Happiest Season (2020)

Overview

"Happiest Season" is a 2020 holiday/romantic comedy film directed and written by Clea DuVall. Starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis in the lead roles, the film brings a fresh breath to the genre by combining the classic chaos of Christmas-themed family gatherings with LGBTQ+ representation. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received notable attention from both critics and audiences upon its release.

The film's cast includes well-known names such as Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Victor Garber, and Mary Steenburgen. Additionally, Michelle Buteau, who appears as one of the supporting characters, stands out with a performance that boosts the film's comedic dose. Buteau's natural comedic style emerges as an important element that adds levity to the film's tense family scenes.

"Happiest Season" succeeds in expanding the boundaries of the genre by taking the traditional Christmas movie formula and embedding deeper themes such as identity, family acceptance, and honesty within it. With its warm visual aesthetic, music reflecting the holiday atmosphere, and sincere performances, it offers viewers an enjoyable viewing experience.

Plot

The film begins with a couple in love, Abby and Harper, traveling to Harper's hometown to spend Christmas with her family. However, during this visit, Abby faces an unexpected reality: Harper has not yet told her family about their relationship, and the family has no idea about it at all. This situation drags Abby into a strange and tense scenario in which she must hide her true self throughout the holiday.

Harper's family appears flawless from the outside, but in reality, it is a structure filled with many hidden issues. The father, due to his political career, wants his family to present a perfect image. This pressure becomes one of the fundamental reasons why Harper cannot openly live her own identity. Abby, meanwhile, tries to support the person she loves while also struggling with having to compromise her own values.

As the film progresses, the dynamics within the family, sibling rivalries, resentments from the past, and small secrets everyone is hiding from one another begin to surface. In the midst of this chaos, Abby's closest support is her close friend John, who mentors her throughout the holiday and can look at events from an outside perspective. The character played by Michelle Buteau also provides an energetic and entertaining contribution to the story during this process, creating moments of relief amid the tension-filled scenes.

Why Should You Watch It?

"Happiest Season" is an appealing option for those who sit down expecting a typical Christmas movie but wish to encounter a more layered story. One of the film's strongest aspects is how it skillfully embeds themes of identity and acceptance into the classic "meeting the family" comedy. As a result, it offers not only an entertaining but also a thought-provoking viewing experience.

The cast's chemistry is one of the film's most notable aspects. Kristen Stewart's introverted yet sincere performance is balanced by Mackenzie Davis's tension-filled characterization. The supporting characters add breathing-room comedic moments to the film; in this regard, Michelle Buteau's naturalness and timing in her scenes give the audience enjoyable moments.

Additionally, while the film successfully reflects the warm and festive atmosphere unique to the Christmas season, it also does not forget the complexity of real-life family relationships. This balance makes the film both entertaining and emotionally satisfying.

Who Is It Suitable For?

This production is a fairly suitable choice for those who love the romantic comedy genre, especially those interested in holiday-themed films. It also serves as an important and enjoyable example for viewers seeking LGBTQ+ representation. Those who enjoy stories dealing with family dynamics, the search for identity, and themes of acceptance may find elements in the film that resonate with them.

It is an accessible production for young adults as well as broader audiences accustomed to classic holiday films. However, due to the sections with intense scenes centered on family tension, the film may occasionally lean toward a more dramatic tone for those expecting a light and completely carefree comedy.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Strong cast and convincing chemistry among the characters

2. Bringing an innovative and sincere perspective to the classic Christmas movie formula

3. The energetic comedic moments contributed to the film by supporting characters, especially Michelle Buteau

Cons:

1. For some viewers, the family tension scenes occasionally overshadow the comedy

2. Some predictable story turns that don't entirely escape genre clichés

Genre and Tone

The film sits at the intersection of romantic comedy and holiday film genres. While its tone is generally warm and entertaining, it occasionally takes on a dramatic weight due to themes of family pressure and hiding one's identity. This mixture gives the film both an enjoyable and thought-provoking air. Christmas decorations, family dinners, and celebration scenes allow the film to visually create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

The film runs for approximately 102 minutes, a length that helps maintain the story's fluidity. Neither too long nor too short, this runtime allows viewers to connect with the characters while not permitting tedious moments. It has a comfortable pace, particularly suitable for watching with family or a group of friends during the holiday season.

Similar Productions

• Love, Simon (2018)

• The Prom (2020)

• Carol (2015)

• Single All the Way (2021)

• The Half of It (2020)

• Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Final Assessment

"Happiest Season" is a warm and thought-provoking production that reinterprets the classic Christmas movie formula with a modern and inclusive perspective. Strong cast performances, comedic elements enriched especially by Michelle Buteau's contribution, and the skillful handling of realistic tensions within the family set the film apart from other examples in its genre. For those who want to have fun while also doing a bit of thinking, it stands out as an option well worth watching, especially during the holiday season.