It's the season of joy, giving, and holiday excitement. It's also the season of new holiday films.
There's a brand-new one dropping on Hulu today, and I'm gonna be honest: I'm excited about this one. Happiest Season is a holiday rom-com starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, and it looks downright incredible. The reviews aren't hurting the film's case, either.
The truth is, there have been a ton of new holiday and Christmas movies over the past few years, but none of them have really ever hit the spot for me. Maybe it's because I tend to really love the old classic films like White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street. However, once in a while, a new film comes along that is so funny or so timely that I watch it year after year. Like Four Christmases, for example. I deeply love that one.
Now, I haven't watched Happiest Season yet (you can find me on the couch with my red wine later). But by the looks of the preview and the rave reviews, there's a lot to be excited about. For starters, it's the only Christmas film I can think of that is based around a woman taking her girlfriend home to meet the family. It's kind of shocking and overdue, actually! But the fact that it's finally happening is kind of revolutionary.
Aside from that, the cast is legit, and it looks immensely funny.
When I first saw the trailer, I thought it was so cute and adorable. I laughed out loud when I watched it and then sent it to all my friends. People are often really torn about whether to love or hate Kristen Stewart. Like, Twilight, plus weird affairs. But I've gotta say, this role looks good on her.
In the film, Kristen plays Abby, who lives in Pittsburgh. She gets invited to her girlfriend Harper's family home for Christmas. However, on the drive up, Harper reveals there's one teeny little issue. Her parents don't know she's gay, and she's going to need Abby to spend the holiday pretending to be Harper's orphan friend. Ouch.
Aside from the setup, the film stars some other amazing actors we know and love. Like Dan Levy from Schitt's Creek, and Aubrey Plaza from Parks and Recreation, whose wit and sarcasm never let us down. Other big names are Victor Garber, who plays Harper's father, and Mary Steenburgen, who plays her mother, Tipper.
Now, I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see two women, who are said to have amazing chemistry on screen, in these roles. There is so much pressure on women to look, and act, and be a certain way. Lesbians coming home for Christmas and trying to pretend to be straight (and we're pretty sure, failing) is like the perfect modern-day Christmas tale we all need.
The film comes from director Clea DuVall, who is openly gay. The truth is, we need more stories from gay writers and directors. There are so many stories to be told, maybe especially at Christmas! It only seems like Christmas was off-limits to these kinds of stories. Clea DuVall is basically saying "not anymore."
This movie couldn't come at a better time, too. We're all just struggling to get by. A bit of lighthearted yet quietly revolutionary holiday magic is what we all truly need at this moment in time.
More than that, the concept for the film makes us think. It brings into our mind's eye something that so many people struggle with year after year. That is, going home to their family and trying to pretend to be something they are not.
For many people, the pretending might happen at a distance this year. But it still happens. Perhaps this film will help to open up some important family discussions — not just for the LGBTQ community, but for anyone who feels like they can't embrace certain aspects of their identity around their own family, the very people who are supposed to love and accept you for who you are.
Especially at Christmas.
