Happiest Season

I initially wrote this one off as another contrived Christmas romance movie, and I was also expecting this to be another contrived LGBT romance as well. But I was surprised at the sensitivity that the film sometimes demonstrated. Certainly, it was a bit cliched, but not harmfully so. A wonderfully fun and heartfelt film, to be sure. It's one that we need in this year.

I was impressed with this film considering all of the big name actors/actresses in it. The production is strong and beautifully shot. The styling is also great. Kristen Stewart shines in this role. The storyline is heartfelt and entertaining. But also, representation matters & Happiest Season is a movie everyone can relate to, LGBTQ or not.

I really liked this movie. It's has parts that are pretty fun and the cast is fantastic. It really is an all Star cast and they all get moments to shine.

I think that definitely it's biggest strength is it's characters.

They are just so fun and interesting you really wish that you got to spend more time with them and unfortunately you kind of wish that the movie was about them because bizarrely enough I think this movies biggest weakness is also it's characters.

The two leads characters are some of the more boring ones in the movie. Kristen Stewart's is ok for the most part and I did like her but Mackenzie Davis' character is quite bad. That is nothing to do with the acting because I think everyone was pretty great it is purely a script issue.

The character of Harper is really unlikable. The movie really leaves her out to dry. It is like the writers hated her and because of that she becomes really unlikable for most of the movie. I really think they should have reworked her so she was even slightly more redeemable.

That was really my only complaint. I think this movie is charming and cute. It's nice to have another LGBTQ+ Christmas movie available. Definitely watch it and support this film existing.

Watched this with my girlfriend, we were both expecting a feel-good Christmas movie... instead found this to be quite dramatic and more intense than the trailers/advertising suggested. We're both cis gay women and watching Abby being forced to sneak around at Christmas while Harper hides in the closet (for reasons the movie never really explains apart from "general fear of parental response"?) was not really "fun" or "festive" for us. I was actually pretty bummed out and disappointed after the movie ended.

The film seems to be at least partly autobiographical from Clea DuVall (who I enjoyed in But I'm a cheerleader), and as a drama it works well, I just wish the advertising had reflected that. If I knew what I was getting into, I'd give it a solid 7.5/10 - the acting is decent and the story is pretty relatable. Dan Levy is great, I wish he'd had a bit more time on screen (he was the only comedic element!), and Kristen Stewart handles the dramatic elements with ease. I really felt for Abby.

On a happier note, as part of a broader representation of LBGTQ+ community, I'm glad this movie did well - looking forward to more queer stories.

The far too often shallow facade and deceit of meeting traditional and expired conservative expectations played out in a cinematic seasonal pantomime (oh no it isn't; watch it and find out!). Primarily preaching to the converted, it reminds us why individualism is the foundation of us all. Could have been the best Christmas film ever if the father had come out as a cross dresser and the mother as a habitual piercer but you should always leave room for improvement and any improvement in the views of some is always well and truly welcome.