A Merry X-Mess (2023)
What happens when extended family with different personalities and agendas come together for Christmas? In this Kenyan Christmas feature, the Nyatis have to get through the seven days of Christmas without killing each other.
Chaos erupts when the competitive family matriarch Zawadi invites her equally competitive sister from the village to help her to win the annual family Christmas choir competition at church. Meanwhile, Zawadi tries to meddle in her son’s love life, while her daughter, visiting from America, grapples with the African traditions that her uncle tries to impose on her children and the allure of moving back home for good. As modern beliefs and traditions clash, and with the ultimate choir competition bringing out the worst and best in them, can the spirit of Christmas bring joy to the Nyati family?
Written by Damaris Irungu (Pepeta) and directed by Gilbert Lukalia, A Merry X-Mess stars Melissa Kiplagat (Country Queen), Bruce Makau (Kina), Sheila Munyiva (Country Queen), Mufasa Kibet (Crime and Justice), Regina Re (Pieces of Us), Joel Kennedy Otukho (Country Queen), Raymond Karago (Twende) Eunice Kangai and Naomi Ramtu.
A Merry X-Mess is Showmax’s second Christmas feature film in Kenya, following Reuben Odanga’s A Familiar Christmas last year.
More like this
Dangerous Animals (2025)
A tense, twisted and jaw-dropping survival horror. When a surfer is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer, she must escape before he performs his sadistic shark feeding ritual.
Companion (2025)
From the creators behind Barbarian comes an unsettling horror comedy. When a group of friends go on a weekend getaway, they have no idea of the horrors that are about to unfold.
South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced
Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.
Heart Eyes (2025)
In this whodunit horror slasher, Valentine's Day is turned into a battle for survival as a masked serial killer goes after couples.
Bride Hard (2025)
When a mercenary team hijacks a wedding, a secret agent bridesmaid fights to save the day in this chaotic action comedy.
Friendship (2024)
Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd lead this dark comedy about an awkward man trying to be friends with his charismatic neighbour.
Sweethearts (2024)
Two college freshmen make a pact to break up with their high school sweethearts during the "Drunksgiving" holiday break, but their plan goes awry.
How M3GAN 2.0 blurred the lines between human and AI
Allison Williams, Ivanna Sakhno and M3GAN 2.0 writer-creator Gerard Johnstone talk about how the back-and-forth between humans, robots, and AI turned creepy on set.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa
All the best movies to stream
Must-watch trailer: The People vs VBS explores South Africa’s biggest bank heist
The People vs VBS is IdeaCandy's true-crime docuseries on South Africa’s biggest bank heist. On Showmax from 25 March and on M-Net from 2 April.
What to watch on Showmax in March 2026
Local gems, Showmax Originals, international hits and intriguing documentaries await Showmax viewers in March.
Dangerous Animals (2025)
A tense, twisted and jaw-dropping survival horror. When a surfer is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer, she must escape before he performs his sadistic shark feeding ritual.
The Neighborhood S1-8
When Dave Johnson and his family arrive from Michigan, they're unfazed that their new dream home is located in a community quite different from their previous small town.
Latest Stories
What to watch on Showmax in March 2026
Bad Girls Bootcamp S1
Nhlanhla Kunene confirmed for Law, Love and Betrayal Season 2
Christall dishes on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
Brakpan Chronicles: Die mense sê, kom in
Schalk Bezuidenhout trades stand-up for 9-5 in Die Kantoor
A heartbreaking loss: Nolwandle Biyela’s final stand in Outlaws Season 2
Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax
Antonie Marx on Volspoed and why it's a must-watch
Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2
Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office
20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life
What to watch on Showmax in January 2026
7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts
Die Kwiksilwers (2024)
Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax
Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more
Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more
Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga
