Film Overview"Happiest Season" is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Clea DuVall. Launched in 2020, the movie stars Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Mary Holland, and Victor Garber. Based upon a script by DuVall and Mary Holland, it explores social standards, household expectations, love, and approval during the holiday. Rated PG-13, this movie has actually received honor for its modern-day take on vacation romance themed movie theater and being among the few mainstream LGBTQ+ Christmas motion pictures.
Plot Summary"Happiest Season" tells the tale of Abby, played by Kristen Stewart, and her girlfriend Harper, depicted by Mackenzie Davis. Abby prepares to propose to Harper during Christmas dinner at Harper's parents' house; however, she discovers en-route that Harper has not yet come out to her conservative household.
The film presents Abby's struggle in a location where she's not recognized for who she is, asked by Harper not to reveal their relationship. The narrative further unfolds with Abby considering how coming out is not a universal experience due to social and household norms. Being pressured into being another person is challenging for Abby, causing funny, remarkable, and romantic scenes throughout the film.
Characters and PerformancesThe characters are nuanced and the efficiencies by the ensemble cast is one of the highlights. Kristen Stewart, as Abby, presents a wholehearted efficiency, showcasing a range of feelings - the excitement of wishing to propose, the dissatisfaction of discovering Harper's trick, and the isolation of remaining in a house where no one knows her truth.
Mackenzie Davis likewise does justice to her function as Harper. Regardless of her character's flaws, she makes you empathize with her battle of wanting her family acceptance and love, while likewise not wishing to lose Abby. Supporting performances from the similarity Victor Garber, Mary Steenburgen, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, and Dan Levy include life to the narrative.
Themes and Symbolism"Happiest Season" features different themes throughout: from the problem of approval and exposing one's true self, to understanding, forgiveness, love and inclusivity. The film cleverly uses the Christmas setting to highlight the tensions and hypocrisy that can take place in conventional household gatherings-- the desire to predict an image of excellence and adherence to social standards versus personal happiness and truth.
Vital Reception"Happiest Season" received positive reviews for its revitalizing take on the romantic holiday category and for boasting a cast of well-rounded characters. Critics specifically applauded the movie for approaching the concept of coming out to one's conventional conservative household with level of sensitivity, and for the efficiencies of its ensemble cast.
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