The Christmas House

The Christmas House, a Hallmark Channel original film, is a heartwarming holiday drama that premiered in 2020. Directed by Michael Grossman and starring Robert Buckley, Ana Ayora, and Treat Williams, this movie explores the enduring significance of family, love, and holiday traditions.

The film revolves around Mike Mitchell (Robert Buckley), a successful actor who has made a name for himself in a popular television show and has a dedicated fan base. However, despite his high-flying career, Mike's heart still resides in his picture-perfect hometown. When his parents Phylis (Sharon Lawrence) and Bill Mitchell (Treat Williams) ask him and his brother to return home for the Christmas festivities, he doesn't hesitate to respond to the call of familial duties and homeland's warmth.

Upon arrival, Mike re-discovers the charm of his family's grand old house. His parents' eccentricities and perennial affection bring back childhood memories and reignite the spirit of Christmas which has faded against the hullabaloo of his professional life. Amid the bustling preparations, Mike's parents reveal that they plan to downsize and sell the family home, causing the brothers to reflect on the value of traditions and familial roots.

Furthermore, Mike's return to his hometown brings him face-to-face with his past - specifically, his high school sweetheart, Andi (Ana Ayora). Andi is now the town’s diligent and determined schoolteacher and bursting with a drive to impact her students' lives positively. Her reunion with Mike rekindles old feelings and triggers a possibility of a second chance at love. Throughout the movie, viewers see the duo navigate through their shared history, personal growth, and potential future together, thereby presenting an interesting perspective on romance and nostalgia.

Robert Buckley gives life to Mike's character with his charismatic performance. He excellently portrays the emotional conflicts Mike faces as he grapples with the possible sale of his childhood home and the resurgence of his old feelings for Andi. Ayora, as Andi, is graceful and luminous. Her nuanced performance makes the character relatable, and her chemistry with Buckley creates a captivating and believable romance. As Mike's parents, Sharon Lawrence and Treat Williams are splendid, providing humor and gravity, often at the same time, and emphasizing the role of parents in maintaining a family's unity and traditions.

A hallmark (no pun intended) of the film is the portrayal of the Mitchell household's holiday traditions, fondly referred to as "The Christmas House." The Mitchells’ house becomes a spectacle of twinkling lights, vivid decorations, and enthusiasm during Christmas, turning into a local attraction that encapsulates the spirit of Christmas. The movie beautifully captures these decorations and festivities, making the audience's heart warm with the cheer of the holiday season.

Simultaneously, the movie presents a subplot focusing on Mike's brother, Brandon (Jonathan Bennett), and his husband, Jake (Brad Harder), who are looking forward to their first Christmas as prospective parents. It's an emotional journey as they bear the anticipation and preparation for the arrival of their adopted child.

The Christmas House successfully combines romance, family drama, Christmas cheer, and a slight touch of nostalgia to serve a wholesome holiday movie that both entertains and tugs at the heartstrings. The film emphasizes the importance of family, understanding of one's past, and showcases the magic of rekindled love in a joyous holiday setting.

In essence, The Christmas House is more than just a typical Christmas movie. It sends a profound message about treasuring our past, appreciating the love that surrounds us, and the joy of building our futures. It emphasizes the importance of traditions and how these cherished rituals maintain their significance as tangible links to our past. The film is a delightful addition to the Hallmark Channel's Christmas roster with a tale that is compelling, heartwarming, inclusive, and wrapped up in the quintessential holiday spirit.

In conclusion, The Christmas House is a must-watch for those who enjoy a wholesome family movie filled with the magic of Christmas. Its enchanting blend of nostalgia, romance, family and holiday cheer is enough to leave the audience in a festive mood, and perhaps, a bit teary-eyed, too.