the mysterious disappearance of their leader, Alison (Sasha Pieterse), leading the group to receive cryptic messages from an enigmatic figure known simply as “A”. The series intricately weaves together the suspense of uncovering “A’s” identity with the character-driven drama surrounding the personal struggles and relationships of its main characters, ensuring a captivating viewing experience.

Aria’s principal romantic interest, Ezra Fitz, serves as a teacher at Rosewood High School and later at Hollis College. Their initial meeting occurs at a bar, sparking an immediate connection. However, upon realizing their teacher-student relationship, they attempt to sever ties but ultimately choose to conceal their romance from others. Despite the inherent complexities, including the significant age gap and the teacher/student power imbalance, Aria and Ezra navigate their relationship challenges, culminating in a happy ending where they marry and start a family. Conversely, Our Little Secret mirrors this narrative but introduces vital differences that reshape the characters’ experiences and growth.

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Cassie, Logan’s current girlfriend, is considerably younger than him, and Avery even playfully teases Logan about dating a college student. Although the exact age difference remains unclear, it is evident that their relationship dynamic is significantly healthier and possesses more stability compared to the tumultuous connection between Ezra and Aria. Ultimately, Logan displays a level of maturity that leads him to realize that he and Cassie are not meant to be, and it’s Avery who holds his true affections.

Discover Why Our Little Secret is Ian Harding’s Most Outstanding Role Post-Pretty Little Liars

A Look at Ian Harding’s Diverse Roles Following Pretty Little Liars

Ian Harding’s tenure on Pretty Little Liars spanned the entirety of the series, and following its conclusion, he explored a range of projects across different genres. On the silver screen, Harding showcased his versatility by portraying Nicholas in the horror-comedy film Office Uprising, a Ford executive in the critically acclaimed Ford v Ferrari, and Brent in the political satire The Hater. On television, he took on the role of Phillip Davis in Chicago Med, made a guest appearance in an episode of Magnum P.I., played Eddie Hagan in the drama series Long Slow Exhale, and starred in the TV films Ghosts of Christmas Always and The Magic of Lemon Drops.

Despite his varied roles and performances, it is clear that Harding’s best performance since the end of Pretty Little Liars is his portrayal of Logan in Our Little Secret. This Netflix film fully capitalizes on Harding’s inherent charm and comedic prowess, making his on-screen presence engaging and relatable. Unlike Ezra’s often controversial relationship dynamics, Logan demonstrates a more balanced and likable character arc, successfully navigating the complexities of love and relationships with a refreshing approach.

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Our Little Secret is a holiday drama in which two resentful exes find themselves spending Christmas together after discovering that their current partners are siblings. The film explores themes of reconciliation and the complexities of family dynamics during the festive season.

Director

Stephen Herek

Release Date

November 27, 2024

Cast

Lindsay Lohan , Kristin Chenoweth , Ian Harding , Jon Rudnitsky , Chris Parnell , Tim Meadows , Dan Bucatinsky , Henry Czerny , Katie Baker , Ash Santos , Jake Brennan , Brian Unger

Runtime

99 Minutes