Before we jump in: Merry Christmas everyone!

The Christmas Setup

Starring Ben Lewis and Blake Lee

Screenplay by Michael J. Murray

Directed by Pat Mills

The Christmas Setup on IMDB

Verdict: Best of 2020; cleared my skin and watered my crops

This will probably be my shortest review of the year, because all I can say is: go watch this movie!

Seriously, if you only watch one Christmas movie this year, make it The Christmas Setup. My festive queer heart can’t take it, it’s so perfect.

If you really need more info, here’s the premise: New York City lawyer Hugo (Ben Lewis) and his best friend Maddie (Ellen Wong) head home to see Hugo’s mom Kate (Fran Drescher) for Christmas. When Hugo’s high school crush Patrick (Blake Lee) shows up to deliver the Christmas tree, at first Hugo thinks it’s a coincidence… but it soon becomes clear that someone has high hopes for a certain could-be couple this Christmas. Of course, this small-town romantic interest may not be compatible with the career goals that are finally within Hugo’s reach… whatever will he do?

This is everything a Lifetime (or Hallmark) Christmas movie should be, but make it GAY. We’ve got the meddling well-meaning mom, the touch of sad backstory, the seasonal date-night activities, silly misunderstandings, a low-stakes high-feels slow burn, a happy ending for the supportive best friend. Hot guys, Christmas tree farms, hot chocolate, and a reminder of small-town roots for a big-city lawyer? Literally what more could you want?

Even the cliche small-town-values clash with big-city-career is well done in this movie. I won’t spoil it, but Hugo doesn’t have to sacrifice his dreams to make his own happy ending and find the path he wants in life. Unlike many movies that use this trope, The Christmas Setup doesn’t make it seem like living in New York or being a career person is inherently a bad thing; instead, it explores whether that’s the right path for Hugo’s life. What does our main character really want and need? That feels a lot more meaningful as a story than “family home good, city job bad.”

I can be known for having critical reviews. Absolutely loving a movie or book will not stop me from tearing into its weaknesses. I just… don’t have anything to tear into here. I only watched the movie once, but I honestly cannot think of a single complaint. There was family wholesomeness, fun best friend dynamics, simple conflict that felt both relatable but not insurmountable — I. Loved. It.

Unlike certain other more hyped-up movies this year, this movie has zero homophobia or uncomfortable family members. The gay couple is absolutely, without a doubt, the focus of this story. Hugo is our main character, and he and Patrick are never overshadowed or sidelined.

Whoever created this story either is queer themselves or did their research right, because so many moments felt very real-life, the kind of in-jokes or relatable feels you would never expect your straight coworkers to understand. This is a movie made for a queer audience, not just brownie points.

What are you waiting for? Go watch The Christmas Setup immediately. I’m off to see if they sell Lifetime movies on DVD… I do have a birthday in January!

Thanks for reading!

In case you missed it, I’ve reviewed all four of this year’s big new queer Christmas movies: Netflix’s A New York Christmas Wedding, Hallmark’s The Christmas House, Hulu’s Happiest Season, and this one, Lifetime’s The Christmas Setup. Follow the links to see my thoughts. TL;DR: Hallmark’s is decent, Hulu’s is funny, but Lifetime’s is hands-down the best. Netflix… that’s a whole other train wreck.

I’m off to enjoy the rest of the holiday break. See you in the new year!