The Christmas Setup

The Christmas Setup is a heartwarming hallmark holiday movie released in 2020. This candy-striped, festive tale is a perfect capture of Yuletide spirit and incredible romance featuring Ben Lewis, Blake Lee, and Fran Drescher in lead roles. As a milestone film for the network, it is Lifetime's first-ever LGBTQ+ holiday romance, providing authentic representation within the genre and offering an inclusive experience for audiences worldwide.

The central character of the film is Hugo (played by Ben Lewis), a New York-based lawyer who is incredibly passionate about his work yet longs for an intimate partner to share his life with. The movie begins when he decides to take a break from his fast-paced city life to spend Christmas in his charming hometown of Milwaukee with his eccentric yet loving and supportive mother Kate, performed by Fran Drescher. Drescher flawlessly displays immense comic timing and portrays her character with love and affection. She is dedicated to her community, running the local Christmas celebrations with joy and vigor.

Involving herself in match-making, Kate organizes a meeting between Hugo and his high school friend and secret crush, Patrick, evoking the small-town charm that hallmark movies are renowned for. Patrick, portrayed by Blake Lee, is a successful tech entrepreneur who, like Hugo, has also returned to their lovely hometown for Christmas. Lee gives a stellar performance as Patrick, making the audience root for him and his relationship with Hugo.

Throughout the movie, the chemistry between Lewis and Lee is palpable. Their on-screen relationship evolves beautifully against the backdrop of twinkling Christmas lights, snowfall, and winter festivities. As the pair spend more time together under the spell of the holiday season, their friendship starts to blossom into something more intimate, delighting viewers with a captivating love story.

The director Pat Mills expertly weaves the small-town cultural flavor, holiday spirit, and LGBTQ+ theme into an wholesome storyline that is lighthearted and filled with sentimentality. The setting of the movie is every bit as festive as its title suggests, with the town decked out in holiday glamour including Christmas trees, wreaths, lights and, of course, snow. The town’s Christmas fair, shops and homes are brimming with holiday cheer that makes audiences nostalgic for the season.

The film’s narrative is layered with an undercurrent of social acceptance of gay relationships, subtly delivering an effective message about love and inclusion. That being said, The Christmas Setup does not necessarily dwell on the hardships faced by gay couples. Instead, it focuses on the heart-warming romance between Hugo and Patrick, treating it like any other burgeoning relationship found in holiday movies. The story is a sweet tale of love and connection, and its characters are real and relatable.

There’s an immediate sense of familiarity with Hugo and Patrick, brought on largely by the real-life married status of actors Ben Lewis and Blake Lee. The screenplay of the movie effortlessly balances the cute moments with more profound and heartfelt conversations between the couple, enhancing the depth of their characters. By doing so, it engages the audience in a gentle, feel-good Christmas spirit, making this movie an absolute delight to watch.

Moreover, Fran Drescher as Kate brings a humorous element to the story as she enthusiastically organizes the town's Christmas celebrations and manages to plan a surprise setup for Hugo and Patrick. She is loveable, amusing and embraces the Christmas spirit wholeheartedly, adding the right amount of comic relief to the movie.

The message of The Christmas Setup is about following your heart and embracing love without hesitation and prejudice. This film touches the heart and stirs emotions with its gorgeous scenery, festive atmosphere, and touching love story. The on-screen companionship of the lead actors, combined with a storyline that resonates with the spirit of Christmas and inclusivity, makes The Christmas Setup a worthwhile watch for lifetime movie fans and others.

The cinematography of the film truly captures the essence of a snowy and sparkly Christmas, and the soundtrack helps evoke the holiday spirit. The Christmas Setup is a must-watch movie if you love rom-coms, appreciate a well-narrated story, or simply want to get into the joyous spirit of the holiday season. It’s a film that lauds the beauty of love, warmth, holiday traditions, and the importance of acceptance and open-mindedness.