A Merry Christmas Match

Set amidst the quaint and beautifully festive town of Harmony, “A Merry Christmas Match” is a heartwarming holiday romantic film from 2019 prominently starring Ashley Newbrough, Kyle Dean Massey, and Lindsey Gort. Directed by Jake Helgren, this movie is about finding love, honoring family legacies, and rediscovering dreams, all wrapped up in the spirit of Christmas.

The movie features Newbrough in the lead role of Corey Calvin, a lovable young woman who has chosen to remain in her idyllic hometown to manage her late father's antique shop. Corey keeps her father’s legacy alive all the while lovingly continuing her family's tradition of hosting an annual Christmas pageant for the local children. Despite her love for her job and the town's community spirit, Corey can't help but question if there's more waiting for her beyond the borders of this quintessential little town. With dreams of seeing the world put on the back burner, she pours herself into the antique shop and her love for historical artifacts.

Enter Ryder Donnelly, played by Kyle Dean Massey, a handsome, charismatic out-of-towner who fatefully ends up coming into Corey's shop. Ryder is a music professional visiting Harmony for the holidays, escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. An immediate spark ignites between Corey and Ryder, their chance meeting propelling the story forward. The festive season is rife with potential for romantic intrigue, and a playful tug of hearts ensues as we follow the burgeoning bond between these two characters.

Adding to the mix is Gentry White playing Marcus, Corey's long-time childhood friend who harbors romantic feelings for her, and Lindsey Gort as Sherry, Corey’s concerned and caring best friend who is there to lend an ear or word of advice when needed. Although love is at the forefront of this holiday story, friendship and familial bonds are beautifully depicted throughout the narrative.

Corey finds herself caught between the bonds of her hometown, her obligations to her father's legacy, her dreams of exploring new horizons, and her burgeoning feelings for Ryder. As Christmas draws near, Corey shows Ryder the true warmth and charm of a small-town holiday. And Ryder helps Corey to see beyond life in Harmony.

Meanwhile, Ryder is also dealing with his own crossroads. The stress of his work life is challenging the allure of Harmony's slower, more straightforward lifestyle. Encounters with Harmony's residents and witnessing the love and camaraderie among them has him questioning his fast-paced city life. His time with Corey furthermore tests his preconceived life plans.

With the Christmas spirit, richly painted characters, and a timeless town as their backdrop, Corey and Ryder are led to decisions that will ultimately shape their lives. Will Ryder return to his busy city life after the holidays end or will he leave his old life behind for the chance at love in a new town? Will Corey finally follow her dreams of seeing the world, or will she choose a life with someone she never expected to meet? Their choices anchored in love, life, and dreams are the heart of the tale.

“A Merry Christmas Match” pulsates with warmth, romance, and an undeniable charm deriving from the tightly knitted community in Harmony. The nuanced performances by the cast breathe life into the film, making the characters relatable and the narrative engaging.

More than just a delightful holiday romance, the movie explores themes of grief, dreams deferred, and hope, all wrapped up in the sentiment, warmth, and wonder that the holiday season brings. It is about the magic of Christmas that makes us take stock, appreciate what we have, and strive for what our hearts desire.

The picturesque, light-filled locations accompanied by a winningly festive soundtrack only further serve to heighten the holiday atmosphere that permeates this charming movie.

In essence, “A Merry Christmas Match” is an enchanting holiday watch for those who enjoy heartfelt stories of love, dreams, family, and of course, the captivating magic of Christmas. The festive mood and holiday spirit offer an escape and, make this movie an ideal pick for a cosy family movie night during the holiday season.