With Halloween now in the rearview mirror, the magical Christmas season eagerly awaits — or, in Hallmark’s case, has been steadily gaining excitement. The eagerly awaited Countdown to Christmas lineup for 2024 made its debut in early October, bringing with it an array of heartwarming holiday romance films that have already charmed audiences. Although there’s a treasure trove of two dozen additional films slated for release, including the much-anticipated features starring none other than Mama Donna Kelce, I believe I might have already discovered my favorite new holiday film for 2024: The 5-Year Christmas Party.
As soon as the Countdown to Christmas lineup was unveiled, The 5-Year Christmas Party found its way into my top five must-see Hallmark movies, and I can’t express how thrilled I am that it exceeded my expectations.
This delightful film tells the story of Alice (Katie Findlay), an aspiring theater director, who crosses paths with Max (Jordan Fisher), an aspiring actor, amid a backdrop of college rivalry. Their relationship takes an unexpected turn as they find themselves working for the same holiday catering company year after year. Although their interactions are confined to the festive season, the sparks between them continue to ignite, leading to feelings that deepen over a span of five years.
I realize it might be premature to declare The 5-Year Christmas Party as the standout Christmas movie in the 2024 lineup, particularly with intriguing titles from Netflix, including one featuring the charismatic Chad Michael Murray, yet I firmly believe this film shines above the rest. If you need further convincing beyond the plot alone, here are three compelling reasons illustrating the uniqueness of this charming movie.
(Image credit: Hallmark Channel)
Alice & Max Are Younger Than Most Hallmark Leads
Allow me to clarify that I appreciate Hallmark’s tradition of showcasing characters in their 30s and 40s. While this portrayal is invaluable, it’s refreshing to witness Hallmark’s latest offering bringing a youthful spin by centering narratives around young adult protagonists. Alice and Max, who are fresh out of their college programs, embody a journey filled with ambition as they chase their theater dreams, navigating the complexities of early adulthood.
While they are indeed younger, The 5-Year Christmas Party retains a mature essence typical of Hallmark films; the lively banter between the leads and their eccentric friends injects a vibrant youthfulness. More importantly, the struggles Alice and Max face resonate with audiences across generations, serving as a reminder that personal growth and self-discovery are lifelong endeavors.
(Image credit: Hallmark Channel)
The 5-Year Christmas Party Strays Away From Hallmark’s Perfect Formula
Hallmark Christmas movies provide an unmatched source of comfort, delivering a consistent formula that fans have come to adore. Yet, the beauty of The 5-Year Christmas Party lies in its refreshing divergence from this established formula. As the movie unfolds, it becomes clear that Alice and Max’s story will not follow the predictable romantic trajectory viewers often expect.
They don’t experience a fairytale meet-cute; rather, they awkwardly bump into one another at a holiday party, setting the tone for their unique relationship. Additionally, in a delightful twist, the film breaks the mold by allowing Alice and Max to share multiple kisses throughout the story, instead of confining them to a single, climactic moment at the end.
The film’s most significant departure, however, is the empowering message that neither lead is required to abandon their dreams for love. Initially, it appears that Alice might sacrifice her aspirations to follow Max to Los Angeles, but a twist of fate offers her a dream opportunity that keeps her pursuing her passions. Their reconciliation during the holidays leads to a mutual agreement to make a long-distance relationship work, defying the traditional narrative that often sees one partner uprooting their life.
In a genre that frequently highlights the city-girl-small-town-guy dynamic, where the woman must sacrifice her life for love, The 5-Year Christmas Party boldly redefines this narrative, embracing themes of ambition and personal fulfillment. This pivotal shift signifies Hallmark’s dedication to resonating with an audience seeking more diverse love stories.
(Image credit: Hallmark Channel)
The Movie Proves That Some Things Are Worth Waiting For
In the enchanting world of Hallmark films, love interests typically confront obstacles that keep them together throughout the majority of the story, yet The 5-Year Christmas Party takes a different direction. For most of the year, Alice and Max communicate infrequently, seeing each other only during the festive catering events they work together.
This distance doesn’t weaken their bond but instead amplifies the joy and significance of the moments they share. The adage “absence makes the heart grow fonder” rings true here, as the time apart enables each character to grow individually, enriching their eventual reunion with depth and emotional resonance.
Honestly, The 5-Year Christmas Party feels akin to a holiday movie that you’d more likely find streaming on Netflix rather than the Hallmark channel. This evolution in storytelling reflects Hallmark’s keen understanding that adapting to contemporary trends is essential for maintaining its beloved status during the holiday season.
With more films on the Countdown to Christmas schedule that I am excited to see, including the much-anticipated sequel to Three Wise Men and a Baby, I feel confidently inclined to declare The 5-Year Christmas Party the standout film of the 2024 lineup.
If you happen to miss the movie’s initial airing, mark your calendars for its encore presentation on Hallmark, airing on Friday, November 8th, at 6 pm ET. And don’t forget to explore the other festive movies that The 5-Year Christmas Party will be up against this holiday season.
**Interview with Entertainment Correspondent on Hallmark’s “The 5-Year Christmas Party”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today to chat about Hallmark’s newest holiday movie, “The 5-Year Christmas Party.” What makes this film standout from the typical Hallmark lineup?
**Correspondent:** Thanks for having me! What truly sets “The 5-Year Christmas Party” apart is its focus on younger protagonists, Alice and Max, who are fresh out of college. Unlike many Hallmark films that feature characters in their 30s and 40s, this film captures the unique challenges and dreams of young adults navigating their early careers and relationships. It’s really refreshing to see that perspective, especially in the context of a holiday romance.
**Editor:** That’s an interesting angle! How does this film diverge from the traditional Hallmark formula that viewers have come to expect?
**Correspondent:** Absolutely! While Hallmark has a beloved formula, “The 5-Year Christmas Party” breaks from that mold in several ways. For instance, the romance doesn’t follow the typical progression; Alice and Max meet in an awkward encounter rather than a fairytale-like introduction. Plus, instead of the usual one climactic kiss, they have multiple moments of affection throughout the story. Most importantly, the film emphasizes that neither character needs to sacrifice their dreams for love, which is a progressive shift from the usual narratives.
**Editor:** That’s a powerful message! Can you elaborate on how the characters’ ambitions play into the film’s storyline?
**Correspondent:** Sure thing! Both Alice and Max are not just chasing romance; they have their own ambitions in theater. The film showcases their growth and development over five years, highlighting how they support each other while pursuing their dreams. At one point, Alice faces a choice between following Max to Los Angeles or staying true to her career path, but the story takes a turn that allows her to pursue her own aspirations. This emphasis on ambition and mutual support is quite empowering and resonant for a modern audience.
**Editor:** It sounds like “The 5-Year Christmas Party” brings a fresh take on holiday romance. What do you think viewers will take away from this film?
**Correspondent:** Viewers are likely to appreciate the film’s blend of youthful energy and mature themes. It reminds us that relationships can evolve without compromising personal goals. With its mix of humor, charm, and a heartwarming plot, it could very well redefine expectations for Hallmark movies. I genuinely believe it will resonate with a broad audience, making it one of the highlights of the 2024 holiday season.
**Editor:** Fantastic insights! I think many will be eagerly awaiting this film’s premiere. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
**Correspondent:** Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to experience “The 5-Year Christmas Party.”
