There are certain expectations to be met and standard elements to take in consideration when it comes to create the perfect Holiday feature. Using a traditional “Christmassy” format, Happiest Season elevated the game by integrating a rather groundbreaking new addition to this slightly clichéd and looked upon cinematic category.

This LGBTQI+ romance tells a poignant coming out story. The narrative, with its skillful pacing and “anticipated” wonders, handled two distinct yet lookalike viewpoints with a well-adjusted and a nuanced touch. All of this masterfully formed a spellbinding and a charming atmosphere that just exudes untainted coziness and instantaneous pleasure.

Happiest Season’s unconventional and diverse ensemble culminated in its two lead protagonists. Both of these many-sided yet unpretentious queer characters were crafted with extreme delicacy and attention. Their stories inspired from real life events have the ability to resonate with each one of its selected audience.

Kristen Stewart’s authenticity and Mackenzie Davis’ vulnerability are a gift of Christmas cheer. They both delivered such tear-jerking and true acts that one can only label as genius and radical.

Happiest season, with its cheerful festivities and imaginative ornamentation, laid-back attitude and poignant point of view, is an instant Christmas classic that has brought so much legitimacy and warmth to an always beloved genre. 

A young woman with a plan to propose to her girlfriend while at her family’s annual holiday party discovers her partner hasn’t yet come out to her conservative parents.

Initial release: November 26, 2020
Director: Clea DuVall
Screenplay: Clea DuVall, Mary Holland
Production companies: Temple Hill Productions, TriStar Pictures
Producers: Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner