The Gift That Gives

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.

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!)

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.

With way too much violence and general negativity on screens, big and small, it was refreshing to watch a feelgood movie for a change. The fact that The Gift That Gives is an Australian production was a bonus. When movies today are so often dog-eat-dog and mean-spirited with little or no redemption, this light-hearted story lifted my spirits. It could be said that there is a bit too much moralising, but I found the message of kindness, love and joy expressed through the characters done with a light touch. And it was good to see in the casting a realistic cross section of Aussies with different cultural backgrounds. I look forward to Joy Hopwood's next production.

What an enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. This movie was sweet, easy to watch and covered many topics which effect all of us, family, love, illness, work and appearances. No swearing or violence, but a message that should resonate with all of us - kindness to our fellow man! And with a few giggles along the way this movie was well rounded and had something for everyone. Loved the music, the aussie scenery and how the importance of friendship was portrayed. Well done Joy House Productions!!

I so enjoyed the Rhapdsody of Love and the Gift that Gives is another fine example of the writing, producing and directing talent. Can't wait to see what's next!!!