If you are looking for a cheesy, predictable holiday romance film, then this new Netflix Original is the one for you. Emma Roberts (Wild Child, We’re The Millers) and Luke Bracey (Hacksaw Ridge, The Best of Me) star in Holidate, a romantic comedy about loneliness during the festive period and the persistent questioning from family members about your love life.
It is a harmless and light-hearted film that does exactly what it says on the tin. There are some misogynistic moments that are never really redeemed, some cringe-y dialogue, and ill-placed rude jokes. In the beginning, it almost veers into fanfiction-style set up with Bracey looking like he could be a Hemsworth cousin. Roberts does what she does best being a leading lady in an easy-watch-comedy drama.
Holidate seesaws between festive, sweet romance and crude, unabashedly sexual humour that rarely lands. Much of the humour comes from the awkward situations that the main characters get themselves into. The concept of holidays played well for the production designers as the sets and costumes are a key part of this film’s appeal. There are storylines that never resolve and half-evolved secondary characters, but it also pokes some fun at itself and has somewhat original scenarios.
‘Holidate’ is available to stream on Netflix.
Pep Reviews 