Christmas at Holly Lodge

Experience the magic of the Holiday season with the heartwarming movie, Christmas at Holly Lodge, released in 2017. Directed by Jem Garrard and written by Melissa Salmons, the film stars Alison Sweeney, Jordan Bridges, and Sheryl Lee Ralph and introduces viewers to an extraordinary Christmas tale that’s brimming with love, adventure, and the true spirit of Christmas.

The movie revolves around the lead character Sophie Bennett, played by Alison Sweeney, a woman who holds dear a beautiful lodge located in a small scenic mountain town. Sophie inherited Holly Lodge from her parents, who used to run it as a thriving Christmas holiday business that catered to families looking for an enchanting respite from their ordinary lives. Years have passed, but Sophie has managed to run the place alone, maintaining the familial and nostalgic charm of the Lodge - everything from the festive decorations that adorn the rooms to the delicious cookies and hot chocolate that seem to emanate from the kitchen constantly. And while business is slow, the entire town rallies around Sophie and helps her keep the tradition alive every holiday season.

Bringing in an unexpected twist, enter Evan Hunter, played by Jordan Bridges, a corporate broker seemingly interested in experiencing a rural Christmas vacation at Holly Lodge. Evan is sent on a mission by his boss, a ruthless high-end property developer who has sent Evan undercover to evaluate the property with ulterior motives. But Evan is unaware of the emotional weight Holly Lodge carries for Sophie and the local community.

In Evan's encounters with Sophie, he becomes all too aware of the charm and warmth of life at the Lodge. Sophie, being welcoming and congenial, makes every effort to give Evan a memorable Christmas holiday that represents the essence of Holly Lodge. Adding depth to the story is Callie, played by Sheryl Lee Ralph (a long-time visitor of the lodge with her family), who befriends Evan and gives him more insight into the affectionate nature and importance of Holly Lodge to its regular visitors.

The romantic chemistry between Sophie and Evan is distinctive and endearing, making viewers long for the picturesque moments they share at the Lodge. As Evan spends more time at the Lodge and immerses himself in the rustic beauty and joyful spirit of the place, he finds it difficult to stick to his original agenda. Unbeknownst to him, Sophie also starts facing challenges as she gets more and more attracted to the man who could strip her of the heritage she holds dear. Layering the plot with motives, conflicts, and a budding romance, the story continues towards a suspenseful climax.

Christmas at Holly Lodge is a wonderful movie that captivates viewers with the love story that brews within its walls while providing a sense of belonging and tradition that comes with the family lodge. Throughout the film, the Holly Lodge, adorned with its festive decoration, becomes a living character that represents warmth, love, unity, and the spirit of Christmas.

Every character in this film plays a part in bringing the story to life and creating a synergy that beautifully reflects the unifying theme of Christmas. Dominated by exceptional performances by Alison Sweeney and Jordan Bridges, the film also strongly highlights the supporting cast, characters that include the guests, staff, and residents of the town - all sharing their part in the heartwarming story interconnected with the lodge.

With a compelling storyline, this movie captures the essence of the festive season and makes a wonderful addition to any Christmas film collection. As the narrative unfolds, the audience is served with unanticipated plot twists, heartwarming moments, festive cheer, and the perfect blend of romance and drama. Beautifully captured cinematography accentuates the scenic charm and aesthetic appeal of the lodge and the small town, further enhancing the storytelling.

In conclusion, Christmas at Holly Lodge is an excellent Christmas movie that delivers a delightful blend of romance, drama, festive excitement, and the age-old spirit of the Holiday season. It's a beautifully crafted centerpiece of the holiday experience, a fairy tale flick that leaves the viewers feeling a bit warmer inside and closer to the spirit of Christmas. Whether you're an avid viewer of Holiday movies or just love a good romantic drama, Christmas at Holly Lodge is one to watch.