"The Holiday Club" is a new lesbian romance that may draw comparisons to Hallmark movies. Which isn't to say that it's bad. The film is actually likable and sweet and is a good film to watch while snuggling with the woman you love. It comes via Tello Films, a streaming service and production company which offers films and series by and about queer women.
Written and directed by Alexandra Swarens, who also co-stars in the film, "The Holiday Club" tells the story of Sam (Mak Shealy), a lonely computer programmer who moves to the small town of Ashland, Ohio for a job. The film was actually shot on location in Ashland.
On Valentine's Day, Sam's doorbell rings. It's Bailey (Swarens), who owns the bakery next door. Bailey is erroneously delivering a box of pastries for an order that Sam had canceled. Bailey convinces Sam to sample the pastries which Sam does, and their attraction to each other is instantaneous. One problem is, Bailey already has a girlfriend.
The two become friends, always flirting whenever they see each other. But the road to love can be a long, difficult one. Bailey and her girlfriend break up, by which time Sam has a girlfriend. Bailey invites Sam and her girlfriend to a party, and Sam tries to set Bailey up with a friend of hers.
Over the course of the next year Bailey and Sam glide in and out of each other's lives. Whenever they're together it's painfully obvious that they're perfect for each other, yet they don't seem to be able to get together. Finally, the inevitable happens. They spend the night together, and it's great. But after the fact Sam isn't comfortable, and the two decide to take a break in their friendship.
But neither is able to get the other out of her mind, and it doesn't help that Sam lives right next door to Bailey's bakery. Will these two women, who are obviously perfect for each other, ever find true happiness?
"The Holiday Club" is a lesbian film you can watch with your parents and even with your children. It is definitely a G-rated film. Though the lesbianism of the two leads, and of many of the supporting characters, is front and center, and though Bailey and Sam go to bed together, there is no nudity in the film and no four-letter words.
Bailey and Sam are immensely likable characters. Though they live in a small town, they are casually out and open about their sexuality. Swarens and Shealy play off each other beautifully. Each of these actors fully understands who their character is, and they understand each other's characters as well.
Bailey and Sam are two fiercely independent women who nonetheless yearn for love. These are characters that many women will be able to relate to, though, I suspect, that men will also enjoy this film. A good story is a good story, and transcends things like gender or sexual orientation.
"The Holiday Club" is indeed the fine holiday film. Watch it for Thanksgiving. Watch it on Christmas. Watch it on Valentine's Day. All three holidays are celebrated in the film. Let "The Holiday Club" bring even more joy to your celebrations.
'The Holiday Club' will be available on November 19 at the Tello Films website, and on other VOD services. www.tellofilms.com
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