After discussing how we came to choose this groundbreaking holiday rom com -- the first major entry in the genre to feature a same-sex couple -- we discuss how relatable the story was for us.

** Complicated woman: Harper. This is Harper’s story, she is the one driving this movie. She doesn’t always make choices we agree with or even like, but is she complicated in all aspects of her life? (04:05)

** Supporting women. Kristen Stewart playing Abby, a romantic, earnest, hopeful character seems complicated because it’s so unexpected. And Sloane, Jane and Riley round out the amazing, funny and well-drawn cast. (09:10)

** Scenes. We discuss the opening scene of Harper and Abby discussing Christmas and how romantic the holiday is for Carinn; the over-the-top competitive ice skating scene between Harper and Sloane; and the scene where Abby picks up the ring and John hilariously points out the archaic nature of what she’s doing.  (20:26)

**The Speeches. We love a good rom com speech and the last thirty minutes of Happiest Season gives us more than one...Harper explaining her conflicted feelings to Abby, John’s heartfelt explanation to Abby that Harper not being ready doesn’t mean she doesn’t love her; and Harper coming out to her parents. Finally, we analyze Harper’s “big speech” to win Abby back using our rom com speech criteria! (26:33)

** What’s Your Damage, Heathers?  We discuss Abby’s complicated relationship with Christmas due to the loss of her parents and then we discuss secrets. Does a secret of any kind make someone complicated or is a secret that denies part of your authentic self really just damage? (53:27)

** Crystal Ball. We get some help from writer and director, Clea Duvall, about what happens next for Harper and Abby and it involves a lot of “processing” for these two! We also discuss whether Riley and Abby should have ended up together. (63:02)

** Who Won The Movie? Kate goes with an obvious scene stealer and Carinn goes deep cut! (70:47)

** What She Said: Clea Duvall. Kate chooses a quote that speaks to the relatability of the movie and another that reminds her of Dead to Me! Carinn chooses one that speaks to her shared views with Duvall on love and relationships. (73:54)

**Takeways. We end where we began, discussing the universal nature of this movie (79:50). 

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @popfictionwomen and on Twitter @pop_women. To do a full deep dive, check out our website at www.popfictionwomen.com. Stay Complicated!

We’ve launched a platform at patreon.com/popfictionwomen to keep making the podcast you love -- and to make it even better. For a one time contribution to support this episode, use venmo @carinn-jade. Thank you for your support and enjoy the show!!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices