Happiest Season

The holiday season is usually a time for joy, celebration, and closeness with loved ones, but for some, it can also be a daunting and stressful experience. In the case of Abby, the protagonist of the 2020 comedy film 'Happiest Season,' the traditional holiday gathering holds a different kind of significance. As a member of a conservative family with a tight-knit and old-fashioned upbringing, Abby has carefully planned to propose to her girlfriend, Harper, during their annual family party at their country home. The excitement is palpable, and Abby has envisioned this moment for a long time – a romantic and intimate proposal that would culminate in a lifetime commitment. However, Abby's enthusiasm is soon dampened upon arrival at her family's estate. As she steps out of the car and greets her mother, Sloane, and the rest of the family with obligatory kisses and holiday cheer, her heart is racing with nervous anticipation. Harper, being the more apprehensive of the two, has been reluctant to meet Abby's family, especially her conservative parents, in fear of judgment and potential fallout. The initial reluctance from Harper stems from the fact that she has yet to come out to her parents, a significant aspect of her personal identity that she feels she needs to address at some point, but the timing might not be ideal, given the family's conservative background and the fear of rejection. Harper, despite her fears, loves Abby with all her heart and has every intention of proposing to her in the near future. However, with her family's holiday party fast approaching, Harper convinces herself that this is as good a time as any to break the news to her girlfriend and potentially introduce her to the family, albeit with some degree of reluctance and anxiety. As the story unfolds, Abby's excitement and anticipation about proposing to Harper gradually fade away due to the realization that she may not get the response she expected, and perhaps not at all in the way she hoped. The pressure to fit in and gain acceptance from her family weighs heavily on Harper's shoulders, ultimately deciding for her to confess her true feelings about Abby to Sloane, hoping that the two will get along. Abby and Harper's relationship, on the other hand, becomes increasingly complicated as they navigate their relationship amidst their differing expectations. As a way to test the waters and gain insight into Sloane's reaction, Harper agrees to pose as Abby's girlfriend under a fabricated pretense of merely being 'friends' to keep things casual and prevent Sloane from getting too attached or making any unnecessary judgments. Meanwhile, Abby struggles to comprehend why Harper doesn't feel confident enough to openly express her love and commitment without fear of retribution from Sloane and his husband. Abby begins to feel frustrated and increasingly isolated from Harper due to her girlfriend's reluctance to commit to revealing their relationship to Abby's family. However, things take a significant turn for the worse when Abby becomes suspicious about Harper's intentions and begins to feel as if she is being toyed with or even manipulated. With her emotions running high, Abby decides to call it quits, leaving the two of them on shaky ground. As the tensions rise and family drama unfolds, the holiday party becomes a chaotic and emotional battleground for the two women. Sloane becomes increasingly confrontational, questioning Harper about her intentions and commitment to their relationship, forcing the young girlfriend to confront her fears head-on and reveal the true nature of her relationship with Abby. A heartfelt conversation between the two women eventually helps clear the air, and Harper realizes the importance of authenticity in their relationship. Harper finally works up the courage to tell Sloane about her true feelings and intentions toward Abby. The scene is an emotional release of pressure, as both women confront their deepest fears and come to terms with their relationship in a more honest and accepting light. As the holiday party finally winds down, Abby, having finally grasped her girlfriend's apprehension and understanding, offers the love and support Harper had been craving all along. With their relationship strengthened through love and a renewed sense of vulnerability, Abby decides to wait a little longer to propose, ensuring that their commitment to one another is genuine, authentic, and mutual. As they share a kiss under the holiday lights, it becomes apparent that true love can conquer even the most daunting of situations. 'Happiest Season,' despite its complexities and setbacks, becomes a poignant exploration of love, vulnerability, and acceptance in an environment that values tradition over tolerance.