Hey everyone, if you’re like me—a total sap for holiday movies but craving some real lesbian representation—then Happiest Season (2020) is probably already on your watchlist. Directed by the awesome Clea DuVall, this flick stars Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis as a couple navigating the chaos of family holidays, coming out, and all that festive drama. It’s got a solid 6.6 rating on IMDb, but from a lesbian perspective, it’s way more than just numbers. It’s groundbreaking as the first major studio lesbian Christmas rom-com, and honestly, we needed this kind of story. I’ve watched it a few times now, curled up with hot cocoa, and it hits different every holiday season. Let’s dive into why this movie feels like a warm hug (with some awkward family tension thrown in).
First off, the plot is super relatable if you’ve ever dealt with the whole “coming out to conservative folks” thing. Abby (played by Kristen Stewart) is this chill, orphan girl who hates Christmas because her parents passed away. But she’s head over heels for her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis), who’s from this picture-perfect, high-society family. Harper invites Abby home for the holidays, and Abby’s all set to propose—ring and everything. But plot twist: Harper hasn’t come out to her parents yet! She begs Abby to pretend they’re just roommates. Cue the cringe-worthy family dinners, exes popping up, and that classic holiday stress. From secret kisses in the basement to explosive family secrets at a Christmas Eve party, it’s a rollercoaster. In the end, there’s reconciliation, acceptance, and a happily ever after that feels earned. The story draws from DuVall’s own experiences, making it feel authentic to the lesbian struggle with family acceptance
Speaking of the cast, oh man, it’s stacked with talent that brings so much heart. Kristen Stewart as Abby is perfection—she nails that quiet, supportive vibe while hiding her frustration. Mackenzie Davis as Harper? She’s the messy one, torn between her love for Abby and her family’s expectations. Then there’s Aubrey Plaza as Riley, Harper’s ex-girlfriend, who’s all sarcastic and knowing—total crush material. Dan Levy (from Schitt’s Creek) steals scenes as Abby’s gay best friend John, dropping wisdom like, “Hiding who you are to make someone else comfortable? You’re not an oyster.” And don’t sleep on Mary Holland as Jane, the quirky sister who’s hilariously overlooked. The whole ensemble feels like a real family, flaws and all. If you’re into more queer cinema, check out my post on Carol (2015) for similar vibes of forbidden love.
From a lesbian point of view, this movie shines in how it flips the typical holiday rom-com script. Instead of straight couples dealing with in-laws, we get lesbian leads grappling with identity and acceptance. It’s not all rainbows—Harper’s deception hurts, and some reviews call their relationship toxic, which I get. Harper treats Abby (and her ex Riley) pretty poorly at times, lying and prioritizing her dad’s political campaign over their love. But that’s real life, right? Coming out isn’t always a Hallmark moment; it’s messy, especially around holidays when family’s in your face. The film nails the pressure of perfectionism in conservative households and how it clashes with being your true self. Plus, the soundtrack is fire, packed with queer artists like Tegan and Sara, adding that extra layer of gay energy.
Now, let’s talk reception because it’s mixed but mostly positive in queer circles. On Rotten Tomatoes, it’s sitting at 82% fresh, with critics praising the heartfelt performances and how it subverts the genre by queering it up. It even won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film, which is huge for visibility. But on Reddit and IMDb, some lesbians aren’t thrilled—calling it “garbage” because Harper’s a bad partner and the family is unlikeable. Fair point; not every queer story needs to be flawless heroes. Still, for me, it’s empowering to see lesbian stories front and center in a mainstream holiday flick. It’s not perfect, but it sparks conversations about toxic dynamics in relationships and the importance of chosen family. If you want more deep dives, read my article on queer holiday movies.
Production-wise, it was filmed in Pittsburgh right before COVID hit, and DuVall co-wrote it with Mary Holland, drawing from her own semi-autobiographical tales. Released on Hulu in November 2020, it skipped theaters due to the pandemic but still drew over 400,000 households in its opening weekend. The music by Amie Doherty keeps things jolly, and those drag queen cameos (hey, Jinkx Monsoon!) add fun flair.
In wrapping up, Happiest Season is a must-watch for any lesbian looking for holiday feels with a side of reality check. It’s funny, emotional, and reminds us that love wins—even if it takes a family blow-up to get there. Sure, it has flaws like any rom-com, but its heart is in the right place, pushing for more inclusive storytelling in Hollywood. If you’re streaming on Hulu, pair it with some eggnog and your fave blanket. What do you think—team Abby or do you side with Riley? Drop your thoughts in the comments! For more lesbian film reviews
