The Christmas Setup
| The Christmas Setup | |
|---|---|
_poster.jpg) Main poster | |
| Genre | Romantic comedy Christmas LGBTQ |
| Written by | Michael J. Murray |
| Directed by | Pat Mills |
| Starring | Ben Lewis Blake Lee Ellen Wong Fran Drescher Chad Connell |
| Theme music composer | Michael Richard Plowman |
| Country of origin | Canada United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Editor | Ryan Kovack |
| Running time | 85 minutes |
| Production companies | MarVista Entertainment Neshama Entertainment Wishing Floor Films |
| Original release | |
| Network | Lifetime (U.S.) CTV Drama Channel (Canada) |
| Release | December 12, 2020 |
The Christmas Setup is an American-Canadian romantic comedy television film, directed by
Plot
Lawyer Hugo Spencer returns home to Milwaukee with best friend Madelyn McKay over Christmas. His mother, Kate Spencer, immediately sets up a list of chores and Christmas activities for her sons, Hugo and Aiden, who returns later that week. While there, Hugo runs into Patrick Ryan, a boy he crushed on in high school. Kate sets Hugo and Patrick, trying to match them up, much to Hugo's embarrassment. Hugo finds out the neighborhood's landmark train station will soon be demolished and rushes to save it. Hugo and Patrick connect and finally have their first kiss under the northern lights.
Hugo receives a call from his boss regarding the senior partner position he had been hoping for. His boss gives him the promotion, on the condition that he relocates to London to open their new office. Hugo takes the opportunity into consideration, distressed by the idea of leaving his home country, family, and Patrick. While at family Christmas trivia game night, Madelyn accidentally tells everyone about Hugo's new job, forcing Hugo to seriously reconsider his decision. Aiden and Maddy become a couple while Hugo finds the paperwork needed to save the train station. At the train station's party, Hugo decides to decline the job and begin a long distance relationship with Patrick.
The movie ends with Kate filming Hugo and Patrick as they kiss outside the train station.
Cast
- Ben Lewis as Hugo Spencer
- Blake Lee as Patrick Ryan
- Ellen Wong as Madelyn McKay
- Fran Drescher as Kate Spencer
- Chad Connell as Aiden Spencer
- Pedro Miguel Arce as Cousin Jimmy Spencer
- Peter Nelson as Frank Ryan
- Glen Grant as George Vogel
- Lucinda Miu as Gladys Klaus
Production
The film was shot in Ottawa and Almonte, Ontario, in 2020.[3]
Release
The film premiered December 12, 2020 on Lifetime in the United States,[1] and December 18, 2020 on CTV Drama Channel in Canada.[3]
Critical reception
The Christmas Setup received positive reviews from critics upon its release. Patrick Serrano of
Accolades
The Christmas Setup was nominated for the 2021
The film received two
References
- ^ a b Hank Stuever, "TV’s gay Christmas movies are as benign, charming and cliche as we always hoped they’d be". The Washington Post, December 9, 2020.
- ^ Jackson Weaver, "New slate of LGBTQ holiday movies sparks joy, criticism over portrayal of queer stories". CBC News, December 18, 2020.
- ^ a b c Leanne Cusack, "The Christmas Setup filmed in Ottawa and Almonte, lauded as holiday rom-com with representation". CTV News Ottawa, December 18, 2020.
- ^ Patrick Serrano, "https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/a34935804/lifetime-christmas-setup-lgtbq-christmas-movie-review/". O, The Oprah Magazine’’, December 11, 2020.
- Glamour Magazine’’, December 11, 2020.
- Salon, December 13, 2020.
- ^ Team TV Line, “Performer of the Week: Kaley Cuoco”. “TVLine”, December 19, 2020.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (January 28, 2021). "GLAAD Unveils Nominees For 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards; Deadline's New Hollywood Podcast Honored With Special Recognition Award". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on 2021-01-28. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ET Canada, February 15, 2022.
External links
- The Christmas Setup at IMDb
