Happiest Season (2020) User Reviews

Excellent. Even learned something

[djean-385-619019 · 8/10 · 26 November 2020]

This is a very good movie with a lot of feel good moments. Dan Levy is the man and Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis shine. As a straight man who has never had to hide who I am, I really learned something in this movie and I hope others do too.

Surprised by all the negative reviews

[aprilsfriendorin · 7/10 · 7 December 2020]

I'm genuinely surprised by all the negative reviews on here. I really enjoyed this movie. It's both funny and serious- there's a good balance between the two. There's also a lot of casual queer representation, and it never felt "preachy" to me (which I guess is what some people are complaining about)? If you're not going to watch for the plot, at least watch for Dan Levy and Aubrey Plaza- they are definitely the best pets of the movie.

Damn if it isn't the happiest season

[Calicodreamin · 7/10 · 6 December 2020]

I don't usually ship... but I ship Abby and Riley. Otherwise, this film is pretty good. Decent acting, typical storyline, and a great cast. Dan Levy steals the show and Kristen Stewart surprisingly displays a range of emotions. Well done all.

Very Entertaining Christmas RomCom...

[toddsgraham · 7/10 · 3 December 2020]

It is no Richard Curtis film, but it is fun and entertaining nonetheless. The plot here - the trip home to meet the family where things go wrong/haywire - is quite a common plot in this genre of film, i.e., the Christmas romantic comedy. The writers (DuVall and Holland) also draw on a popular plot device: i.e., deception - the fake relationship intended to deceive family and friends (this year, Holidate and Midnight at the Magnolia, come to mind). The twist in this film, of course, is that it is a same-sex female relationship, where they pretend to be roommates as opposed to a couple. Overall, I thought this worked well. There is a lot of good and funny dialogue in this movie; I found myself laughing quite a bit, at times. At the heart of the humour for me was Sloane and Jane (the two sisters), and Tipper (the mother). The writers did a good job of developing the lines and dialogue here. That said, I thought the biggest shortcoming of the movie was that the writers did not spend enough time developing the relationship between Abby and Harper (the leads) before the trip home, before the deception began. In essence, we get one scene before they are off to visit the family for Christmas. The writers could have spent more time setting up why these two, Abby (played by Kristen Stewart) and Harper (played by Mackenzie Davis), are together, in love as it were. The chemistry between the two is never really established. Because the film spends much of the time playing out the deception, I found myself asking (towards the middle to end of the film): why are these two together? Of course, at the very end, the writers try to sort this out with a heartfelt reveal, coming out, by Harper. But by then, I felt it was too late, I already had a 'bad taste in my mouth'. The acting was impressive overall. The leads both had great performances. I especially enjoyed Mary Steenburgen's portrayal of Tipper (she was very funny!). Alison Brie (as Sloane) and Mary Holland (as Jane) were great too (hilarious in some scenes, I thought). You are in for a treat with these performances. Leaving the shortcoming aside, this is a fun (and at times, emotional) Christmas romcom. I really enjoyed it, thus I highly recommend it.

Meh

[savindri · 6/10 · 27 November 2020]

The movie starts off all joyful and festive, sticking to what was marketed and promised in the trailer, however that all comes to an abrupt end way too soon. This movie left me feeling more annoyed than it did make me feel happy about a journey meant to be about self acceptance and family. Firstly, I'm shocked to see so many people overlooking and justifying Harper's manipulative and ignorant actions towards Abby. There is a fine line between being afraid to be out and mistreating your partner because of it. She doesn't need to be painted as a villain but she should've had better character development rather than shoving it all in the last 10 minutes of the film and call it a happy resolution. Second, what is up with movies/tv shows casually placing "outings" as the major turning point plus for shock value? Then proceeding to brush it off with a half assed apology from who was responsible, downplaying the seriousness of how wrong it is in the first place. Cliches like that are literally meant for straight audiences. The fact that so many saw Abby and Riley being a potential couple further accentuated the lack of chemistry between Abby and Harper in the long run of the film. The jealousy antics and the overly fake forced heteronormativity that was done to an extent that tormented Abby, only made Harpers character even more dislikable. Yes, this fight/situation alone didn't have to mean they should've parted ways, but given the poor writing choice for putting Abby in the limelight, mostly seeing her perspective makes viewers much more sympathetic for her, making it harder to be so quickly forgiving for everything she had to go through like 3.5/4 of the film. "Everyone's coming out story is different" perhaps the most important line in the whole movie. This movie had its wholesome moments and I see why people enjoyed it but overall for me it just left a sour aftertaste, made me uncomfortable at times for how stressful and triggering it was, but like it or hate it, the film was poorly executed for the themes they wanted to explore and surely shouldn't be regarded as a "romcom".

A decent drama but not exactly lighthearted Christmas fare

[Dany23 · 6/10 · 4 November 2022]

Watched this with my girlfriend, we were both expecting a feel-good Christmas movie... instead found this to be quite dramatic and more intense than the trailers/advertising suggested. We're both cis gay women and watching Abby being forced to sneak around at Christmas while Harper hides in the closet (for reasons the movie never really explains apart from "general fear of parental response"?) was not really "fun" or "festive" for us. I was actually pretty bummed out and disappointed after the movie ended.

The film seems to be at least partly autobiographical from Clea DuVall (who I enjoyed in But I'm a cheerleader), and as a drama it works well, I just wish the advertising had reflected that. If I knew what I was getting into, I'd give it a solid 7.5/10 - the acting is decent and the story is pretty relatable. Dan Levy is great, I wish he'd had a bit more time on screen (he was the only comedic element!), and Kristen Stewart handles the dramatic elements with ease. I really felt for Abby.

On a happier note, as part of a broader representation of LBGTQ+ community, I'm glad this movie did well - looking forward to more queer stories.

Really quite great!

[alicianora · 7/10 · 26 November 2020]

I was impressed with this film considering all of the big name actors/actresses in it. The production is strong and beautifully shot. The styling is also great. Kristen Stewart shines in this role. The storyline is heartfelt and entertaining. But also, representation matters & Happiest Season is a movie everyone can relate to, LGBTQ or not.

DAN LEVY and KRISTEN STEWART nailed it

[samratsingraur · 9/10 · 25 November 2020]

This movie is light hearted, heart warming and literally the cutest gay movie I've ever seen. It's absolutely worth watching with such an amazing cast. The way its directed is charming and clever that it gives joy and comfort. Happiest season definitely reaches up to the mark and proves their title name and the Christmas vibes are so fresh and delightful. Lead actors are nothing but best as we witnessed Dan Lavy before in Schitt's Creek by his ravishing performance, he does not fail to do so again and of course Kristen is a treat to watch. In a nutshell, it's a perfect Holiday rom-com to watch and feel good in these difficult times. Everyone should def watch it!

Almost had a holiday classic

[cardsrock · 7/10 · 6 December 2020]

There are some good messages about inclusiveness and a Christmas energy that makes this film hum along. It's pretty funny and I enjoyed it up until the ending.

Harper is portrayed as a generally terrible person for most of the film and a quick speech at the end doesn't redeem her enough to justify Abby staying with her. Kristen Stewart honestly had more chemistry with Aubrey Plaza's character and this film could've taken a bold direction in having those two end up together. This doesn't ruin the film, but just hinders it from becoming a real Christmas classic.

#TeamAubreyPlaza

[matthewssilverhammer · 5/10 · 26 December 2020]

Happiest Season deserves a lot of credit for the grace with which it handles coming out, especially from within a family full of such insufferable jerks. Still, I can't help but feel like the Mackenzie Davis character gets away with a bit too much truly terrible behavior to make the ending satisfying. #TeamAubreyPlaza all day...not since Ducky in "Pretty in Pink"...

Harper Sucks

[kristaholmesfb · 6/10 · 1 December 2020]

I watched this movie for Dan Levy, and he did not disappoint. He is a national treasure and deserved more screen time. Kristen Stewart wasn't as bad as I thought she would be. Aubrey Plaza was a delight. I love the rest of the cast, but their characters were annoying. Harper was an absolutely horrible girlfriend, and I was actually rooting for Abby and Riley to end up together instead. Overall, not that bad of a movie because I'm just happy to finally see an LGBTQ Christmas rom-com, but this could have been done so much better.

Had the chance...

[T2TLED · 5/10 · 28 November 2020]

Look, I get they took a gay story and put it through the straight trenches, but this movie had the chance to really make a statement by having Abby and Riley be the end game. Was anyone else hoping for that??? Harper wasn't redeemed enough to get her happy ending. Still good, but really missed a huge opportunity for a unique love story.

Yeah yeah, another short one...shoo.

[someokiedude · 7/10 · 10 December 2020]

I initially wrote this one off as another contrived Christmas romance movie, and I was also expecting this to be another contrived LGBT romance as well. But I was surprised at the sensitivity that the film sometimes demonstrated. Certainly, it was a bit cliched, but not harmfully so. A wonderfully fun and heartfelt film, to be sure. It's one that we need in this year.

Everybody's Story is Different...

[Xstal · 7/10 · 6 December 2020]

The far too often shallow facade and deceit of meeting traditional and expired conservative expectations played out in a cinematic seasonal pantomime (oh no it isn't; watch it and find out!). Primarily preaching to the converted, it reminds us why individualism is the foundation of us all. Could have been the best Christmas film ever if the father had come out as a cross dresser and the mother as a habitual piercer but you should always leave room for improvement and any improvement in the views of some is always well and truly welcome.

Good but frustrating

[Monicaemeline · 7/10 · 30 November 2020]

This film had potential, it was funny at times and wasn't filled with cringey lines or over done. My problem was with the relationship itself, I didn't even want the two to end up together, at least not right away. Harper was not a likeable character to me whatsoever, after lying time and time again, and pushing away Abby as much as she did. I was not rooting for her in the end, I think Abby put up with too much and I wanted her to stand up for herself walk away. The family also didn't treat her well at all! Very frustrating.

Really Great

[Neon_Gold · 7/10 · 19 December 2020]

I really liked this movie. It's has parts that are pretty fun and the cast is fantastic. It really is an all Star cast and they all get moments to shine.

I think that definitely it's biggest strength is it's characters.

They are just so fun and interesting you really wish that you got to spend more time with them and unfortunately you kind of wish that the movie was about them because bizarrely enough I think this movies biggest weakness is also it's characters.

The two leads characters are some of the more boring ones in the movie. Kristen Stewart's is ok for the most part and I did like her but Mackenzie Davis' character is quite bad. That is nothing to do with the acting because I think everyone was pretty great it is purely a script issue.

The character of Harper is really unlikable. The movie really leaves her out to dry. It is like the writers hated her and because of that she becomes really unlikable for most of the movie. I really think they should have reworked her so she was even slightly more redeemable.

That was really my only complaint. I think this movie is charming and cute. It's nice to have another LGBTQ+ Christmas movie available. Definitely watch it and support this film existing.

All the holiday feels for this all star LGBTQ cast!

[ziestutzman-25731 · 9/10 · 26 November 2020]

Fresh. Relevant. Heartfelt. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It was so nice to see LGBTQ characters at the center of this story, rather than side characters or fillers. For those who have already come out, and for those who struggle to find a way, we see you. This will be on my holiday must watch list for years to come.

At least it's queer

[maki-81037 · 7/10 · 20 February 2022]

It's a lesbian Hallmark Christmas movie. Did it make much sense? No. Would I have preferred Abby with Riley? Yes. But still. At least we got something. So it's not perfect, but it's nice.

Had a lot of potential but didn't live up to it

[clcrazyhorses · 5/10 · 26 November 2020]

I loved the concept of this movie. A gay Christmas rom-com, how much better could it get? Answer: a lot. It was great up until Kristen Stewart's girlfriend blatantly lies to her and shows no remorse. I have no issue with the concept of people coming out on their own timelines. I do have an issue of lying to your partner like that. In my opinion, they make a terrible couple. I would much rather see Kristen Stewart with Aubrey Plaza. Great concept, terrible execution.

loved ittt

[cassiesimms-65633 · 10/10 · 25 November 2020]

Such a good movie. Thought the plot and acting was amazing. The lgbtq representation was really nice to see in a christmas movie which we never get. Also has some great humor in there as well and a great cast. Overall i loved it!

Kristen Stewart being gay is just 👌

[queenred12 · 7/10 · 2 December 2020]

Overall I enjoyed the movie. Kristen being a gay icon gave me life. Aubrey served looks and Dan was great for comedic timing. However Mackenzie Davis, while being a great actress, Harper was not a likeable character. And it has nothing to do with Harper being in the closet. Rather from everything we saw of her, she was a liar and built a relationship based off of several lies. And she really does nothing to redeem herself. Being in the closet does not absolve you of being a bad girlfriend to literally everyone that we were showed that she dated. That being said, I did like the movie and I will be watching it a few more times. I'm very happy that we have it, but we've got to do better with lead characters. Harper made it seem that gay girls should accept whatever from their partner because she's closeted, and that's just not true

She should have left and never looked back

[matilde25 · 5/10 · 15 January 2021]

I wanted to like this movie but as soon as they arrived at the family's home, Harper started behaving so badly that I hoped Abby would just say "I'm out!" and leave immediately. But she never did, and decided to persevere with these god awful terrible people, and I lost any kind of compassion I had for her character. The mom, the dad, those terribly written sisters, especially Alison Brie who is so misused here, that entire Christmas charade.. Abby was treated miserably by all of them and was basically ignored by her so-called "true love", and yet she never left.. so basically she CHOSE to stay in a toxic relationship based on lies with a annoying girlfriend. And that too perfect to be true ending? What the heck was that? These terrible people all of the sudden just changed their entire persona and accepted each other for who they are? yeah right! Also, this was marketed as a Christmas romantic comedy. Nothing romantic or funny here.. too bad for the entire talent cast.

Dan Levy & Mary Holland Steal The Show

[slightlymad22 · 6/10 · 4 December 2020]

I watched Happiest Season last night.

It's billed as a Christmas movie, but it's not really. It just happens to be set at Christmas.

It's really a movie about a gay couple (Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis), visiting one of their parents for 5 days. Just before they get there, one of them reveals not only do her parents not know she is in a relationship, they don't know she is gay.

So lots of awkward situations arise, and believe me, they are awkward, not funny. I did laugh a few times, but it was at two of the supporting characters played by Dan Levy and Mary Holland.

I thought the ending was totally undeserved, as one half of the couple was incredibly selfish and unlikeable. Everything is tied up in a neat bow, when it's not really earned.

This won't make its way onto my Christmas Movies To Watch In December List

Christmas relationship movie

[jfgibson73 · 6/10 · 4 January 2021]

Here is a nice little story about a woman going to meet her girlfriend's parents for the first time without knowing if they will approve of the relationship or not. It was mostly entertaining, even though the girlfriend made so many outrageous choices that a real person would probably easily avoid. It kept my interest, but I didn't really feel the emotion between the two leads. It was a lukewarm romance at best. But generating onscreen passion wasn't really the point. It was about whether this woman would be willing to stay with someone who wasn't being true to herself or their feelings for one another. There was some enjoyable comedy and nice performances, but I don't see it becoming a holiday classic.