I Hate New Year's

I Hate New Year's is a delightful romantic comedy with a thumping heart set firmly in the reality of heartbreak and desire. The spirit of the holiday season sets the backdrop of the story which literally ends with a new beginning. The film stars Dia Frampton, Ashley Argota Torres and Candis Cayne and is directed by Christin Baker.

In the heart of the movie lies talented protagonist Layne Price, played by Dia Frampton, who is struggling to come up with a follow-up hit to her viral breakout track. Frampton, beyond just an actress, is a polished musician in her own right, which adds another dimension of authenticity to her character portrayal. Layne is shown to be navigating the rocky waves of the music industry, a process that is only further complicated by unspoken feelings for her best friend and writing partner Sydney.

In the role of Sydney, who is both brains and beauty, is Ashley Argota Torres. Sydney is a fiercely loyal friend, and the natural chemistry between Dia and Ashley is palpable, turning the camaraderie between their characters into one of the driving forces of the plot. Layne and Sydney have shared dreams and aspirations, their rapport raw and real. It's Sydney who, despite being in awe of Layne's talent, knows Layne needs to face certain feelings before she can write her next hit.

Together, they make the heart-wrenching decision to distance themselves from the City of Angels, where their dreams and music career were born, to visit Layne's family and spend time apart from their managers and producers. They leave the bustling town of LA and head for Nashville's smooth and soulful atmosphere to usher in the new year. They hope, in this city steeped rich in musical history, they would find the inspiration they need.

The movie isn't just a love letter to Nashville, but to music itself. Each scene is woven seamlessly with a music track that makes the heart soar. The film adeptly handles the magic and struggle of chasing creative dreams. With director Christin Baker at helm, the movie uses the backdrop of the city and the holiday to stage a poignant exploration of life, love and the magic of human connection.

The dialogues of the movie are cleverly written with heart and humor. It wittily captures the idiosyncrasies of life in the music industry and offers a fresh take on the challenges of friendship and love, all through the lens of the holiday season.

Then there's Candis Cayne, playing their eccentric but lovable spiritual guide. Cayne’s superb acting skills bring to life a character who'll make you laugh out loud one moment, while dropping wisdom bombs the next. Her unique take on the world, and the advice she gives Layne, helps to steer the plot in interesting directions.

What makes I Hate New Year's a must watch is the complexity of the characters, their relationship dynamics and how they navigate their unresolved feelings amidst the pressures of their rising music career. The emotions portrayed resonate with the audience as the movie grasely navigates the territory of unrequited love and the fear of jeopardizing an important friendship.

There is also the honest but hilarious depiction of LA's entertainment industry with the characters’ managers, played by Michael Grossman and Andrew Brennen, who add their own brand of comic relief while showing how manic life can be in the entertainment business.

With catchy tunes and heartfelt performances by Frampton and Torres, I Hate New Year's is an enthralling ride through the highs and lows of friendship, love and dreams. The film delivers an uplifting message about chasing one’s passion, confronting feelings, and the power of honesty and vulnerability.

I Hate New Year's is a heartwarming rom-com that not only captures the spirit of the holiday season but also the thrill, uncertainty, and reward of pursuing a creative dream while living the bittersweet melodies of life and love. The often-unseen backdrop of Nashville’s vibrant music scene and the authenticity in the characters’ emotions give this movie a unique edge, making it an essential addition to the holiday movie marathon for all music lovers and rom-com fans.