Starring Robert Buckley and Amy Groening, Hallmark’s ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas brings an interesting and emotional twist to the fake dating trope. With this clever change, the film becomes a wildly hilarious joy ride, and when it drops the gut punch, it makes the story much more significant.
All Jessie wants for Christmas is for things to be as they usually are. When her mom proposes that they cancel their plans, Jessie tells her she’s bringing a boyfriend who’s excited to experience all that the Chamberlain Family Christmas Olympics has to offer. The only problem is that she doesn’t have a boyfriend, and instead, she takes her online blind date, Buckley’s Bryan. (He’s apparently also struggling in the dating market but isn’t carrying heartache like she is.)
The surprising chemistry between the two of them right from the start is essentially what makes the story work. At this point, the audience is still in the dark about what happened to Jessie’s ex, and all we know is that she still wears her engagement ring. We learn the truth as Bryan does, but everything we get before then shows that the characters are two people who could do well together. When it comes to many Hallmark movies, we don’t always get to spend too much time with the couples before the happy ending, so at times, believability hinges on the actors’ chemistry and the circumstances characters experience.
In Hallmark’s ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas, the chemistry is all there, and the one-of-a-kind family antics ensure that their scheme, at the very least, has all the wheels to become something worth rooting for. Additionally, there’s much to say about Bryan’s integrity and kindness because while his company is attempting to evict Jessie’s sister-in-law’s candle shop, he’s doing everything in his power to ensure that isn’t the case. And this very kindness makes it easy to root for him and Jessie to start something new when she’s ready.
As the film progresses and viewers learn the truth about the grief Jessie is battling, it becomes more effortless to understand why she’s so hesitant to get back on the market. Nothing is more challenging than combating fear when you know tremendous loss, and so she takes a significant risk in choosing to give things a real try with Bryan. It’s also shocking that only a year has passed, so it’s a good thing the film doesn’t dive too deep into false declarations or heavy-handed compliments. It’s a happy beginning to something new that viewers can tell will work out in the end, as he already fits into her family.
Hallmark’s ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas is mostly a quick joy ride, with hilarious family antics that make it an easy holiday watch. It could’ve dove deeper into the grief, but at the same time, this gives sensitive viewers a chance to see that there isn’t anything too triggering within the narrative. Ultimately, Buckley and Groening are a hilariously charming duo together. What also works is that there are people in the Chamberlain household who know about the scheme, making passing glances that much more hilarious.
Watch ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas on the Hallmark Channel this Christmas.
First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©Hallmark