Hallmark’s Sugarplummed is an unexpected treasure trove of heart, humor, and delightfully meta storytelling. Judging by the premise and the trailer, I expected this one to merely be a silly cookie-cutter, but imagine my surprise when I got teary-eyed at multiple points.
Janel Parrish and Maggie Lawson are an adorable match made in friendship heaven, and now, like the many Sugarplummed films that exist in this fake universe, I need multiple sequels of this one. In many ways, the film is about reconnecting to our roots, slowing down, and learning how to truly listen. Emily is so desperate to give her family the perfect Christmas that she essentially forgets what their perfection looks like. Still, she makes a wish on a star, and the Christmas Mary Poppins, which I didn’t know we needed, Sugarplum appears.
Sugarplum is all about perfection, and Hallmark’s ability to tirelessly mock its formulaic films with something this self-aware is what results in it becoming a film that’s so easy to appreciate. We know that these movies are strategic, and we know that things will work out in the end, but during the holidays, they’re an especially lovely balm for people searching for that extra bit of happiness. Yet, interestingly, Hallmark’s Sugarplummed challenges this and instead of giving the central family a perfect Christmas, the imperfect one becomes more memorable.
With Sugarplum’s help (that no one recognizes because of the magic), Emily manages to buy her daughter headphones that have been sold out everywhere, decorates her house perfectly, and the two even give her son a shining moment where his classmates see that he’s cool. However, and rather obviously, it starts to backfire, revealing that in the real world, we never achieve perfection. We merely find perfect moments tucked in between the chaos.
Sugarplum’s presence then becomes a catalyst for Emily to realize that she’s never had to try as hard because her family appreciates everything she always does. It gives her a necessary conversation with her daughter, a critical moment with her husband where they both acknowledge they need to be more present, and a beat for herself to understand her own faults, too.
I’ve often said that as much as budding romances are excellent in these movies, I love watching established couples work through their everyday lives together. That’s part of the reason this film works as an account for awareness: it isn’t wasting any time with other side plots, such as giving Emily a new relationship. It does that with two surprisingly fit people in the end.
What comes after the happily ever after and babies is where life truly begins, so having Hallmark’s Sugarplummed show this with characters that are fully fleshed-out and relatable is a real treat on its part. Dare I say, it’s one of the best films of the year? Honest and hilarious and full of incredible performances. Parrish deserves her own bit of praise because while the actress is often lovely in whatever role she takes on, she’s an absolute joy as Sugarplum and her alias, Sue Garplum.
Characters like Sugarplum aren’t new in the world of fiction, yet Parrish adds her own heart and flare to the mannerisms and quirks. She embodies the kind of character that might be a stretch for adults to find comfort in, and yet, that’s exactly what happens from her first appearance. So much so that when she leaves, it’s instant tears once again. Crooked edges and imperfect details give this film ample space to really shine, and truly, every moment of it works. I dare you to go in, thinking you might hate to watch it, but this one’s impossible not to appreciate.
Watch Sugarplummed on the Hallmark Channel this Christmas.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Hallmark