Queer holiday films have the potential to create a warm, cozy atmosphere, but the timing has to be just right for them to work. Unfortunately, this particular movie is so sluggish in its pace that, no matter when you watch it or what mood you’re in, you’ll likely lose interest. The acting feels flat, there’s very little happening plot-wise, and the production is so low-budget that it feels like an indie film that, regrettably, doesn’t leave any lasting impression.
The story centers around Bailey, a single middle-aged man living with his medicated mother in Florida, where she suffers from chronic pain. Bailey himself is dealing with his own troubles—he’s recently lost his dog in a tragic accident and has just been informed that he’ll lose his job by the year’s end due to the company shutting down. One day, his mother informs him that her close friend and her son, Greyson, are planning to move to their town, and Greyson will be staying with them for a few days. Bailey and Greyson were close friends when they were younger, but it’s been 30 years since they last saw each other. During the few days they spend together, they reminisce about their past, discover shared interests, and gradually realize they have more in common than they thought, including a deepening admiration for each other. This culminates in Bailey kissing Greyson one night, which leads to them confessing their love for one another. By Christmas, Greyson and his mother move to the town, and everything seems to fall into place. At the same time, Bailey’s estranged brother arrives, and an old friend gifts him a puppy for Christmas. Through this series of events, Bailey comes to appreciate the wonderful life he has with his family, his new dog, and his renewed sense of love and purpose.
The film follows a very simple and predictable structure. There’s practically no conflict, and while I understand that the creators likely wanted to craft a feel-good holiday movie, the execution just doesn’t hit the mark. Unfortunately, the premise and direction lack any real spark or intrigue. The actors do a competent job with the material they’re given, but the film is weighed down by excessive dialogue that goes on and on without much else happening. It’s important to remember that this is an amateur, low-budget, indie film, and you can see the constraints in every part of it—the writing, acting, direction, sets, costumes, everything. While I do respect the passion behind making films and commend the effort that went into this project, the result just doesn’t come together in an engaging way. Ultimately, the film is simply boring.
