Updated on 4 December: December is here, and things are officially getting festive. To mark the occasion, many of us like to get cosy in front of the TV to enjoy some Christmas movie magic. And, while there are some classic choices available on streaming services including The Holiday and Home Alone, there’s another film that’s vying for our attention this year. 

Hulu’s latest Christmas romcom Happiest Season hit the small screen last month, and brought some much-needed LGBTQ+ representation to our selection of festive favourites.

Since its release, the film has gone on to smash some impressive records, becoming “the most watched film on [Hulu] across a first weekend.” It also “attracted more subscribers than any other film,” proving that diversity in film isn’t just essential – it’s also very refreshing. 

Co-written and directed by Clea DuVall, the film follows the story of Abby (Stewart) who plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) while attending a big holiday party at the home of Harper’s family.

Her plans are derailed, though, when she learns that her girlfriend hasn’t actually come out to her ultra-conservative parents yet. Eep.

Despite this not-so-minor setback, though, this festive flick is still filled to the brim with all those warm, fuzzy, romantic moments we all love and crave over the holidays.

Indeed, the first trailer ticks off a great deal of the classic Christmas romcom checklist: we have snow, winter woolies, snug jackets, reindeer paraphernalia, oversized gingerbread houses, and a star-studded cast.

There are diamond rings, too, and romantic festive lighting aplenty.

But there is also some serious jeopardy. 

“Do you know how painful it’s been to watch the person I love hide me?” Abby asks Harper, during one of the trailer’s more emotionally-charged moments.

“I am not hiding you, I am hiding me,” she replies, tears shining in her eyes.

It first hit cinemas in the US on 25 November, and it is now available to buy or rent on YouTube in the UK. 

Check it out:

As reported on 14 September: Speaking about Happiest Season with People, Stewart said: “I think I’ve wished to see a gay Christmas romcom my whole life.

“I’m so happy and proud of Clea for bringing this into the world.”

DuVall added: “I’m a huge fan of Christmas movies, but I had never seen my story represented.

“Happiest Season felt like a great opportunity to tell a universal story from a new perspective.”

As well as Stewart and Davis, Happiest Season also boasts the acting talents of Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy, Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, and Mary Holland.

Images: Getty