Justin Hartley, executive producer/star, and director/writer Charles Shyer said they both wanted to make sure that their latest film, The Noel Diary, would tug at your heartstrings and get you into the holiday spirit -- without falling under the typical holiday tropes. Hartley plays Jake Turner, an author who has to return home after the passing of his mother. However, this movie goes beyond the typical boy meets girl -- to tell a story of compassion that crosses over generations. Shyer said it's a tightrope in trying to do a movie a little different than the ones that came before, adding that it's an emotional story but that the biggest challenge is making sure it's a fresh story that stays away from being too sappy or corny. Shyer credits the cast for the ability of everyone to keep this story grounded. Hartley said he enjoyed playing this character, who has convinced himself that he enjoys being alone and isn't living a lonely life when he is a flawed character with much more depth. While successful, Jake seems to deflect a lot, and as the movie continues, we learn more about his life and why we meet him at a pivotal time. Both Hartley and Shyer said they can not wait for people to see the movie and look at the work the cast and crew have done to make this movie stand out from others before it. It's a different movie that hits all the right notes to get you into the holiday spirit.  

Host: Monica Gleberman 

Editor: Corinna Caimi 

Social Media Graphic: Jojo 

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Synopsis:  

When best-selling author Jake Turner (Justin Hartley) returns home at Christmas to settle his estranged mother's estate, he discovers a diary that may hold secrets to his own past and that of Rachel (Barrett Doss) - an intriguing young woman on a mission of her own. Together, they embark on a journey to confront their pasts and discover a future that's totally unexpected.  

*The Noel Diary is available to stream on Netflix.   

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