Friends & Family Christmas

I'm very happy to see solid sapphic representation from Hallmark! In general, this positive, normalized, lighthearted depiction of romance between two women is refreshing and heartwarming. The plot, however, is not anything revolutionary. I don't think it needs to be though! It's a sweet and joyous Hallmark movie staple that gets me feeling cozy for the holiday season. Moreover, the romance has its naturally awkward moments that make it feel realistic and relatable like not knowing how to start a conversation on the first meeting and not knowing how to bid goodnight. The parents' support and constant presence is entertaining as well. A lovely community for the holiday cheer.

So, I watched this mostly because I heard there was a queer storyline and the clips I saw on youtube seemed super cute. I didn't realize how Grinchy I'd been feeling until this movie got me excited about Christmas. Actors were great across the board! The leads pulled me right in and kept me engaged, but honestly the whole ensemble was a delight. The story felt fun and Hallmark without veering too far out of plausibility for me to get pulled out of the experience. Also! Normally I hate "grand gestures" but this one worked for me. Excited to see more work from everybody involved in this project!

Friends & Family Christmas is everything you want in a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie. It has found family, fake dating, falling in love, and a touch of drama. It showcases friendship, ambition, and different family dynamics while being a love story at heart. Sure it follows the classic Hallmark Rom Com formula, but that's why we watch these shows. Isn't it? We want to see cheesy, happy love stories. We want to feel all warm and cozy inside as we watch two people fall in love. So if you're needing something light and heartwarming this holiday season, I highly recommend Friends & Family Christmas.

As soon as I discovered Hallmark made a queer Christmas movie with 2 female leads, I was excited to watch it. However I was sadly disappointed. The leads were cute but had NO CHEMISTRY WHATSOEVER! The plot was lacking and weak, one of the leads was always taking off leaving her "pretend girlfriend for the holidays only" alone to entertain her parents from out of town. Constantly! They did nothing fun together like you expect in these movies. I felt that the pretend girlfriend was being used and I would have told the other off. This could have been so much better. Try again with a better script Hallmark!

This movie is everything that you would expect from a Hallmark movie and more because it is, I believe, a first Hallmark movie with two queer woman in a lead. If you are looking for a cozy and heartwarming queer Christmas movie to watch during the holidays, then you will for sure enjoy the Friends and Family Christmas.

The movie delivers on its promise of a feel-good romance that will make you smile. The actors are likable and have good chemistry, the scenery is beautiful, and the message is uplifting.

Friends and Family Christmas is a perfect movie for fans of Hallmark who want to escape into a world of magical Christmas and love.