🎥 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 (𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎)

Happiest Season (2020)

Happiest Season (2020), directed by Clea DuVall, is a heartwarming holiday romantic comedy that blends family dynamics, personal struggles, and love in a story set during Christmas. The film follows Abby (Kristen Stewart), who plans to propose to her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis), during the holidays. Abby and Harper have been together for over a year, and Abby is excited to spend Christmas with Harper's family, hoping to make the moment even more special by popping the question. However, when they arrive at Harper’s family’s home in the small town, Abby quickly realizes that Harper has not come out to her conservative parents. Harper insists that it’s not the right time to reveal their relationship, leaving Abby in an uncomfortable and difficult position, as she is forced to pretend that she is just Harper’s best friend. This deception creates an emotional rift between the two women, as Abby grapples with her desire for authenticity and her commitment to Harper, while Harper struggles with her own fear of rejection and the pressure of familial expectations. As the holiday gatherings unfold, the tension between Abby and Harper deepens, especially as Abby begins to feel like an outsider in Harper’s family. Harper’s parents, Tipper (Mary Steenburgen) and Ted (Victor Garber), are warm and welcoming to Abby, but their seemingly perfect, picture-perfect family dynamics only serve to make Abby feel more alienated. Harper’s siblings, particularly her sister Sloane (Alison Brie), are also less than welcoming, as they reveal their own insecurities and unresolved issues with Harper. The family’s dysfunctions and competitive nature create even more pressure for Harper, making it increasingly difficult for her to come out and be honest about her feelings for Abby. Throughout the movie, Abby tries her best to be supportive and understanding of Harper’s situation, even as she feels more and more isolated. As the plot develops, Abby bonds with other characters, including John (Dan Levy), a family friend who knows about the relationship and offers Abby much-needed support and guidance. Their growing friendship offers some lighthearted moments in an otherwise emotionally heavy holiday setting, providing Abby with the courage to confront the complicated emotions that come with being forced into the closet.

The film's climax arrives when Abby confronts Harper about her hesitance to come out to her family and the damage that it has caused to their relationship. This moment is charged with emotional weight, as Harper’s internal struggle comes to a head. Eventually, Harper realizes that she has been hiding her true self for too long, both from her family and from the woman she loves. In a heartwarming and transformative moment, Harper decides to come out to her parents, embracing her relationship with Abby. The film concludes on a positive note, with Abby and Harper reconciled and their love for one another standing strong, despite the earlier turmoil. The finale features a touching and joyous moment, as Abby and Harper finally share their love openly, symbolizing acceptance, growth, and the power of being true to oneself. The movie ends on a hopeful, festive note, reminding viewers that the holidays, while often fraught with family drama, can also be a time for healing, self-acceptance, and embracing love in all its forms.

In conclusion, Happiest Season is a delightful and poignant holiday film that mixes romance, humor, and emotional depth. The performances from Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis are heartfelt and nuanced, allowing the audience to connect with the complexities of the characters' relationship. Clea DuVall’s direction gives the film a perfect balance of comedy and drama, and the themes of love, family, and coming out are handled with sensitivity and care. The movie addresses the difficulties that LGBTQ individuals often face when navigating family dynamics, particularly during the holidays, while also providing a hopeful message about the importance of being true to oneself. The supporting cast, including Dan Levy, who plays Abby’s best friend, offers plenty of comic relief and emotional support for the lead characters, making the film even more enjoyable. Happiest Season is a must-watch for those looking for a holiday film that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, filled with moments of humor, love, and personal growth. By blending the joy of Christmas with the struggles of being in a relationship while hiding your true identity, the film serves as a timely and uplifting addition to the genre of holiday films, offering a message of love, acceptance, and the importance of family, no matter how complicated or imperfect.