How a Skeptical Critic Came to Love Bad Christmas Movies
Dec 24, 2024
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Amanda Hess, a critic at large for The New York Times, unexpectedly discovers a love for Hallmark Christmas movies. She shares how these corny films became a source of comfort and nostalgia during tough times. Discussing their predictable narratives and heartwarming themes, Hess reflects on her journey from skepticism to genuine affection. The conversation also touches on the contrast between traditional Hallmark charm and the more risqué Netflix offerings, highlighting the cultural significance of these holiday favorites.
Hallmark Christmas movies provide a predictable formula that comforts viewers and offers an escape during challenging times.
The evolution of holiday films on platforms like Netflix introduces humor and contemporary themes, appealing to a wider range of audiences.
Deep dives
Finding Comfort in Familiarity
Hallmark Christmas movies provide a predictable and comforting formula that appeals to many viewers, particularly in challenging times. They typically feature a big city protagonist who faces a personal crisis and is drawn back to a quaint hometown where she meets a charming local, leading to romance. This formula is viewed as simplistic but offers a soothing escape, allowing viewers to engage with familiar storylines that evoke a sense of nostalgia. The comfort stems from knowing the outcomes ahead of time, which makes these films especially appealing during stressful periods in life, as they require no emotional investment beyond enjoyment.
Reevaluation of Feminist Themes
Initially perceived as anti-feminist and overly sentimental, Hallmark Christmas movies reveal a more nuanced perspective upon closer examination. The primary female characters are not relinquishing their ambitions entirely; instead, they often transition from high-pressure urban careers to fulfilling roles in small-town settings that allow for personal growth. This shift suggests a critique of modern ambition and a reconsideration of what constitutes happiness and fulfillment in life. The movies provide a narrative where the female leads find purpose in creative and community-focused endeavors rather than simply renouncing their aspirations.
Cultural Shift and Market Adaptation
While the Hallmark formula remains consistent, other platforms like Netflix have introduced variations that challenge the traditional approach to holiday films. Netflix incorporates more humor and contemporary themes, creating a hybrid of romance and comedy that resonates with younger, millennial audiences. This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift, where viewers appreciate both the nostalgia of classic Hallmark films and the more adventurous, sometimes risqué narratives presented by streaming services. As a result, the genre has become more inclusive, appealing to a diverse range of viewers seeking both escapism and relatability in holiday storytelling.
Hallmark Christmas movies are corny, predictable and just what our critic needed to embrace the holiday spirit.
The story of how a big-city culture critic, Amanda Hess, found love where she least expected it — in the monotony of Hallmark’s Christmas movies.
Guest: Amanda Hess, a critic at large for the Culture section of The New York Times
Background reading:
One December morning, a millennial critic awoke to discover that she had been begrudgingly charmed by an onslaught of Hallmark and Netflix holiday films.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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