My One Christmas Wish

My One Christmas Wish is an uplifting holiday movie that premiered on Up TV in 2015. Directed by James Head and inspired by a true story, the film stars Amber Riley, Matreya Fedor, and Priscilla Faia in the lead roles. The storyline revolves around an ambitious young woman named Jackie Turner, brilliantly portrayed by Amber Riley of Glee fame.

The movie opens with Jackie very focused on her academics – she is a straight A student at the University of California, Berkeley. Jackie is a determined and hardworking young woman who holds down three jobs while also maintaining her position as a star student. Her drive to succeed in life stems from her difficult past – she was abandoned by her biological parents and spent her early years in the foster care system. This past trauma haunts Jackie and leaves her feeling like something is missing, especially during the holiday season.

As the Christmas season approaches, Jackie starts feeling a deep sense of loneliness and emptiness, as she has no family to share the festivities with. Her yearning for familial love intensifies as she watches other students planning their holiday trips back home to their loving families. She feels an overwhelming longing to experience a real family Christmas.

In a daring and heartfelt move, Jackie posts a Craigslist ad asking to rent a family for Christmas. She doesn’t ask for much - just some happy, warm moments that everyone deserves to experience during the holiday season. Her unusual plea garners attention and resonates with many, capturing the hearts of more people than she ever expected.

Priscilla Faia portrays the character of Riley, Jackie's best friend who supports her through every high and low. Matreya Fedor plays the role of Blythe, a woman who will have an unexpected impact on Jackie’s journey. The rest of the cast deliver commendable performances, enhancing the narrative and providing an encapsulating viewing experience.

The film beautifully tackles topics of love, relationships, loneliness, and longing. It demonstrates the power of community, second chances, hope, and the true spirit of Christmas. My One Christmas Wish reminds viewers that family isn’t only about blood bonds, it’s about the people who willingly step up to fill our lives with love and warmth.

Amber Riley's performance in the film is truly outstanding. Her portrayal of Jackie’s complex emotions and burning desire for a loving family leaves a deep impression on the viewers. Riley does a tremendous job of making Jackie relatable and real. The chemistry among the actors, the heartwarming storyline, and the evocative dialogues make this film engaging, creating a warm, feel-good vibe that aligns perfectly with the festive holiday season.

The inclusion of original music adds to the appeal of the story. The song "This Will Be My Year" sung by Amber Riley becomes Jackie's anthem, echoing her hope, determination, and ambition, further drawing the audience into Jackie’s world.

My One Christmas Wish conveys a strong and inspiring message about resilience, and the urge to find love and belonging. The film manages to be both heart-wrenching and heartwarming at the same time, making for a holiday classic that resonates with many, even beyond the Christmas season. It is a heartening watch filled with holiday spirit, emotional depth, and a unique storyline that successfully blends the themes of heartache, hope, and the power of love and connection. It's more than a festive movie, it's an emotional journey that leaves viewers with a warm feeling, a new perspective on family, and the true meaning of Christmas.