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Okay, I'm going to try and explain what bothered me about Happiest Season and I think it hinges on two main concepts:
1. The expectations of a rom-com
2. The character driven aspects of a rom-com and how the investment in a couple is the driving force.
1. The expectations of a rom-com
2. The character driven aspects of a rom-com and how the investment in a couple is the driving force.
Every rom-com has a formula. And Happiest Season definitely started out like that. Harper inviting Abby for Christmas but not telling her family so you as a viewer anticipate some hijinks and awkward moments that ultimately get resolved.
The main issue is the problems didn't feel like hijinks. Harper's family was A LOT, amplified by the holiday season and her dad running for Mayor.
And all of this escalated to the queer ship suffering at the heart of it.
And all of this escalated to the queer ship suffering at the heart of it.
It felt like a straight rom-com with queer characters inserted - ie outside forces drive the main couple to suffer and jump through these intense hurdles in the name of love which are supposed to be funny but are more cringe worthy than anything.
And it doesn't have to do with Harper not being ready to come out. Dan Levy's scene with Kristen Stewart is EVERYTHING.
It explains so well how every queer person is at a different stage of their coming out and we must respect that.
It explains so well how every queer person is at a different stage of their coming out and we must respect that.
Harper's family has so many issues thrown into this movie resting on the shoulders of the queer characters. They hurt because of it. Relationships are nearly over because of it.
And there is a scene where Harper is outed at a gathering that hasn't sat right with me.
And there is a scene where Harper is outed at a gathering that hasn't sat right with me.
The movie does end happily but it felt like we got thrown around and there were still some serious issues that were patched over way too quickly.
Secondly, characters in rom-coms of course break up or go through a fight or lies are unveiled but you as a viewer still root or hope for the characters to get back together and ultimately you WANT them to.
This movie makes you waver.
This movie makes you waver.
Happiest Season introduces exes, who in most rom-com instances, you generally write off because you know they're a device to cause drama.
When it comes to Harper's ex, you start to wonder if Abby and her are better off together than the main romance we're supposed to root for.
When it comes to Harper's ex, you start to wonder if Abby and her are better off together than the main romance we're supposed to root for.
And as the movie ended, I still found myself thinking, "huh Riley and Abby would have been a pretty good ship."
I think this all ties into the "hijinks" of the movie shaking the foundational core relationship so much and putting queer pain at the forefront.
I was looking forward to this feel good queer romance and instead came out of it let down and wanting more of a holiday happiness.
I was looking forward to this feel good queer romance and instead came out of it let down and wanting more of a holiday happiness.
So uh, final thoughts? Be prepared that this movie won't be entirely feel good.
However, the gay LOOKS are undeniably on point.
However, the gay LOOKS are undeniably on point.
