Double Holiday

Double Holiday is a delightful movie from the Hallmark Channel released in 2019. Boasting a stellar cast with Carly Pope, Kristoffer Polaha and Laura Cilevitz in leading roles, the film is beautifully crafted with touches of romance, comedy, and drama all skillfully woven together. Set within an urban backdrop and during the holiday season, the film offers feel-good entertainment wrapped with a remarkable holiday spirit.

The central character of the story is Rebecca, brilliantly portrayed by Carly Pope. Rebecca is a driven and ambitious executive at a successful real estate development firm. Balancing her demanding career with the task of planning her family's annual Hanukkah celebrations, Rebecca's life is meticulously organized, leaving little room for spontaneity. She embodies a modern, independent woman who has got her life figured out to the last detail, and all this changes when she crosses professional paths with her colleague, Chris.

Chris, a charming free-spirited executive in the same company, completely excels in his role of a vivacious, cheerful personality that instantly captures the audience's attention. Played by Kristoffer Polaha, Chris is the perfect contrast to Rebecca's calculated demeanor, adding a vibrancy to the screen every time he appears. Chris is loved by everyone, but his very opposite approach to work and life gets him at odds with Rebecca often.

When Rebecca's boss goes on a holiday, leaving Rebecca and Chris in charge of delivering a high-stakes project, tension and laughs are ensured. As they navigate through their differences to work together, both Rebecca and Chris end up learning valuable lessons from each other, making the journey all the more enjoyable. Both characters are offset by the brilliant performance of Laura Cilevitz who adds her humor and spirit to the mix, lighting up the screen with her charm and wit.

The narrative of Double Holiday cleverly incorporates elements of Hanukkah and Christmas, making it a unique multicultural, festive experience. Rather than toy with the stereotypes and clichés of holiday rom-coms, Double Holiday takes a fresh angle, skillfully highlighting Rebecca's Jewish household and their Hanukkah traditions with sensitivity and respect. Concurrently, it uses characteristic tropes of Christmas iconography to bring in the holiday cheer, creating a heartwarming amalgamation of the celebrations of the two festivals. This makes Double Holiday a delightful exception in a genre typically dominated by Christmas-themed stories.

Double Holiday beautifully portrays the magic of the season, showcasing how love can blossom in the most unexpected of circumstances. Rebecca and Chris' professional rivalry and justifiably opposing views slowly evolve into mutual respect and admiration through their shared challenge. Double Holiday is more than just a movie; it's an extraordinary tapestry of traditions, cultures and the shared joy of festivities.

The film's aesthetics and production design play a significant role in creating a holiday ambiance throughout the story. The urban landscapes, festive lights, beautifully decorated homes, and office spaces add significantly to the charm and warmth of the movie. The film's soundtrack further amplifies this festive feeling, subtly but effectively sprinkling Yuletide spirit on every scene.

The performances by Carly Pope and Kristoffer Polaha carry much of the film, each perfectly cast in their respective roles. Carly Pope makes Rebecca relatable and likable, carrying the determination and strength of the character simultaneously with the subtle vulnerability hidden behind the corporate mask. Kristoffer Polaha is charm personified as Chris, bringing his sense of mirth and warmth in every interaction. The chemistry between the two is perfectly tuned, making their evolving relationship believable and engaging.

Double Holiday is a vibrant, sparkling movie that effectively blends the essence of the holiday season with the charm of a spirited, corporate world. The contrasting personalities of Rebecca and Chris, set against the heartwarming backdrop of two cultural celebrations, create a remarkable viewing experience. With an impeccable cast, insightful script, and appreciative nod to cultural diversity, Double Holiday is a spellbinding movie, offering the perfect blend of comedy, drama, and romance. This film is perfect for those seeking a truly multicultural, feel-good holiday movie that leaves you with the heartening belief in the magic of shared traditions and the holiday spirit.