Holidate

Sloan Baldur, played by Emma Roberts, is a hopeless romantic in her mid-twenties. She's constantly swiping through dating apps, attending singles' parties, and going on lackluster blind dates, all in the hopes of finding her perfect match. Sloan's love life is a never-ending cycle of disappointment and unfulfillment. However, on one particularly grueling Valentine's Day, Sloan is left standing alone in a crowded restaurant, her date having left abruptly. This incident sparks a realization within her – she's tired of being single for the sake of other people's holiday celebrations. On the same fateful evening, Jackson Garlick, played by Luke Bracey, emerges as Sloan's unlikely confidant. He's a charismatic and confident man who's had his fair share of failed relationships. Jackson, on the other hand, has a very different approach to love; he sees relationships as an unnecessary burden and has made it a point to avoid romantic relationships altogether. The conversation flows easily between Sloan and Jackson as they commiserate over their respective misadventures in love. The unlikely duo hatches a plan to solve their holiday woes – they agree to become each other's platonic plus-ones for an entire year. With this arrangement, both Sloan and Jackson can put away their phones, relax, and enjoy the festivities with someone they consider a friend. No pressure, no expectations, and no awkward dates. As the holiday season unfolds, Sloan and Jackson embark on a series of fun-filled adventures, each one carefully curated to avoid any semblance of romance. They attend parties, family gatherings, and weddings, all the while maintaining their agreement of platonic affection. At first, their arrangement seems to be working perfectly; they're genuinely happy to have each other's company. As months go by, Sloan and Jackson begin to grow closer. They discover shared interests, laugh together over inside jokes, and even start to confide in each other about their deepest secrets. Despite the initial agreement to keep things platonic, they start to experience the undeniable chemistry that occurs when two people connect on a deep level. The question is: will their initial agreement be a hindrance or a catalyst for something more? Sloan and Jackson navigate the blurred lines between friendship and romance as they're repeatedly forced to confront their feelings for each other. While Sloan's desperate for love, Jackson still clings to his conviction that relationships are nothing but a chore. As the days go by, they struggle to reconcile their growing desire for each other with their prior agreement. The plot thickens when Sloan's past relationships come back to haunt her, forcing her to confront her own insecurities and fears. Meanwhile, Jackson is pulled into a world of commitment, courtesy of his meddling family, who are eager to see him settle down. The external pressures only serve to heighten the tension between Sloan and Jackson, who find themselves torn between their growing attraction and their initial agreement. In a climactic showdown, the two friends are compelled to confront their feelings for each other. Jackson, still wary of commitment, must face the possibility of letting go of his fears and embracing love. Sloan, meanwhile, is faced with the daunting task of deciding whether to take a chance on someone who may not return her feelings. Ultimately, it's on a sun-kissed Fourth of July that Sloan and Jackson come to a heartwarming realization. They've been pretending to be something they're not for far too long, and now it's time to confront the truth. Jackson finally acknowledges his feelings for Sloan, admitting that he may have been wrong about relationships all along. As the fireworks light up the sky, the two former acquaintances surrender to their undeniable connection, marking the beginning of a beautiful romance. The film concludes on a heartwarming note, with Sloan and Jackson embracing their newfound love and the freedom to be themselves. Their unconventional journey has taught them that sometimes, it takes embracing the unknown to discover the love we truly desire. As the credits roll, the stars shine bright, a testament to the magical connection that brought these two kindred spirits together in the first place.