The Snow Must Go On (2025)
Shockingly tolerable.
I know, I know. And believe me, the first 10 minutes had me questioning why I do what I do. The first few scenes had me reminiscing about the Shakespearean quality that was the early years of Joey Tribbiani’s career. FREUD!, anyone? #IYKYK
Then it got marginally better.
He’s a Broadway-caliber actor, desperate to sell his one-man show. A visit home for the holidays results in him being tagged in to direct his niece’s Christmas play, where, coincidentally the child of a famous Broadway producer is also part of the cast.
As Hallmark movies go, this was a bit twee and cringey to watch at time, BUT I do appreciate that it went against the tried-and-true (ish) formula followed by the majority of the Countdown to Christmas entries. And to have some musical numbers thrown into the mix? Listen, if there was ever a time for it, it’s in a Hallmark Christmas movie, especially when you have a legit Broadway-caliber actor to deliver.
Was it my favourite? No. And if we’re looking for Broadway-adjacent I’d still go with A Carol for Two — Happiest Christmas, but this was different and quirky enough to hold my attention for 90 minutes (once I got past the first 10 anyway).
Isaiah Heyward last appeared on Broadway almost 10 years ago. Since then, getting back on Broadway has been a challenge. To escape the grind of the city and re-evaluate his life, Isaiah visits his sister, Jess, and teenage niece, Aurora, in upstate New York for the holidays. But his yuletide respite is interrupted when he learns Aurora’s high school may have to cancel their annual Christmas musical because they can’t find a director. With a nudge from Aurora and the school’s guidance counselor, Lilly-Anne Brigente, Isaiah decides to save the Christmas show and jumps in as director. Isaiah’s situation gets a little more complicated when he learns that an influential Broadway producer’s daughter is in the school production, so Isaiah decides to cast himself as the lead in order to land a part in an upcoming Broadway show. But while the curtain rises on rehearsals and the Christmas Eve opening night fast approaches, Isaiah finds some Christmas surprises of his own, as he stumbles upon an unexpected romance with Lilly-Anne, creates an unanticipated bond with his students, reassesses his priorities and ultimately discovers that the greatest holiday gift is found when love, family, and friendship take centerstage. Starring Heather Hemmens and Corey Cott.
You’ll like this if…
You like your Christmas movies a bit quirky.
