Hallmark’s Christmas Under the Lights is a story about grief and starting over. Led by Heather Hemmens and Marco Grazzini, so much of the film works because there’s an undeniable level of heart sprinkled into every frame. While Hallmark isn’t new to depictions of grief, portrayals don’t always stick the landing, and it’s thankfully not the case here because, instead, we have a film that feels a little cathartic to watch.
The film spends most of its time prepping for a celebration, where we meet quirky characters along the way, but it’s the surprising romance between Emily and Luke that allows the story to feel grounded. Further, and as I’ve said quite a few times now, the movie highlights career driven characters and doesn’t allow any of them to settle by the end. It leaves room for growth and an exciting situation that involves compromise in a way that’s healthy and admirable.
In many ways, Hallmark’s Christmas Under the Lights is about preserving the things that matter and following one’s dreams. It’s about realizing that we all need a little guidance, which may be the most human thing connecting us. In what turns out to be a carnival that celebrates life and the people who often take care of others, the film explores what’s left in the moments in between.
Any woman who has a good relationship with their mother will miss them tremendously when they’re gone, and that ache never fully leaves. So, in a sense, the film examining this through Emily’s character gives it the space to allow the grief to go through all its necessary cycles. Further, seeing the different ways both she and her brother deal with it allows for more nuance and understanding in the face of such loss.
As far as the love story goes, the easy chemistry between Grazzini and Hemmens takes the story to wholesome heights. The literal run-in with her car results in some intriguing banter, which then leads to a forced proximity of sorts that allows them to bond. Hallmark doesn’t explore the brother’s best friend trope often, and while that’s not the exact case here, it still gives us a bit of excitement to root for as the two of them grow closer. Watching their interactions toward the end brings Hallmark’s Christmas Under the Lights full circle in a way that allows their short time spent together to feel like it’s enough.
Most importantly, Emily watches The Muppet Christmas Carol, so she’s an A+ character and that’s something I feel the need to personally call out. More characters should be aware of this incomparable gem. While Hallmark’s Christmas Under the Lights might be a bit heavy for viewers looking for more lighthearted content, it’s still incredibly lovely and worth watching. It lacks a bit where the setting is concerned, yet the realism it provides caters to the story’s theme more efficiently than expected. Lastly, various moments feel choppy, but these details might go unnoticed because the emotional beats are likely to resonate with audience members.
Watch Christmas Under the Lights on the Hallmark Channel this Christmas.
First Featured Image Credit: ©2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtney Julien