4.5/5 Stars
On Oct. 28, 2020, Netflix released its new holiday rom-com “Holidate.” Featuring every holiday throughout the year, along with relatable young-adult humor, this movie exceeds viewer expectations.
“Holidate” reached No. 4 on Netflix’s Top 10 chart on Nov. 6, 2020. With a TV-MA rating, this movie is certainly one for mature audiences in need of a good, heartfelt laugh. There are scenes involving alcohol, drug use and profanity, though, so it is best that viewers are 17 years of age and older.
Director John Whitesell could not have picked a better pair than leading duo Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey. The chemistry between the two is portrayed so successfully that it could produce tears of both joy and sadness from the audience. “Holidate” flawlessly demonstrates the true definition of a rom-com going back and forth from funny to romantic to funny again.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes, “Holidate” provides the perfect amount of love, heartbreak and humor without overdoing it. The plot follows the two main characters, Sloane and Jackson, who are both exhausted by their families’ annual questions about their love lives (or lack thereof). If Sloane has to hear her mother ask when she is getting married one more time, she might lose her mind. As a solution, the two decide they will be each other’s “holidate” with no strings attached to avoid the pressure of showing up to holiday events sad and alone. Although both charming and attractive characters, Sloane and Jackson each have a fear of commitment and trust that they need to learn to overcome in order for the “holidate” agreement to work.
Other cast members include Jessica Capshaw as Sloane’s older sister Abby, Kristin Chenoweth as Sloane’s Aunt Susan and Manish Dayal as Faarooq, a doctor who Sloane’s mother tries to set her up with. Sloane’s brother York is played by Jake Manley and York’s fiancee Liz is played by Cynthy Wu.
McG and Mary Viola were both producers of “Holidate,” and the cinematography was done by Shane Hurlbut. Notable movies that were produced and directed by McG include “Charlie’s Angels,” “The Babysitter” and “Terminator Salvation.” Director Whitesell’s film credits include “Deck the Halls” and “Big Momma’s House 2.”
While the director and producers did a great job putting this film together, the actors and actresses made all the difference. By the end of the movie, every single character’s personality and traits are well known and loved. “Holidate” glimpses into not only Sloane and Jackson’s Christmas, but every holiday throughout the year from Valentine’s Day to Cinco de Mayo to the Fourth of July. That is what is so flexible about this movie; it can be watched and enjoyed by fans any time of the year!
As a whole, “Holidate” gives viewers a rom-com that is relatable to relationships in the 21st century. It’s honest, hilarious, romantic and even a little inappropriate, but that makes the film even more enjoyable. As the winter holiday season approaches, Netflix subscribers have the perfect popcorn-eating, binge-worthy movie to add to their wish list.
