Happiest Season (2020) is a romantic comedy directed by Clea DuVall, known for its heartwarming and sometimes awkward portrayal of family dynamics during the holiday season. The film stands out for its LGBTQ+ representation, offering a refreshing take on the typical holiday rom-com.
The story follows Abby (Kristen Stewart), who plans to propose to her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis), during a Christmas visit to Harper’s family home. However, Abby quickly discovers that Harper hasn’t come out to her conservative parents yet, and the entire visit becomes complicated as Abby is forced to pretend to be Harper’s straight roommate. As the days go by, Abby struggles with keeping up the charade while navigating tension-filled family dynamics, all while dealing with her own growing feelings of insecurity and uncertainty about her relationship with Harper.
The film is a blend of humor, heart, and holiday cheer, but it also touches on deeper themes, such as coming out, family acceptance, and navigating difficult relationships. Happiest Season is more than just a traditional rom-com—it explores the complexities of identity and the pressure of family expectations, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals. Abby’s emotional journey and her connection with Harper’s family add layers of emotional depth to the film.
Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis both deliver strong performances. Stewart shines as Abby, bringing a blend of vulnerability, humor, and sincerity to the character. Her portrayal of a woman who is trying to stay supportive while also grappling with her own disappointment and hurt is one of the highlights of the film. Mackenzie Davis plays Harper with a mix of charm and internal conflict, capturing the pressure of living a double life and the fear of rejection from her family. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their relationship feels authentic despite the awkwardness and tensions that arise.
The supporting cast is equally strong, with notable performances from Alison Brie as Harper’s seemingly perfect sister, Sloane, and Dan Levy as Abby’s best friend, John, who provides much-needed comedic relief. John’s character, in particular, offers a much-needed outside perspective on the chaos that Abby is enduring, and his interactions with Abby are some of the funniest and most heartwarming moments in the film.
Happiest Season was praised for its inclusive narrative, as it centers on a same-sex couple and addresses the challenges they face in a family-oriented, traditionally heteronormative holiday setting. While the film is fun and lighthearted, it doesn’t shy away from showing the complexities of coming out and the potential heartache involved, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
The film balances its emotional moments with festive holiday cheer, and its colorful setting and warm atmosphere capture the spirit of Christmas while providing a story that feels fresh and relevant. Though the plot may follow some familiar rom-com tropes, the LGBTQ+ perspective and the strong performances elevate it into something special.
Happiest Season is perfect for those looking for a feel-good, inclusive holiday movie with plenty of heart, humor, and holiday magic. It’s an uplifting, funny, and sometimes emotional film that resonates with anyone who has ever faced family challenges, all wrapped up in a charming holiday setting. If you enjoy romantic comedies and are looking for a modern take on holiday films, Happiest Season is a delightful choice.
