In the realm of television and film, representation for queer women remains woefully inadequate. While we occasionally see a queer character, genuine leads are still rare. This scarcity is what sparked excitement for ‘Happiest Season’, a holiday romantic comedy directed by Clea Duvall, featuring queer women at the forefront. At last, we have the chance to experience a joyful rom-com. However, the film doesn’t quite match the lightheartedness many expected, leading to disappointment among some queer women viewers. Despite its shortcomings, it still makes for an enjoyable holiday watch.
As a holiday rom-com, ‘Happiest Season’ checks off several traditional elements. There are amusing holiday mishaps, such as the confrontational scenes between Harper and her sister Sloane, portrayed by Alison Brie. The movie also dives into family drama, including a forced outing scene that can be triggering. It’s the type of film that makes you want to snuggle up with a warm drink and a comfy blanket. And let’s be honest, Kristen Stewart is incredibly appealing. I would love to see her star in a lesbian rom-com alongside a stylish Aubrey Plaza. Dan Levy continues to be a gem, while Mary Steenburgen and Victor Garber shine as Harper’s quintessentially WASP-y parents. This film will definitely find a spot in my holiday rom-com lineup.
At its heart, ‘Happiest Season’ explores the challenges of coming out. The narrative centers on Abby and Harper, played by Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis. The opening credits showcase their relationship’s evolution, setting the stage for the unfolding events. Caught up in the festive spirit, Harper invites Abby to spend Christmas with her family, not anticipating that she would accept.
However, Harper finds herself in a bind. Despite indicating otherwise, she has not come out to her parents about her sexuality or her long-term relationship with Abby. To complicate matters further, she introduces Abby as just her roommate who lacks family for the holidays. The potential for classic rom-com moments exists, but they are disappointingly sparse.
Many queer women’s critiques of ‘Happiest Season’ stem from its triggering elements. It’s not just the characters concealing their identities that causes discomfort; rather, it’s Harper’s approach to the situation. Throughout the film, Harper mistreats Abby, yet Abby continues to tolerate the behavior out of love, which feels particularly unfair. Even as she brings Abby into her world, she neglects her, making it difficult to root for Harper after she abandons Abby at various events.
One of the most challenging scenes occurs when Abby joins Harper for a night out with her high school friends. Feeling sidelined, Abby opts to leave, while Harper stays behind, spending hours with her ex-boyfriend. When Abby confronts her, Harper lashes out, expressing a need for a “break.”
Abby finds support from Riley (Aubrey Plaza), Harper’s ex-girlfriend, who understands Abby’s predicament and the emotional toll of concealing Harper’s sexuality. Their interaction at a drag show provides a much-needed moment of levity, and many viewers may find themselves wishing for a romantic connection between the two characters. Riley offers Abby the affection she deserves, and let’s face it, Aubrey Plaza in a blazer is undeniably attractive.
Dan Levy portrays Abby’s friend John, who serves as both comic relief and a source of wisdom. He supports Abby in critical moments, even going as far as to pose as her ex-boyfriend for her protection. When Harper betrays Abby by denying her sexuality at a pivotal moment, John helps her navigate her feelings, emphasizing that everyone’s journey to coming out is unique. This should be one of the key takeaways from the film.
While ‘Happiest Season’ has its flaws, it represents just one narrative in a larger tapestry of coming out stories. The issue isn’t simply the film itself; it’s the reality that because of the scarcity of stories focusing on queer women, especially lesbians, we place immense expectations on a single movie. If it doesn’t resonate with everyone, it’s often dismissed as disappointing. I look forward to a future where we have a wealth of queer stories, each with its own unique perspective. Overall, it’s a delightful film, regardless of its imperfections.
‘Happiest Season’ is currently streaming on Hulu.
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Summary:
‘Happiest Season’ is a holiday rom-com that explores the complexities of coming out for queer women. While it has its share of shortcomings, the film offers a mix of humor, drama, and romance. The portrayal of Abby and Harper’s relationship raises important discussions around love and acceptance, making it a noteworthy addition to queer cinema.