Holidate

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 28, 2020

Genre
Romantic Comedy

Cast & Crew

• Emma Roberts as Sloane
• Luke Bracey as Jackson
• Kristin Chenoweth as Aunt Susan
• Frances Fisher as Elaine
• Jessica Capshaw as Abby
• Andrew Bachelor as Neil
• Manish Dayal as Faarooq

Director
John Whitesell

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Big Momma’s House 2 (2006)
• Deck the Halls (2006)
• See Spot Run (2001)

Producer
McG, Mary Viola

Writer
Tiffany Paulsen

Budget
Estimated $21 million

Production Company
Wonderland Sound and Vision, Netflix

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
TV-MA (for language, sexual content, and some drug use)

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Sexual content and innuendo
• Alcohol use
• Some drug use

Movie Story
Holidate follows Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey), two strangers who are fed up with the pressure to find a date for every holiday. After a chance encounter during a particularly awkward Christmas, the two decide to make a pact: they’ll be each other’s “holidate” for every major holiday throughout the year, no strings attached. This way, they can avoid the judgment and pity of family and friends while enjoying each other’s company without the expectations of a typical romantic relationship.

As Sloane and Jackson navigate through holidays like New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, and Fourth of July, they experience a series of funny, awkward, and sometimes romantic situations. Along the way, they begin to develop genuine feelings for each other, complicating their arrangement. The film explores the ups and downs of modern dating, the pressures of family expectations, and the challenges of maintaining a platonic relationship when emotions get involved.

With plenty of humor, heart, and holiday spirit, Holidate is a light-hearted romantic comedy that plays with the conventions of the genre while delivering the feel-good vibes that viewers expect from a holiday movie.

Special Effects
The special effects in Holidate are minimal, as the film focuses more on character interactions and situational comedy rather than visual spectacle. The production design and holiday-themed settings play a significant role in creating the festive atmosphere that changes with each holiday, providing a colorful and lively backdrop for the characters’ evolving relationship. The film relies on practical effects and traditional filmmaking techniques to create its charming and relatable world.

Box Office Performance
Holidate was released exclusively on Netflix, bypassing a traditional box office release. The film quickly became popular on the platform, particularly during the holiday season. While Netflix does not typically disclose detailed viewership numbers, Holidate received significant attention and was featured in Netflix’s top 10 list in various countries, showcasing its appeal as a holiday rom-com.

Filming Locations

• Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Notable Quotes

• “There’s no such thing as love. It’s a fantasy created by people to sell shoes.” – Sloane
• “No commitment. No romance. Just a friend to get you through the holidays.” – Jackson
• “We’re just holidates, nothing more.” – Sloane

Behind-the-Scenes

• Holidate was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, capturing the festive atmosphere of various holidays throughout the year.
• The film was produced by McG, who is known for his work on other popular Netflix films like The Babysitter and Rim of the World.
• Director John Whitesell is known for his work in comedy, which helped bring the light-hearted and playful tone of Holidate to life.

Awards

• None, but the film gained popularity as a fun and entertaining rom-com during the holiday season.

Final Verdict
Holidate is a charming and entertaining romantic comedy that delivers plenty of laughs and holiday cheer. With a strong chemistry between Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, the film offers a fresh take on the classic rom-com formula while exploring the pitfalls and pleasures of modern dating. Although it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, Holidate succeeds in providing a fun and festive experience that’s perfect for a cozy movie night. It’s a great choice for fans of holiday-themed films and light-hearted romance.

IMDb Rating
6.1/10