Happiest Season - Review

 

Some might argue that the topic of coming out might be too sour, or even traumatic, to be shoved into a holiday themed romantic comedy, but it could also be argued that shoving such a dramatic topic into an otherwise sweet and sugary rom-com speaks to just how mainstream queer rom-coms have become. Regardless, “Happiest Season” is here from Sony Pictures and Hulu, and it is without a doubt a jolly holiday.

A film like this entirely depends on its cast. The script is important too, but there’s no visual effects, makeup, outlandish sets, or otherworldly scenarios in the rom-com genre. It’s all about the cast, and that is without a doubt the film’s strongest suit. Kristen Stewart (“Twilight,” “Personal Shopper”) and Mackenzie Davis (“Halt and Catch Fire,” “Terminator: Dark Fate”) both lead the film as Abby and Harper, respectively, and their charms and chemistry are effortless. It’s that kind of rare romance where none of it feels Hollywood fake, as if you’re really just watching two people who’re in love and struggling.

They also both show their excellent comedic timing as well as dramatic chops. Given her recent reputation playing stoic or cool characters, its delightful to see Stewart have so many scenes where she plays the awkward third wheel, and the same goes for Davis. Her recent turns in action films like “Terminator: Dark Fate” mean her toned down, sweet yet still attention starved demeanor plays even better than it already would.

The supporting cast is filled with scene-stealers throughout the film, whether it’s Jane, played by Mary Holland (“Blunt Talk,” “The Package”), Harper’s elder sister who’s been starved of attention, Sloane, played by Alison Brie (“Community,” “GLOW”), Harper’s eldest sister who’s had a bit too much attention, or Riley, played by Aubrey Plaza (“Parks & Recreation,” “The Little Hours”), Harper’s ex, and Ted, played by Victor Garber (“Argo,” “Alias”), Harper’s father

The absolute top dollar scene stealers comes in the form of the ever excellent and hilarious Mary Steenburgen (“Step Brothers,” “Melvin and Howard”) as Tipper, Harper’s mother, and Dan Levy (“Schitt’s Creek,” “Coastal Elites”) as John, the gay best friend of Abby. Anyone who’s seen her work on “The Last Man on Earth” or any of her various comedic roles from the last decade knows exactly what kind of manic comedy will come out when she comes on screen. The same goes for Levy, as while his schtick may be familiar to viewer’s of Schitt’s Creek, it doesn’t make it any less charming, heartfelt, or hilarious.

What works so well about “Happiest” comes down to those actors working from such a rich script. It isn’t anything groundbreaking, but there’s a healthy bit of wry humor at play in the proceedings that help prevent things from ever getting too heavy. It’s a testament to the abilities of writer/director Clea DuVall (“But I’m a Cheerleader,” “Girl, Interrupted”) and writer Mary Holland that the film never wallows in its own seriousness.

Don’t misunderstand, this doesn’t cheat these dramatic moments of their weight. In fact quite the opposite; by allowing the humor to feel more natural, as if its invading every facet of the characters lives, it allows the film to feel more real, allows the characters to becomes more three dimensional, and, by extension, makes the dramatic moments land much harder than they otherwise would.

It’s almost a satire at times given how specifically and incisively it zeros in on the heteronormative rich white suburban family culture and the expectations therein. Again though, because of that humor and the effort put into endearing and developing these characters, it means that this isn’t a film that will alienate anyone. It truly feels like a family holiday, both due to the chaos and the love at the center of it all.

There are likely going to be a flood of think pieces that follow the film’s release that dissect how cliched and samey it feels to other previous holiday rom-coms. While that might be true, DuVall and Holland are clearly less interested in the trappings of the plot compared to the people within that plot. When you become this invested in these characters, it means that the surrounding plot contrivances and similarities melt away like snow come springtime.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that, while not a crucial component to character-driven comedies, the camerawork from cinematographer John Guleserian (“Like Crazy,” “Love, Simon”) is excellent. It goes far beyond the typical sitcom style seen in most low/mid budget studio comedies and actually takes the time to frame the holiday glitz and glamour and drama with a careful, if not particularly revelatory, eye.

“Happiest Season” is as cheesy as it needs to be, and a delightful surprise all around thanks to a terrific cast and attention to the characters they’re playing. The plot itself might be well worn, but this film is like that old gift bag your mom keeps year after year. You might be used to how it looks on the outside, but that doesn’t mean it can’t hold something truly special and heartwarming inside. 4.5/5