Happiest Season is an American romantic comedy film directed by Clea DuVall. It stars Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber, Alison Brie, Mary Holland, Aubrey Plaza, and Dan Levy in the main roles. It was released on 25th November 2020 on Hulu.
Abby (Kristen Stewart) and Harper (Mackenzie Davis), two beautiful young women are in a relationship and living their life to the fullest, and then Harper invites Abby to spend the Christmas week in her home with her parents. It's hard for Abby to celebrate as she lost her parents on this day but Harper assures her she can still enjoy Christmas if she gets up on Christmas morning with the one she loves. But the twist is Harper has not told her parents about her sexuality and promise Abby that she'll, after Christmas. Reaching home, they have to pretend like they are nothing more than roommates and close friends. Many peoples keep entering, ex-boyfriend, ex-girlfriend, many parties are also held, testing the bond of Abby and Harper. What's more dangerous is, Harper's Dad, Ted (Victor Garber) is running for mayor and wants to impress a human bank, Harry Levin (Ana Gasteyer) and if this news gets out then it could create a big problem for Ted.
The story is by Clea DuVall and the screenplay by Clea DuVall and Mary Holland. I loved it. From the characters to the execution, everything is so beautiful. It was above my expectations. From the trailer, it was clear what it's going to be but it's much more that. I've only seen gay movies that are so heavy on emotion, and that's good, but in the case of Happiest Season, I enjoyed it to the fullest. It starts with a very formulaic take on any holiday movies Netflix has been making for years, but what's new here is the gay angle. Abby and Harper provide some of the most heartwarming scenes in this film, which are very natural and authentic. It's the supporting cast that brings comic relief, especially Mary Holland who also co-wrote the screenplay.
The film is serious where it has to be and it's light-hearted and funny otherwise. It never tries to be something we have already seen in LGBTQ films, it's not tragic and depressing rather it's has a good and positive feeling throughout. The striking chemistry between Abby and Harper works all the time, and are presented in such a likable manner. Abby is always called an orphan which is really awkward and even some of the scenes gave me mixed feelings about whether I should laugh or feel sad about them. Even the climax was a bit much of a happy ending which to me feels contrived. But these are minor downsides and can be easily avoided. Riley and Abby's bonding and Abby and John's conversations on the phone are some of the delightful fragments of the film.
Kristen Stewart impresses as Abby, her discomfort and uneasiness are very well presented by her, the feeling of living with a whole new family who treats her not good nor bad is amazingly portrayed by Kristen. Mackenzie Davis as Harper is also remarkable and outshines everyone in many scenes, especially the last one where she says that she's a lesbian. Audrey Plaza as Riley is like a smooth breeze in this drama, she's very effective and the same goes with Dan Levy who plays John, Abby BFFs, who keeps saying Abby not to be a doormat.
The cinematography by John Guleserian is excellent and beautiful and doesn't makes you forget that it's a Christmas movie, and for that I've to mention the amazing production design and art direction which is so stunning, the house, its interiors and everything looks good. The background music is good and suits the movie.
Happiest Season is an enjoyable ride, and here it's not the story to look up to, it's the intention and passion behind it, that's commendable. Presenting the two lesbian characters which are so charming and making a Christmas Romantic Comedy out of it, is applaudable. We have seen many movies like this in this genre and now its time for Happiest Season to rule.
Rating:- 3.5/5
Now streaming on Hulu.
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