I was skeptical about watching this only because the promo clearly tells you that it’s about a mother who is dying and worried about who will take care of her kids. Don't get me wrong, I’m not against these types of films, but I’m not really in the headframe to watch something that sad right now. I watch Christmas movies to be happy and get in the Christmas spirit but Holly & Ivy seemed like it would do just the opposite. Nevertheless, I gave it a shot — but I waited until a few days later when I could watch it in the daylight. It seemed safer that way…
Holly & Ivy tells the story about a young woman named Melody, played by Janel Parrish, who has just moved into town in the hopes to put her library science degree to good use. Unfortunately, like most places today, the libraries in her town are having a hiring freeze due to cutbacks. In between moving in and looking for a job, Melody meets Nina, played by Marisol Nichols, and her two daughters, Holly and Ivy. Not long after, Nina and her family become extremely close to Melody, almost becoming a second family. However, when Nina learns that her lymphoma has come back for the third time, Melody offers to take care of Holly and Ivy in case the worst happens. The only problem? Her “new” house is actually quite old and falling apart. In order for the state to approve of Melody’s new role in the girl’s lives, she must pass her house inspection. Luckily for her, she happens to know a very qualified, and cute, construction worker named Adam, played by Jeremy Jordan, who seems pretty infatuated with Melanie as well.
I won’t lie to you and say that this is the most Christmassy movie Hallmark has put out so far, but I will say that this movie was not as sad as I thought it was going to be, which is good. It wasn’t until the very end that it got a little heavyhearted, but it’s better than it being that way throughout the whole film. Nevertheless, when you get down to it, this movie represents what the spirit of Christmas is actually about — giving, being there for your neighbor, and most importantly, love. Speaking of, aside from her love for the girls, Melody’s love for books and her aspiration to become a librarian was what first piqued my interest in this movie. The character really reminded me of myself, which is what I think most of us look for when watching a film — being able to relate to the main character. She's eager to get other kids interested in reading and always knows the best book recommendations for anyone who asks. If that isn't me, I don't know what is.
I think the greatest part of Holly & Ivy is the fact that, while there is a romance brewing between Melody and Adam throughout the film, the story focuses more on the love between the four women — Melody, Nina, Holly, and Ivy. The idea that two strangers can come together and create a family in a time of need is a sweet story in and of itself, but when you have the entire community come together to help them, you’ve got yourself a heartwarming Christmas tale. This film is also great for anyone who may be struggling to achieve their dreams in the here and now. Just as Melody says that “sometimes dreams take a little time," this film does a great job of showcasing that. While she may not get her dream job by the end of the movie, Melody takes many steps to get there, and I absolutely love that. Instead of miraculously getting the job she’s been working towards by the end of the film, she realizes that it’s going to take some time, so she takes a job outside of the library doing data processing, knowing that it will give her money with which she can start to save up in order to achieve her dream job. That’s a message I wish more films would show. It’s realistic yet inspiring, and I for one really appreciated it.
All in all, I don’t know if Holly & Ivy will make it onto my Christmas movie list every year, but I definitely won’t skip over it if I happen to come across it on TV. With a sweet story that is more about the love between a family and being there for your community, this will surely pull at your heartstrings without making you an emotional wreck for two hours. Let me know what you think of this movie in the comments below!
***I do not own this photo.
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