By Remy Bailard
Arts Editor
The film “Holidate” brings watchers through a sleigh ride of holiday festivities while differentiating itself from classic holiday romances.
The film exceeds expectations with its comedic nature, saving it from feeling overdone and predictable. With its witty dialogue and strong lead actors, “Holidate” pleases viewers with a festive and enjoyable experience.
Released by Netflix on Oct. 28, “Holidate” is directed by John Whitesell. The film stars Emma Roberts as Sloane and Luke Bracey as Jackson.
The movie follows Sloane and Jackson as they face constant judgement from their respective families as a result of their lacking love lives. The two form a pact to spend every holiday together so that they no longer have to show up alone, sending them into a whirlwind full of adventure and emotion.
The film’s strongest aspect is its use of clever and humorous dialogue, making the film feel lighter and less structured. The comedy-filled plot reaches a wider variety of viewers who do not usually go for a sappy romance film. The dialogue breaks up the film with a well-balanced amount of serious and light-hearted moments, which makes it an easy watch for audience members.
The addition of the plot being based around year-round holidays helps to differentiate the film from the usual holiday films that revolve all around Christmas. With this inclusivity, “Holidate” reaches a wider range of audiences, seeing as many people do not celebrate Christmas. The movie comes at the perfect time of year, just as the holiday season is kicking off, bringing festivity and joy to viewers.
“Holidate” brings in several cliché elements that arise with the different holidays throughout the year. The dialogue builds off of these elements, interpreting it in a comical way and further eliminating the usual sappiness that shows up in holiday films. Main character Sloane’s obsession with Valentine’s Day chocolates fills the audience with laughter while poking fun at the holiday that is known for all of its many clichés.
The exceptional acting from Roberts and Bracey greatly contributes to the film’s success. The actors took on the roll of their character in full force, helping to form a connection between the characters and the audience. Each character’s unique personality came through clearly in the film, which set the tone of the film. The quirkiness that comes through the character Sloane portrays the film in a comical way, stopping it from feeling like every other predictable holiday film.
Throughout the film, a powerful message of overcoming the past is conveyed, contributing to the film’s meaningfulness. This message adds a connection to the audience and helps to further the complex plotline. In addition, the message ties in well with the holiday theme throughout the movie, providing viewers with a sense of relief toward the normal chaos that arises with the coming holiday season.
“Holidate” adds a refreshing element to stereotypical holiday romance movies with a diverse plotline. The film ultimately brings out a heart-warming and hopeful feeling within the audience, making it a must-see for the upcoming festivities.
Released on Oct. 28, “Holidate” is rated TV-MA and is available for streaming on Netflix.
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