For the last couple of years, it has been a tradition for me to go see a new movie on Thanksgiving with my family. Unfortunately, with slim pickings in the actual theatre this year (sorry Croods 2), I decided to do a Zoom Thanksgiving, stay home, and check out Hulu’s brand-new romantic comedy, Happiest Season.
Long-time couple, Abby (Kristen Stewart) and Harper (Mackensie Davis), make plans to go spend the holidays with Harper’s family. Only catch? Harper hasn’t come out to them yet.
I’ve said it before and I’ll said it again, representation matters. And Happiest Season is a breath of fresh air that will spark holiday joy.
Although the film abruptly shifts its tone from chaotic comedy to emotional drama, it still doesn’t stop you from feeling those wholesome “warm fuzzies” you crave from the formulaic holiday romantic comedies.
You will laugh. You will smile. You will tear up. You will exclaim, “OH MY GODDD!” and squeal in giddy joy. And honestly, isn’t that you want this time of year?
Despite its flaws in tone, pacing and predictability, Happiest Season is just so wonderfully heartfelt that you can help but fall in love with it. A lot of that is due to its irresistible cast.
Candidly, I am not a fan of Kristen Stewart…like at all in anything. However, Happiest Season, is the FIRST time I have enjoyed her performance and I was actually rooting for her.
But I have to say the true scene stealers for me were its supporting characters.
Daniel Levy is just perfection (and he is in literally everything he does, but maybe I’m just biased) as Stewart’s sassy best friend. And I cannot put into words how amazing Mary Holland is as the zainy yet downright lovable, Jane. I just want a spin-off movie featuring these two.
Aubrey Plaza also does a notable job. And at one point, I really just wanted her to save Stewart’s character from being shoved into a closet.
Kudos to you, Hulu.
But at the end of the day, this film is about acceptance and love — as are the holidays. I am so happy to see the LGBTQI community represented here and look forward to seeing more holiday romances that swing whatever way they want to.
Final Thoughts: Happiest Season is an adorable, wonderous joy worth being added to your holiday roster this season (and every season).
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