Christmas a la Mode

Christmas a la Mode is a heartwarming holiday movie that premiered in November 2019. Directed by John Stimpson and written by Nicole Boucher, this festive drama masterfully casts Katie Leclerc, Ryan Cooper, and Jennifer Ellis in leading roles. The 90-minute film is professionally produced and gracefully highlights the struggles, love, and merriment that transpire in the picturesque landscapes of a small-town dairy farm.

The central plot revolves around Emily (played by Katie Leclerc), a determined woman who is willing to go to any length to save her family's dairy farm from being sold. After the unfortunate death of her father, Emily inherited his tremendous debts as well as the struggling dairy farm. Emily, however, is determined to keep alive the traditions and prosperous legacies of her ancestors by keeping the farm intact against all odds. The farm is on the verge of foreclosure, the debts are piling up and each passing day brings Emily closer to losing the precious legacy of her father.

Where the movie truly shines is in its blend of the Christmas spirit with the struggles of dairy farmers. This is no ordinary dairy though, it is one that produces delectable, famous, Christmas ice cream. As Emily frantically canvasses to stave off the looming foreclosure, the townsfolk revel in the holiday spirit, eagerly waiting for the annual Christmas fair where Emily’s dairy traditionally features its flavorsome ice cream, a highlight celebration of the town.

Ryan Cooper stars as the handsome, enterprising and seemingly ruthless corporate executive, Charles Blanchard. He works for a conglomerate that has its sights set on buying out Emily's land to further expand their thriving business. As the clock ticks down to Christmas and the potential sale, Charles is sent to the farm to finalize the deal but finds himself caught in the dispute while also attracted to Emily's earnest fight and commitment to her cause.

Parallel to Emily’s attempts to save her cherished farm, the film beautifully unfolds another narrative involving her younger sister, Dorothy (played by Jennifer Ellis). Largely absent from the farm's struggles, Dorothy lives a fast-paced, busy lifestyle in New York city. While potentially holding the key to their financial difficulties, Dorothy's apparent lack of interest in the farm’s fate proves to be another hurdle for Emily.

In Christmas a la Mode, the filmmakers masterfully illuminate the ever-rampant issue of corporate takeovers of small-scale rural businesses and lives. Audiences will inevitably find themselves rooting for the underdog, and hoping the warmth and joy of the holiday season will contribute to a joyful resolution for Emily and her family.

As expected from a Christmas movie, the film is not devoid of romance. With Emily swarmed by her battles to save her livelihood and Charles wielding the power to decide her fate, an unexpected attraction blossoms between them. The storyline makes sure to inject a healthy dose of festive romance, with the chemistry between Leclerc and Cooper lighting up the screen.

Set against the scenic backdrop of a quaint New England town, the film is a visually pleasing affair. The cinematography showcases an immaculate winter wonderland, adding to the film’s charm and Christmas ambiance. The film also oozes a nostalgic charm, especially when showcasing the close-knit, supportive community and their town’s traditional Christmas fair.

Despite the film's unveiling of serious issues, Christmas a la Mode manages to keep a lighthearted and pleasant tone. It masterfully merges seasonal cheer with family struggles, a small town's unity in the face of adversity, and an unexpected romance.

In its essence, Christmas a la Mode is not just a holiday movie. It's also a story of resilience, a cautionary tale about the perils of overt corporatism, a narrative about commitment and familial obligations, and, naturally, a sweet romance. If you are a fan of joyful, family-friendly Christmas dramas with a pinch of romance, you don’t want to miss Christmas a la Mode. So, grab your blanket, a hot cocoa, relax, and enjoy this delightful portrayal of survival, love, and holiday spirit.