The Gift That Gives

Sometimes you just want a wholesome story about characters navigating their life and relationships, and this is where this film delivers.

You find yourself rooting for all the characters and the themes of the struggle of finding success in the creative industry in relatable to many, and it's a nice change of pace that it's implied that success is found through working and supported each other as opposed to competition (which is in keeping with the overall wholesomeness of it all)

It fits nicely with many other Christmas films (although the Australian element is always a nice touch, again, nice to see an Xmas movie taking place in the Summer!)

Really enjoyed watching this! It was super lighthearted and just makes you feel good. I'm a huge romcom fan and I always love a wholesome movie! So, this hit the right spot for me!

The movie kept me engaged and on my toes... It kept me wondering what's gonna happen next with the characters! I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster it took me on.

There were also many funny moments that made me laugh out loud, especially the yoga scenes with Maria Tran. There were many witty moments between the main characters too.

Also, I love seeing a diverse cast in movies! We need more Asian-Australian representation in film, so it was refreshing to see that here. I also love spotting iconic Sydney, Australia locations in the film too.

Overall, I walked away from this movie feeling super warm and wholesome. Especially the ending!!

An enjoyable cheery rom com based on an older long term relationship and their family. The plot has twists that surprise you and it is a fun ride.

If you're after an enjoyable story with quirky characters The Gift That Gives is for you. It's wonderful to see a film that can create humourous romantic characters out of an older couple and combine their complex relationship with the romantic adventures of their sons. This is a three for one adventure with three romances cleverly woven around the central characters.

Do yourself a favour and spend time with this adorable film it will leave you with a smile and that wonderful fuzzy warm feeling in your soul.

My favourite film by Joy House Production yet! A feel-good romance story that invites viewers into the world of grassroots success, intertwined with unexpected love tales that shine a light on the beautiful richness and diversity we are lucky to have in modern-day Australia. The optimistic lens the film is filtered through is a refreshing change. Kudos to Joy and the Cast for investing the passion they did into this story. The production elements come together beautifully and it's encouraging to see how the Director's vision can bring opportunity to talent that allows everyone to continue developing their craft...now that's a Gift that's worth giving! Excited to see what comes next from Joy Hopwood and her team :)

Joy Hopwood unpacks tricky adult relationships and subtly explores mental health and balancing emotional accountability through interpersonal connections, neatly wrapping it up as "The Gift That Gives".

Characters are grounded and have realistic backstories fleshed out just enough to be relatable in stakes and chemistry, that really pay off in the end.

Cheeky elements are here without taking away from the drama with the much loved and missed late Lex Marinos delivering his signature comedic relief in his scenes in his last role as Lawrence.

Despite having a teenage Disney like depth, the film hits all it's marks with a positive message and deserves more credit for Joy's unique approach in these complex modern times is indeed wholesome warm hug.

We are spoiled by all the classic American white Christmas films and aside from missing a musical number I only unrealistically ask for snow in this film, but don't let that take away from your experience of the Christmas Joy theme.