Hallmark+ has just launched, and the productions thus far have already proven that the new network will be excellent. At the top of the list of TV and movies to devour, Hallmark’s The Groomsmen trilogy has something for every kind of romance fan. Fun, thoughtful, and wholesome, it’s easy to hope that this is merely the start of interconnected films of this nature.
1. The Groomsmen Is a Romantic Trilogy
One of the appeals of reading romance novels is that many times, we get interconnected standalone stories that feature all our favorite characters getting their happy ending. (Think Netflix’s Bridgerton.) This is the case with The Groomsmen trilogy, three movies about three best friends, with one movie designated for each of them. They all appear in the three films, and as we get to know them, it makes each movie more nuanced and exciting.
2. The Characters Are Fleshed Out
The short runtime in movies like this doesn’t always leave much room for fleshed-out characters, but that’s not the case here. Each player is messy, complex, thoughtful, and kind, and the narratives give us the space to get to know them through the films. Where we meet Pete, Danny, and Jackson and where we leave them are in entirely different places, which is often a sign of the type of memorable growth that allows the story to feel more layered.
There’s a point in each of the films where at least one character irritates me, but the best part of that feeling is that what they’re evoking is so human that it makes the viewing process more entertaining. I don’t want to see perfect characters; I want realistic ones, and in this regard, The Groomsmen delivers.
3. Each Love Story Is Incredible
In the last few years, the network has thankfully been featuring more inclusive stories, so it’s incredible that Hallmark’s The Groomsmen trilogy isn’t just three stories about straight white couples. Instead, we get BIPOC and LGBTQ+ representation, making the love stories more compelling and delightful.
Additionally, each movie features a different trope that feels right for the characters and how their love stories would pan out. The romances bring out the best in all of them, and they each serve a purpose to an even larger story, highlighting the idea that every relationship is unique and impactful.
4. There’s a Clever Form of Narration
When we first enter this world, a runaway bride is telling each of the stories. While we don’t know her identity in the first episode, it’s interesting to get to the point where we learn it. In a sense, if you’ve seen as many movies as I have, her identity is predictable, but it doesn’t change the trilogy’s execution and why she’s there. Her presence in the film ties directly to romantic relationships and makes the entire story sweeter.
5. The Performances Are Great
Jonathan Bennett, B.J. Britt, and Tyler Hynes are the type of trio romantic movies dreams are made of. There’s a riveting chemistry between the men that translates really well on-screen, and it helps ensure that the story will feel more grounded. We also get some solid performances from Lily Dodsworth-Evans, Heather Hemmens, Alexander Lincoln, Elena Rusconi, and Chloe Raphael, who complete the films in lovely ways.
Hallmark’s The Groomsmen trilogy genuinely has something for every viewer, and it’s easy to hope that this is the start of a new beginning for the network. The films are all entertaining, romantic, and laugh-out-loud funny at times, bringing to our screens exciting content to look forward to. It’s a love letter to romantic and platonic relationships, as well as an intriguing examination of what loyalty looks like. The movie is also a big, huge f-you to toxic masculinity, and that’s something we’ll always appreciate here at Lady Geeks.
The Groomsmen trilogy is now streaming exclusively on Hallmark+.
First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©Hallmark