Royal New Year's Eve

"Royal New Year's Eve" is an enchanting holiday movie that debuted on the Hallmark channel in 2017. The movie, directed by Monika Mitchell, stars the affable Jessy Schram, charming Sam Page, and sharp-witted Crystal Balint. The movie basks in the warm, cheery glow of romance in the alluring backdrop of New Year's Eve, dressed up with royal splendor, fairy-tale magic, and high-end fashion.

Jessy Schram plays the role of Caitlyn, an experienced fashion designer with a heart full of dreams in the world of haute couture. Caitlyn works for fashion mogul Abigail Miller, portrayed by Crystal Balint, a hard-headed boss in the bustling city of New York. Despite her immense talent, Caitlyn grapples with being underappreciated, her ideas often pushed into the sidelines, leaving her aspirations of making it big in the fashion industry in a limbo.

Meanwhile, a stone's throwaway in the hierarchy of societal ranks lies the debonair and down-to-earth Prince Jeffrey, portrayed convincingly by Sam Page. Jeffrey, despite his royal lineage, is an easy-going individual with a longing for a normal life, away from the palace walls and the demanding customs of royalty.

As the plot progresses, Prince Jeffrey announces his engagement to Lady Isabelle on New Year's Eve - a significant event that requires an elegant dress for Isabelle. By a twist of fate, it falls upon Caitlyn to design the special gown for this royal assignation. Indulging in her dream project, Caitlyn designs an exquisite gown, hoping it would set the stage for her much-anticipated breakthrough in the fashion industry.

As the clock ticks towards the grand royal announcement, Caitlyn takes on a surprise journey in fitting the magnificent gown, navigating through the royal family's intricate customs and engagements. Unaware of Prince Jeffrey’s royal identity, she crosses paths with him, paving the way for a blossoming friendship enveloped in warmth and understanding.

Prince Jeffrey, on the other hand, finds in Caitlyn a refreshing departure from his regimented royal life, and quickly forms a deep bond with her. Starstruck by Caitlyn's simplicity and her talent, the prince experiences a fresh perspective towards life. Despite their lives that are worlds apart, they find in each other a striking commonality - the shared desire to break free from their typical roles.

However, the path of their unlikely friendship is not smooth. The royal traditions, public scrutiny, and the looming royal engagement present daunting hurdles to their friendship and potential romance. Meanwhile, Caitlyn's professional challenges continue, with her gaining recognition being a distant dream.

The movie goes on to portray how Caitlyn navigates through her dreams and the sudden whirlwind of royal engagements. It also beautifully captures Prince Jeffrey's inner battle between his duties, his impending marital alliance, and the budding bond with Caitlyn, revealing in bits and pieces, his genuine respect for Caitlyn and the influence she has on him.

"Royal New Year's Eve" succeeds in crafting an enchanting tale of love, dreams, and royal engagements. Jessy Schram perfectly embodies the character of a charming and ambitious designer, while Sam Page remarkably captures the essence of a torn prince longing for simplicity. Crystal Balint impresses with her portrayal of a demanding boss, reflecting the challenges in the fashion world.

The film's essence is the underlying theme of following one's heart and dreams, even in the face of adversity. It captures the magic of New Year's Eve, the charm of royal pageantry, and the allure of high-end fashion that forms a captivating backdrop to this heart-warming tale of unlikely friendships and dreaming big.

The movie brings to the viewers a warm blend of romance, aspiration, and overcoming societal norms, making it a perfect holiday watch. It weaves together the high-stakes fashion world with a royal love story that is sure to uplift your spirits. "Royal New Year's Eve" is indeed a sparkly gem in the collection of Hallmark's holiday theme movies.