Kylee Levien brings wonder, warmth, and mystery to Chrismystery

In a holiday landscape crowded with cozy romances, hometown reunions, and predictable yuletide cheer, A Chrismystery steps forward with something far rarer: a story that intertwines grief with wonder, mystery with warmth, and a young heroine whose courage carries the emotional weight of the film. At the center of it all is rising star Kylee Levien, whose portrayal of Leia brings a level of sincerity and nuance that elevates the genre. The film is debuting November 4, 2025, on Apple TV and On Demand, pairs the familiar comfort of a holiday classic with the intrigue of a small-town mystery—anchored by a performance that feels intimate, grounded, and luminously human.

Levien doesn’t just act the role; she inhabits it. Her commitment shows in the way she approached Leia’s emotional complexity, beginning with the first spark of connection: “I was immediately drawn to Leia’s heart and strength,” she says, describing a girl who walks through loss yet refuses to let the world lose its magic. This duality—pain and possibility—forms the heartbeat of both the character and the film.

The project also marks a significant milestone in Levien’s growing career: her first major holiday lead, opposite genre staple Jen Lilley, shot on location in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The authenticity of the setting, the quiet streets, the winter air, and the communal closeness all fed directly into her performance. For Levien, it wasn’t just another movie; it was an immersive, transformative experience shaped by cold mornings, warm cocoa, and a cast and crew unified by the same creative pulse.

Discover the unexpected magic

What makes Levien’s work stand out is her instinctive ability to balance tones that rarely coexist so naturally. She leans into the softness of Christmas nostalgia while honoring the raw ache of a family learning to breathe again, and she threads it all through the curiosity that defines Leia. That blend gives A Chrismystery a texture that invites viewers into something deeper than holiday sweetness—a story that acknowledges grief without losing sight of hope, that pulls you close with mystery while reminding you what makes the season glow.

From the moment she read the script, Levien felt an immediate pull: “I was instantly drawn in. It felt like a story that was both comforting and meaningful.” That instinct grew into a performance layered with grief, curiosity, and the unmistakable glow of holiday wonder. “I was immediately drawn to Leia’s heart and strength,” she explains. “She’s dealing with loss but still finds hope and magic in the world around her.”

To step into Leia’s emotional landscape, Levien grounded herself in both the melancholy and the warmth of the season: “It was about finding the light in the dark, just like Leia does.” She immersed herself in the festive mood through simple rituals—“I listened to Christmas music nonstop and drank way too much hot cocoa!”—a mix of preparation and personal nostalgia that kept the holiday spirit alive through long days on a frigid Missouri set.

Unexpected joy awaits

Working alongside Hallmark veteran Jen Lilley added another dimension. “Working with Jen was amazing, she’s kind, grounded, and such a pro on set.” Their on-screen bond mirrors the relationship between mother and daughter in the film—two people working through shared grief and rediscovering joy. “They’re both navigating grief but also rediscovering joy together,” Levien says. “It’s a very close and emotional bond.”

Saint Joseph, Missouri—its quiet streets, warm locals, and small-town charm—became a character of its own. “The town’s charm helped me tap into the spirit of the story,” she recalls. Even the cold played its part. “Layers!! Lots and lots of layers!” Levien laughs. The freezing weather gave the film’s cozy scenes an undeniable authenticity.

The set itself was full of warmth, humor, and shared creativity. Levien recalls arriving each morning to a ritual that became an anchor: “My PA Baylee brought me a hot cocoa and a cookie almost every morning. It meant so much.” But the standout behind-the-scenes moment is pure holiday magic: “I organized a flash mob on the last day of set… it was chaotic, hilarious, and the perfect way to wrap filming!”

Uncover hidden wonders

Balancing the film’s mystery with its Christmas coziness came naturally once she locked into Leia’s emotional center. “The mystery side brought out her adventurous side, and the Christmas parts reminded me of why I love holiday movies.” That adventurous spark is something Levien sees in herself: “I’m naturally curious and love figuring things out, just like her.”

As the story unfolds, Leia transforms through the very puzzle she helps unravel. “She learns to let go of fear and open her heart again… she rediscovers joy and learns that love doesn’t disappear, it just changes form.” If the film has a message, Levien hopes it stays close to viewers long after the credits roll: “Love really is the greatest gift… family, friendship, and forgiveness.”

The filmmaking experience left a mark on Levien. “I learned how much collaboration and positivity can elevate a project.” And she sees A Chrismystery offering something distinct in the holiday lineup: “It has that classic Christmas warmth but with a mysterious twist that keeps you guessing.”

Unlock new dimensions

Off screen, the film’s themes resonated deeply. When asked what “home” means, she doesn’t hesitate: “Home is where you feel the most yourself… it’s about people, not places.”

With A Chrismystery wrapped, Levien pivots sharply into new terrain. Her upcoming 2026 film CATnip—co-starring Chevy Chase, Joey Lauren Adams, and Bruce Dern—dives into horror. “It’s completely different… dark, intense, and full of suspense.” Looking ahead, she’s ready for more challenges: “I’d love to explore more action and drama… maybe something with a fantasy twist.”

Follow her fame on Instagram: @kyleegracelevien