“Holidate” Movie Review: Netflix’s newest rom com

Whenever someone asks me what my favorite type of movie is, I always respond within seconds — rom coms. From “Sixteen Candles” to “The Kissing Booth,” I’ve become well versed in old and new rom coms, and it’s become the only type of movie I actually enjoy. So when I heard about Netflix’s “Holidate,” it was instantly on my radar. 

“Holidate” follows Sloan — a jaded, sarcastic workaholic played by Emma Roberts who hides behind humor, and Jackson — a health-conscious, easy-going person that’s scared of love played by Luke Bracey. After meeting one another at the mall, they quickly realize their shared sorrows from failed relationships and horrible holiday experiences. The director quickly sets up a typical rom com scene: two single people will accompany one another for New Year’s Eve with no romantic feelings or strings attached. 

The two characters balanced each other out, but the movie could have included more information about them — we don’t even get last names. I think the actors could have played their characters better — I found myself cringing multiple times because of how scripted it sounded — but the movie was still cute and enjoyable. 

The original idea of a one-time New Year’s date eventually turns into an agreement to be together on each holiday. Per their mutual agreement, Jackson ends up coming to Sloan’s family gatherings during Thanksgiving and Easter and Sloan tags along to holiday parties with Jackson for St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween. The quick banter between the two during these events was the cutest part of the movie, with constant jokes and obvious chemistry. 

While the acting was definitely average and the script was predictable — as with most rom coms — the unique idea of the movie made up for it. The movie went on for the span of a year, and only filmed Mother’s Day, Christmas, Labor Day and every other holiday throughout the year. The gap of time between each scene increased the suspense and made every moment between the two even more special. 

Although the two only see each other about once a month, that’s what makes the movie so interesting. The best part of the movie was watching how well they get along for the few hours they see each other, and how strong their friendship grows during every holiday. Sloan is able to push Jackson out of his comfort zone by getting him to try chocolate and go against his strict health regiments, while Jackson remains a constant in her ever-changing life. 

As the movie progresses, it’s hard not to get consumed in their obvious romantic feelings for each other. I felt myself screaming at the TV more times than I can count when Sloan pretended she felt nothing for Jackson, pushing him away for the majority of the movie. 

The unique concept of only wanting to date someone on the holidays also made it something that I, along with most people, could relate to. Jackson’s famous line throughout the movie was, “People aren’t meant to be alone on the holidays,” and that’s something that remained present throughout the movie. This was an idea that I’ve never heard of before, and it made the movie stand out from all of the others I’ve seen. 

The plot was everything you would expect from a Netflix rom com — it feels like something you’ve seen before — but that’s what made it so good. I felt in my comfort zone with the predictable, charming plot between the two characters.  
If you’re looking for a classic rom com to ease you into the holiday season, “Holidate” is the perfect movie.