By: Yaneira Rodriguez
Holiday season is the happiest time of the year. Romcoms include a formula that gives viewers a sense of nostalgia. Adding a modern twist to a holiday guilty pleasure, queer Christmas romcom “Happiest Season” follows main characters Abby (Kristen Stewart) and Harper (Mackenzie Davis). Worried about her girlfriend being alone for Christmas, Harper invites Abby to come along with her.
Abby quickly learns Harper has not told her family about her relationship with her. With a father in politics, Harper is afraid to let her family know who she really is. Abby plays along but things get difficult when Harper leaves her feeling like the outsider.
Directed by long time LGBQT+ favorite Clea DuVall, who directed cult classic “But I’m A Cheerleader”, “Happiest Season” seems aimed to be a relatable and heartwarming love story. Far from the more deeply complicated love stories LGBQT+ films portray. The film is filled with a great cast including Aubrey Plaza from “Parks and Recreation”, Alison Brie from “Glow”, and “Schitt’s Creek” creator Dan Levy.
The plot is a welcomed change to a classic meet the parents. The story has been told before but adding a queer touch makes it a little more original.
With such a popular cast, the film’s expectation was high. The elements were there, but the film failed to deliver. Still, the film was everything a cheesy romcom could be.
Stewart and Davis lack chemistry on screen, which made the romantic interest feel forced. With such a LGBQT+ friendly cast, this feels like it could have been avoided. The film misses the mark here but it does deliver over all.
The movie is saved by its comedic angle delivered by John (Levy). His lines are quick-witted and noteworthy. Plaza feels like the only normal and relatable character. While Brie takes on the role of the character that we all love to hate.
Aside from Stewart and Davis, the rest of the cast has great chemistry. Kristen Stewart and Aubrey Plaza are well rounded characters, and it comes across when they are on screen together. While Mackenzie Davis and Alison Brie’s characters play competitive sisters, who have their own troublesome relationship.
Meeting a significant other’s parents is difficult no matter the orientation. Being blinded by love is an all too relatable subject. This creates the approachable and inclusive narrative.
“Happiest Season” is not the type of movie a person needs to watch more than once, but it is still an enjoyable feature. It is heartwarming and full of the holiday feel. The movie keeps the viewer guessing whether Abby and Harper will end up together.
It also touches the difficult subject of coming out to parents. A subject very much relatable to a large community. The movie will hopefully start a new narrative in romcoms that will include more of the LGBQT+ community.
“Happiest Season” is an easy watch with no difficult plot line to follow. The film is perfect for quarantine days. It is rated PG-13 and was released on Hulu November 26.