Kristen Stewart’s new movie: Is it a gay AF Christmas romcom?
The holiday season is approaching quickly – in some places rooftops have already been dusted with a sheet of snow. You know what that means, it’s time to start building your Christmas watch list. Grab a blanket, some hot cocoa, and sit by the crackling hearth to enjoy the oncoming sprinkle of Christmas specials.
Luckily, this year there’s a new kind of holiday movie to strike your fancy. No longer will we be forced to endure endless romcoms that solely feature straight relationships. Queer romcom Happiest Season starring Kristen Stewart will be lighting up screens in your home soon enough.
Can you imagine a better Christmas gift from the streaming gods? Here’s everything to know about the exciting LGBTQ Christmas flick, Happiest Season.
Who do we thank?
Hulu announced they’re adding Happiest Season to their library November 27 – the day after Thanksgiving. Originally bound for the big screens, Sony/TriStar’a Happiest Season struck an exclusive deal with Hulu to ensure the film would reach people amid a pandemic.
Director & writer of Happiest Season, Clea DuVall conveyed her joy about the release, saying, “I am beyond grateful to Hulu for providing an incredible home for Happiest Season, and I’ll forever cherish my journey with Sony Pictures, who felt just as strongly as I did about the value of bringing the first major LGBTQ+ holiday romcom to audiences.”
With 2020 reaching a close, it’s time to celebrate the little wins coming along – even if that’s in the form of a gay Christmas guilty pleasure.
“This holiday season – more than any other – we could all use a little happiness. It was essential to Sony Pictures and to the filmmakers that Clea’s marvelous and fresh holiday-themed romantic comedy come out when the lights are on the trees,” explained Nicole Brown, president of TriStar Pictures. “We are excited that Hulu is geared up to make this happen in the U.S. and grateful that they love the movie as much as we do.”
Hulu’s content acquisition director Brian Kendig expressed mutual appreciation of the deal, saying Hulu was “honored to be the streaming home of this fresh and funny romantic comedy that explores love, family and acceptance this holiday season.”
Lovable cast
Those who think Twilight when they see Kristen Stewart need to broaden their view of the hot starlet. The Twilight movies were merely her jumping off point – she’s bound for so much more. Since the vampire saga, Stewart has starred in hits like Still Alice, Charlie’s Angels, and Underwater.
Garnering fame for her “I’m so gay, dude” comment on SNL, we have no doubt that Stewart will be an absolute delight in this queer romcom shining a light on underrepresented identities. Kristen Stewart shared that she’s “wished to see a gay Christmas rom com [her] whole life”. Stewart went on in depth about what the holiday film means to her:
“I grew up watching and loving conventional movies like this. Seeing [marginalized] people loving each other in the middle of something that’s so standardized was really exhilarating and freeing. There’s a lack of confusion and generalization Clea brings [as a queer woman]. I want people to see that two girls in love is just so fun.”
Stewart’s accompanying love interest will be played by Black Mirror’s Mackenzie Davis. Happiest Season will also welcome Aubrey Plaza to the cast, our precious April Ludgate from Parks & Recreation, as well as GLOW star Allison Brie. Additionally, Dan Levy from Schitt’s Creek will have a friendly role by Stewart’s side.
What’s it about?
Happiest Season may seem extra special because it’s focusing on marginalized identities, but the movie seems to be just like any other mainstream holiday comedy celebrating love & joy during the festive season. Except this time, the well-known genre will finally find a place to normalize the story of two women in love.
According to Entertainment, the holiday romcom will follow a young lesbian couple, Abby (Stewart) & Harper (Davis) visiting family during the holidays. On the way to Harper’s family gathering, she informs Abby that she’s yet to come out to her conservative relatives.
Clea DeVall expressed that Happiest Season would be a story she holds dear, since it’s connected to her own identity as a queer woman. “I’m a huge fan of Christmas movies, but I had never seen my story represented.”
“Maybe, I’m biased, but this was one of the most fun sets I have ever been on. From cast to the crew, everyone showed up each day with an excitement and energy that made every day a joy,” said DeVall.
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Is this gay AF romcom raising your holiday spirits? Let us know in the comments.
