Single All The Way

It's that time of the year, where I am hoping just like last year we get some good gay holiday romantic films. So when Netflix released their first gay holiday film, I was really looking forward to it. Its one of those films that works in the larger context of holiday goodness and romantic fluff which is all acceptable during this time and in fact is endearing to watch. Its funny and delightful, even if I may have some reservations around the subject as a whole.

Peter works as an agent for hot models but his real passion is plants. He has recently broken with a guy who Peter was looking to actually meet his parents for Christmas. His best friend and room mate of 9 years is Nick, a task rabbit tanker who also has written a children's book. Peter comes up with idea to take Nick as his boyfriend to his parents, since anyway his entire family always wonder why these two best friends are not together. And Peter desperately wants his family off his back. Flying into snowy New Hampshire, we meet the entire family with parents, aunt, sisters, nephews and nieces and of course everyone already knows Nick. But before the secret could be told, Peter's mother informs him that she has set him up with a hot gym instructor, with whom reluctantly and on Nick's insistence Peter decides to go on a date. Except Peter's mother, everyone else in the family is hellbent on getting Nick and Peter together. In separate instances it turns out that even though they have been best of friends forever, they both actually are in love with each other but have been afraid to share that fearing ruining th e beautiful friendship they have. Eventually, because of excessive meddling, the boy boys are able to see through it and confess their love and kiss.

An eccentric and loving family Christmas, filled with heartwarming romance is what this film is all about. With strong resemblances to 'A Family Stone', my favorite film, the film and its characters hold you in right from the beginning. The movie is about love and not about being gay. Yes, I have serious concerns about how and why would two best friends suddenly start feeling for each other over a holiday after all these years during which Peter has had multiple relationships and I am guessing its the same with Nick. Is it just the holiday or something else? Yes, the film does talk about this that gay men can be best friends and they don't necessarily have to be together, but when you are friends with someone for 9 years, its just highly unlikely that one fine day, romantic feelings will start to overwhelm you. Peter lots into his character like a T, with his character being charismatic, funny and cool. But its Nick in his debut feature film that pacs a surprise. My god! Is he handsome or what. Charming, sexy , gorgeous smile, this. Guy would be all over movies very soon. Every other character in the film stands out and most memorable being Schitt's Creek Jocelyn. I personally couldn't care much about the the aunt putting up the Christmas show, but I love her as an actress. So it was good. Nick's chemistry with the two nephews and his reading them books were some of my favorite scenes.

You have to not take this film seriously buttery and watch this with holiday spirit and try to nougat bogged down by my own questions. Its a typical Hallmark style holiday romantic gay film, which is actually a lot of fun to watch and something that brings a smile. With a palpating chemistry between its two leads, its all about love. There isn’t great strife regarding Peter’s sexual orientation; the film is instead filled with love, respect, and queer joy. It never gets too mushy or over the top and stays sincere and warm.  Overall a joyful and cheerful film that brings a much needed smile to single folks like me and makes you ant t o have a boyfriend and a crazy family around you. Life doesn't have to be so complicated. (7/10)