Judging by trailers and the sneak peeks, Hallmark’s Holiday Road did not seem like my cup of tea. I was mentally preparing myself to be frustrated, but instead, I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out to be one of the best holiday films of the year. Forced proximity is a trope I’ll always adore in romance novels, as well as the idea of strangers becoming friends in unlikely circumstances, so it’s lovely to say that this one succeeds in both areas.
Nine strangers in one RV (bus?) sounds like an absolute nightmare, especially if there’s an influencer on board who has no concept of personal space, yet miraculously, it turns out better than they (and we) could’ve ever hoped for. Further, with an ensemble cast like this, situations are bound to get messy and convoluted, but Hallmark’s Holiday Road writers Gina Matthews and Grant Scharbo, as well as director Martin Wood, find a working balance with all the stories, allowing each character to have the development necessary to make their ending earned and worthwhile. While the film is no cinematic masterpiece, it’s a beautiful encapsulation of what genuine kindness can achieve, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life through natural storytelling beats that wholeheartedly feel unique.
The idea of influencers in the media I consume can become profoundly frustrating when it’s their entire personality. We don’t need everything filmed, especially an anxiety attack of any sort. This is where Maya Way (Princess Davis) becomes the most irksome character in the entire film, making it feel questionable at times. However, credit where credit is due, but Hallmark’s Holiday Road allows her to understand the importance of staying in the moment, and thus, it gives Davis plenty of great material to work with to gradually showcase the character’s growth.
While I wholeheartedly wish the film addressed the concept of agency and unsolicited filming along with how toxic it can be to put people on camera when they’re vulnerable, the ending still shows that she understands life’s delicacies better now. So, while I had my initial complaints, I’m thrilled with where the character goes. Additionally, it’s impressive how the film uses her to center other characters and then brings it back full circle to exhibit that they’ll show up for her when she least expects it. It results in the kind of heartwarming moment that’ll get to the emo kids the most. (It’s me, hi, I’m the emo kid.)
There’s also a love story here, and although some large ensembles don’t allow for romance to develop as organically, Hallmark’s Holiday Road nails Clay’s (Warren Christie) and Dana’s (Sara Canning) dynamic, bringing their bickering banter to new heights—physically and metaphorically. There’s something particularly enticing about two people who get off on the wrong foot, note that they are polar opposites, and then realize that being by each other’s side brings them more joy than anything else. There’s a quiet, gorgeous understanding that unravels between them when viewers understand why she’s so open to seizing opportunities while he’s more guarded and calculated in his endeavors.
Fear plays an intriguing role in their bond as they both come to terms with the detail that they hold back more than they think, except when they’re around each other. It’s often easier to be ourselves around the strangers we’re convinced we’re never going to see again, and this becomes a catalyst in the two of them getting to know one another better. With riveting and effortless chemistry between Canning and Christie, the easy banter carefully brings emotions center stage, making every aspect of the relationship feel believable.
Hallmark’s Holiday Road also serves as a love letter to parenthood through various relationships featuring the travelers. First, we have the rising tension between married couple Lei (Sharon Crandall) and Kai Ling (Ryan Mah) as they navigate their trip to Denver at odds with their son. In their time together with strangers and a surprise from Lei that neither father nor son is expecting, they come to the realization that certain things cannot be taught and the most important dreams they each have are coming home to one another. The same can be said about mother and son duo Tricia (Enid-Raye Adams) and Ben (Kiefer O’Reilly) when they open up about the fears of meeting his biological mother as well as the ways their dynamic could change. In the end, it becomes something bigger than either of them ever imagined, with a clear friendship budding between Beth and Tricia that feels raw.
Finally, one of the film’s most shining moments involves a tearful performance of “Amazing Grace” by Ember Craig (Brittany Willacy) before she reveals to the audience (and the characters) that her trip is to see her daughter in hopes of proving that she’s a good mom. The bond that we watch unravel between her and Dusty (Trevor Lerner) results in some of Holiday Road’s best moments by bringing the fact to life that no parent could ever be 100% perfect. In the end, the narrative highlights the importance of human beings learning from each other and growing by virtue of the ways they can give to others.
Hallmark’s Holiday Road is a rare treat this year in all the ways it delivers heartfelt moments without coming off as overly saccharine or cliche. The plot might not be entirely original, but it feels unique in its approach to showcasing bonds we don’t often see with such care and nuance. There’s a lot to appreciate about the film, making it one worth watching with the whole family.
Hallmark’s Holiday Road is now streaming on Frndly TV.