Christmas movies have long brought holiday joy to viewers, and this year is no different, except for the venue: “Happiest Season” released on the streaming platform, Hulu, on Nov. 26. The movie stars Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis and follows a young woman who plans to propose to her girlfriend at her family’s holiday party, but she has yet to come out to her parents.

     This movie truly brought the holiday joy. It was fun to watch while still delivering a serious and important message. “Happiest Season” draws viewers in immediately with a laugh-inducing and adorable opening scene between the main characters, Abby and Harper. 

     Stewart and Davis’ characters had chemistry on the screen which had viewers rooting for the couple even when things did not seem like they would work out. The relationship dynamic between the couple was interesting to explore and seemed to get more complex as the movie went on. But even more interesting than Harper and Abby’s relationship was the family dynamics of Harper’s family.

     Between the parents who are obsessed with a perfect image, the sister Jane who only wants to be included in everything, and the competitive nature between Harper and her other sister Sloane (which reaches a boiling point at the end of the movie), the characters were always entertaining when they were on the screen.

     The standout performances in the movie, however, come from the side characters John, Riley and Jane. Played by Daniel Levy, Aubrey Plaza and Mary Holland, these characters instigated many of the movie’s funny and heartwarming scenes. A scene that brought viewers to tears was when Levy’s character told the story of what happened after he came out as gay to his parents.

     The last half hour is when the events finally reach a climax, and Harper must ask herself if she is able to come out to her parents so that she can be with Abby. This is one of the most important parts of the film, as it shows what it can be like for queer people when it deals with coming out to their families. It shows the fear of not being accepted and shut out, as well as the pressure it does to a person when they are pushed into a corner, forced to be someone they are not. 

     The movie ends with a one year flash forward to the future and wraps the film up nicely. It brings a resolution between the characters, especially Abby and Harper, and leaves viewers with a happy feeling after watching the movie.

     Critics believe that this holiday movie is one worth watching. Rotten Tomatoes states that the movie is, “A jolly good time with heartfelt performances and more than enough holiday cheer…”. The website awarded the movie a score of 83 percent with an audience score of 80 percent.

     Other reviews praise the director, Cleo DuVall, for her holiday romance-comedy following a queer couple. 

     The Atlantic calls the film “… a welcome dose of warmth for audiences desperate for respite this year. The film is packed with pandemic-free, Christmastime touchstones… But the film isn’t just a holiday rom-com; it’s the first major entry in the genre to feature a same-sex couple.” 

     Overall, this was a great holiday, romantic comedy and queer movie. It was light hearted and joyous at times, and serious and emotional at others which made the movie feel realistic and relatable. The storyline was entertaining to watch unfold, and the acting from all the characters was spectacular as well. 

     “Happiest Season” is definitely worth the watch for those who want a modern and hilarious Christmas story. 

Maddie Decker, Managing Editor