Happiest Season

Movie Trailer

Release Date
November 25, 2020

Genre
Romantic Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Kristen Stewart as Abby Holland
• Mackenzie Davis as Harper Caldwell
• Alison Brie as Sloane Caldwell
• Aubrey Plaza as Riley Johnson
• Dan Levy as John
• Mary Steenburgen as Tipper Caldwell
• Victor Garber as Ted Caldwell

Director
Clea DuVall

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Intervention (2016)
• The Handmaid’s Tale (2017-2021) (Episodes)

Producer
Marty Bowen, Isaac Klausner, Clea DuVall, Jonathan McCoy

Writer
Clea DuVall, Mary Holland

Budget
$17 million (estimated)

Production Company
TriStar Pictures, Temple Hill Entertainment, Entertainment One

Running Time
102 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Alcohol consumption
• Some sexual content

Movie Story
Happiest Season is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of love, family, and the complexities of coming out. The story follows Abby Holland, who is deeply in love with her girlfriend Harper Caldwell. As the holiday season approaches, Harper invites Abby to her family’s annual Christmas celebration. However, Abby soon discovers that Harper has not yet come out to her conservative parents, Tipper and Ted Caldwell, adding a layer of tension and complication to the festive occasion.

The film navigates the challenges that arise as Abby is forced to play the role of Harper’s “straight friend” while Harper struggles with the pressure to conform to her family’s expectations. As the days progress, Abby finds herself increasingly isolated and frustrated, especially as she learns more about Harper’s past and her complicated relationship with her family. Harper’s sister, Sloane, adds to the drama with her competitive nature, while Harper’s ex-girlfriend Riley, played by Aubrey Plaza, becomes a surprising source of support for Abby.

Despite the comedic elements, Happiest Season delves into serious themes, such as the fear of rejection, the pressure to meet familial expectations, and the journey of self-acceptance. The film’s portrayal of a same-sex relationship in the context of a traditional holiday setting is both refreshing and poignant, offering a narrative that resonates with many who have faced similar struggles.

The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis bringing depth to their roles as a couple navigating the complexities of love and identity. Dan Levy provides standout comic relief as John, Abby’s supportive and witty best friend, who also offers sage advice on the importance of living authentically.

Special Effects
The film does not rely heavily on special effects, focusing instead on character-driven storytelling and the emotional nuances of its plot. The few effects used are subtle, enhancing the holiday ambiance without overshadowing the narrative.

Box Office Performance
Happiest Season was released on Hulu due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bypassing a traditional theatrical release. Despite this, the film garnered a large audience and became one of Hulu’s most-watched original movies upon release.

Filming Locations

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• Washington, Pennsylvania, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Everybody’s story is different. There’s your version and my version and everything in between.” – John
• “I’m scared that if I tell them who I really am, I will lose them.” – Harper

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Clea DuVall drew on her own experiences as a queer woman to bring authenticity to the film’s narrative. The decision to set the story during the Christmas season was intentional, as DuVall wanted to explore how the pressure of family expectations is heightened during the holidays.

Awards

• Nominated for the 2021 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film (Wide Release)

Final Verdict
Happiest Season is a delightful and touching holiday film that balances humor with emotional depth. It offers a fresh take on the traditional rom-com by centering on a same-sex couple and exploring themes of identity, family, and acceptance. With its strong performances and heartfelt story, it’s a must-watch for the holiday season.

IMDb Rating
6.6/10