Hallmark’s Christmas on Call is a sweet love letter to first responders and Philadelphia at the same time. It’s so full of intriguing characters and dynamics that, in many ways, it feels like watching a One Chicago property. It’s not just the central love story that’s appealing, but the entire story feels like a breath of fresh air in a sea of similar movies.
It’s easy to sometimes forget that first responders don’t always get the holidays off. It feels like the world should take a break from troubles for a beat, allow people to be healthy and for natural disasters to take a moment, but that’s not how the world works. So, it’s easy to appreciate that this film highlights those whose lives are traumatic and challenging during the festive periods—the ones who don’t get to go home to their families and loved ones.
There’s plenty that sticks out in the movie, and one of those things is Hannah’s (Sara Canning) relationship with her father. The two aren’t in the same state, but as they try to uphold traditions and continue to want the best for each other, it gives viewers something wholesome to cling to. It’s always lovely to get sweet representation between parents and children because this is also part of the appeal of these films. Whether grief or distance, it’s heartbreaking to miss people during the holidays, so seeing small ways of connecting is always comforting.
Additionally, as far as the romance goes, Hannah and Wes (Ser’Darius Blain) are fantastic. She’s new to Philly while he’s born and raised, so every little experience she has is made even more wholesome because he is determined to ensure she has a blast with every novel discovery. Their dynamic is on the sweeter side, making Hallmark’s Christmas on Call a genuinely restorative gem. (There’s even a hilarious cameo from Donna Kelce, making the movie feel like we’re watching something real instead of fictional. In other words, it’s great, friends.) Hannah and Wes’ relationship is easy, and how the two of them get to know each other feels exactly like reading a romance novel.
By the end, we know an impressive amount about all the characters, making the movie that much more riveting because these details can sometimes get lost in the holiday festivities and the execution of the love stories. Yet from the beginning, Hallmark’s Christmas on Call feels like a story we’ve been in on for a while. It feels comfortable, and so grounded that these characters feel like they’re part of an even bigger story. They feel like people we know in real life; their jobs are familiar, and their longings are relatable.
The writing is thoroughly remarkable as it packs a reasonable amount in, but it never once feels overstuffed. There’s even a narrative that focuses on a petty confrontation that later results in a heartfelt exchange that feels especially lovely to watch today when the idea of loving your neighbor is something many people can’t seem to grasp. It’s inspiring, in truth. Some might argue that it’s too sentimental, but the world is too dark not to remind people of how crucial genuine kindness is and how we need to take care of each other now more than ever.
Lastly, we don’t simply have one love story, but two other characters, Danielle (Reena Jolly) and Sanjay (Erik Athavale), get a lovely second chance romance that adds even more heart to the puzzle. Plus, there’s a family reunion that outright made me weep. So much of Christmas on Call relies on people taking care of each other, making the movie feel like the necessary hug many viewers could use. Again, I continue to be so impressed by the amount that happens with an ensemble group of characters, making it so easy to care about each of them right from the start.
Like Hallmark’s Holiday Road, which also features Canning, Christmas on Call shines because every character meticulously contributes to telling a story that’s rooted in integrity. If this wasn’t carefully planned out, the movie would’ve lost a large chunk of its appeal, but it’s apparent there’s tremendous care from everyone involved to make this one stand out and stand out it does. From the love stories to the platonic relationships, the on-screen chemistry with every performer is incredible.
Watch Christmas on Call on the Hallmark Channel this Christmas.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Hallmark