Hallmark’s Operation Nutcracker is an adorable tear-jerker with heartwarming writing and thoughtful storytelling. The spirit of the holidays is more often than not about what we can do for others, and the film emphasizes this beautifully by focusing on children’s foundations with honor and compassion.
In fairness, I watch movies like this to escape from reality. As a fan of the romance genre, the guaranteed happy endings are always a refreshing balm, and during Christmas, it’s all about the little moments that make festive details even more exciting. Hallmark’s Operation Nutcracker is a delight from beginning to end that also takes place in my favorite city, allowing it to be even more special in this critic’s book.
For starters, the movie gives us an adorable (and hilarious) airport meet-cute, with the type of chemistry between our leads that continues to ignite as they work together to find his missing luggage and the prized nutcracker that her promotion essentially hinges on. At the same time, we have a lovely secondary theme that focuses on parents reconnecting with their children for quality time, resulting in the film’s most tender moments.
The story takes place during the span of a few days, so it features a significant amount of the insta-love trope, but like this year’s ‘Twas the Date Before Christmas, the main couple thankfully doesn’t rush into anything too drastic. It’s a new beginning that’s both a homecoming and a fresh start simultaneously, making Lottie’s journey especially lovely to see. Ashley Newbrough is an actress I’d love to see more of in Hallmark films because her effortless charm and wholesome performances often make her characters easy to root for. This is undoubtedly the case in this film, where she feels relatable, fleshed out, and easy to care about.
Additionally, for the majority of the relationship to work out, the forced proximity between Lottie and Tristan needed to feel believable. The way the two characters get to know one another and how they connect with their desires to honor their families places them on the same plane, allowing the romance to blossom more realistically. Plus, and thankfully, the chemistry is all there, which makes their dynamic as fun as it is endearing. The similarities they share with their families then easily bleed into giving us different dynamics that emphasize why this auction is so crucial for the children and the people giving back and doing their part to make the holidays a little brighter.
Viewers will easily appreciate the quiet beats of longing between Tristan and Lottie, which involve holding each other’s gazes and lingering hands, as well as fun banter that makes the movie loads of fun. Hallmark’s Operation Nutcracker is a strong winner this year, with some of the more tear-jerker moments that examine both platonic and romantic relationships. The costumes and set design also made the more glamorous moments look incredible. It’s one of the special ones, especially for those who have a soft spot for familial relationships as well.
Operation Nutcracker is now streaming on Hallmark+.
First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©Hallmark