The term “rom-com” normally comes with some preconceived notions. The film will feature a man and a woman who meet in a super cute (but awkward) way. They instantly have feelings but tensions rise and threaten the relationship. By the third act, everything is good and they live happily ever after. We’ve seen it a million times. “Happiest Season” is a rom-com that aims to change things up in a fairly major way.
READ MORE: Fall Film Preview: 40 Most Anticipated Films To Watch
As seen in the new first-look images from Sony’s upcoming film, “Happiest Season” is the first major studio rom-com to feature a lesbian couple at the center. And while that may seem like a minor tweak to an existing formula, the idea of including an LGBTQ+ couple in a romantic comedy is something pretty monumental in terms of inclusivity. Not to mention, the two leads are incredible actresses, Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis. Oh, and the film is directed by Clea DuVall.
The film’s premise seems fairly typical, as the story follows a woman that is invited to meet her girlfriend’s family for the first time during Christmas vacation. And while there, she plans on proposing to her partner in a fairy tale-esque way. Unfortunately, she then finds out that her girlfriend’s family doesn’t even know she’s gay, and thus, the entire plan (and relationship) is turned on its head.
READ MORE: 52 Films Directed By Women To Watch In 2020
As mentioned, Stewart and Davis star in the feature alongside Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Daniel Levy, Victor Garber, and Mary Steenburgen. Those are definitely some acting powerhouses. As mentioned, the film is directed by DuVall, based on a script she co-wrote with Mary Holland. This film marks the second feature directed by DuVall, after her 2016 debut, “The Intervention.”
“Happiest Season” is expected to arrive on November 25 in theaters. You can read the full synopsis and see the first-look images below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Meeting your girlfriend’s family for the first time can be tough. Planning to propose at her family’s annual Christmas dinner -until you realize that they don’t even know she’s gay -is even harder. When Abby (Kristen Stewart) learns that Harper (Mackenzie Davis) has kept their relationship a secret from her family, she begins to question the girlfriend she thought she knew. HAPPIEST SEASON is a holiday romantic comedy that hilariously captures the range of emotions tied to wanting your family’s acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas.
