Starring Fiona Gubelmann and Eoin Macken, Hallmark’s ‘Tis the Season to Be Irish is a gorgeous spectacle from beginning to end. It’s every romance aficionado’s dream, bursting with stunning chemistry and tender moments that shine in the forced proximity. It’s for every person who loves Leap Year, and I, for one, need a sequel stat.
There’s such a natural comfort in Sean and Rose’s banter that it makes their inevitable romance sweeter—quiet moments between the two bloom into a type of formidable trust that feels like home. Hallmark’s Tis the Season to Be Irish is what happens when two people compromise in ways that feel entirely right for their characters, their communities, and all the wishes they’d made that they never thought would come true. It’s a real gem in more ways than one.
Of all the Hallmark films that have been released in 2024 thus far, this one feels like the coziest. And while an Ireland setting always has that appeal, it’s the romantic relationship that cements the comforting feeling. It’s Sean and Rose, nestled on a couch together, watching a rom-com until she falls asleep on his shoulder. It’s the way their gazes linger for a little bit longer until someone breaks eye contact. It’s how he leans close to her every time they talk that shows us he’s truly paying attention. There’s seriously something warm kindling in every frame, making the movie one that viewers will likely return to in the future.
Additionally, like in Five Gold Rings, we get a sprinkle of the invisible string theory. A reminder that maybe this love was written in the stars the whole time when Rose realizes that the photograph of her mother, which led her to Ireland, was taken by a fairy tree. The magic her mother believed in comes to life gorgeously in that final moment as it dawns on Rose that Sean can be her home and her greatest adventure all at once. When she recognizes that she wouldn’t be trapped here but more free than she’s ever been, all the lovely moments they shared sparkle even more.
Hallmark’s ‘Tis the Season to Be Irish glistens with so much light that it’s clear as day director Lesley Demetriades wanted to capture something indescribable. The cinematography and close-up shots create an intimacy that feels like Christmas should, and even while it isn’t overt with celebrations, it still feels profoundly magical. The dialogue isn’t too saccharine, and the references aren’t being shoved down our throats; instead, everything feels so natural that it makes the story feel more real.
My only slight quip with the film is that these two took a plunge without swimsuits, and I have a million questions as to why. Sure, they took off their jackets at least, but what about the rest? At the very least, everything is so beautiful that it’s easy to let it slide. And the forced proximity works so well to establish that their means of renovating the cottage led them toward finding their heart’s one true calling. These are the best metaphors, after all.
Watch ‘Tis the Season to Be Irish on the Hallmark Channel this Christmas.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Hallmark