On Sunday, December 11, “The Holiday Sitter” premiered on the Hallmark channel, and it subsequently made television history.
This was the network’s first-ever holiday rom-com with a gay couple in the lead roles.
In “The Holiday Sitter,” confirmed bachelor Sam (Jonathan Bennett) watches his niece and nephew when his sister Kathleen (played by Chelsea Hobbs) and brother-in-law Nate (portrayed by Matthew James Dowden) have to leave town to be there for the birth of the baby they’re adopting.
Even though his sister left a detailed schedule to follow, along with takeout menus to avoid the kitchen fire he caused the last time he babysat, Sam realizes he’s ill-equipped for the job, at best.
Neighbor Jason (George Krissa) agrees to help him and in the process, Sam rethinks what he truly wants from life.
Everett Andres and Mila Morgan also star as the younger actors that play the roles of Miles and Dania respectively.
Jonathan Bennett delivers a triumphant acting performance as Sam, while George Krissa is sensational and resonant as Jason, who is the voice of reason for Sam. The entire cast is memorable, and this is an LGBTQ-themed film that really pushes the boundaries in regard to contemporary storytelling; moreover, it’s a feel-good movie that will put smiles on people’s faces.
“The Holiday Sitter” is from Manmaid Productions Inc. in association with Johnson
Production Group. Timothy O. Johnson, Maura Dunbar, and Jonathan Bennett served as executive producers. Ali Liebert directed the film from a script by Greg Baldwin and Tracy Andreen, from a story by Jonathan Bennett and Baldwin.
In addition, the movie features the song “Why Couldn’t it Be Christmas Every Day?” by Kristin Chenoweth.
The Verdict
“The Holiday Sitter” underscores the significance of love and family around the holidays. It really tugs at the heartstrings with its poignant message, and it garners an A rating.
