LGBTQ+ cinema has expanded beyond the darker stories that once dominated queer films. Today, audiences can find more hopeful romances, comedies and feel-good stories.
The holiday season has also brought more queer films to the screen. While the selection remains smaller than traditional Christmas cinema, several titles offer romance, humour and plenty of festive charm.
Here are four queer movies and holiday stories to add to your Christmas and New Year watchlist.
‘Carol’ (2015)
‘Carol’ may not look like a traditional Christmas movie, but its winter setting gives the film a warm holiday atmosphere.
Cate Blanchett stars as Carol, a woman going through a difficult divorce. Rooney Mara plays Therese, an aspiring photographer who meets Carol around Christmas.
The two women gradually develop a forbidden relationship. Their growing connection creates a story filled with longing, tension and emotional uncertainty.
Director Todd Haynes balances romance with the social pressures surrounding the characters. The result is a thoughtful queer love story that suits a quieter holiday movie night.
‘Single All the Way’ (2021)
For viewers looking for a classic festive rom-com, ‘Single All the Way’ offers plenty of holiday cheer.
Michael Urie plays Peter, a man tired of his family asking about his single status. He convinces his best friend Nick, played by Philemon Chambers, to come home with him for Christmas.
Peter plans to pretend that Nick is his boyfriend. However, the fake relationship soon becomes more complicated when genuine feelings begin to emerge.
Directed by Michael Mayer, the Netflix original also features Luke Macfarlane and Jennifer Coolidge.
The friends-to-lovers storyline, family interference and festive setting make the film an easy choice for fans of feel-good Christmas romances.
‘Happiest Season’ (2020)
Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis lead ‘Happiest Season’, a lesbian Christmas rom-com filled with family drama and emotional moments.
The film follows Abby, played by Stewart, and Harper, played by Davis. The couple travels to Harper’s family home for Christmas.
Abby plans to propose during the holiday. Her plans change when she discovers that Harper has not come out to her parents.
The situation creates tension between the couple. It also explores themes of family acceptance, identity and the pressure to hide an important part of yourself.
Director Clea DuVall combines those themes with comedy and romance. The cast also includes Aubrey Plaza and Dan Levy, adding even more star power to the holiday favourite.
‘Two Doors Down’ (2022)
Two Doors Down’ is not technically a movie. It is a standalone episode from the Netflix series ‘Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings’.
Set during a New Year’s Eve weekend, the episode follows Tyler, played by Andy Mientus. He attends his sister’s wedding while keeping his relationship with Cole, played by Michael J. Willett, a secret.
Cole works as Tyler’s mother’s employee and the wedding planner. As the story develops, other hidden secrets begin to emerge.
Wendey Stanzler directed the episode, while Dolly Parton and Mark B. Perry wrote the story. The episode takes inspiration from Parton’s song of the same name.
Although it is not a conventional Christmas movie, ‘Two Doors Down’ brings romance, family drama and hope to the holiday viewing mix.
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