HOLLY’S HOLIDAY Strives for Perfection in a Messy World

The quest for perfection is sold to us, especially women, on a daily basis. The barrage of ads, TV shows, self-help books, etc. that tell us how to have the perfect body, perfect wardrobe, perfect job, perfect hair, perfect relationship, perfect life…it’s everywhere! Lifetime’s new original movie, Holly’s Holiday, takes a jab at all those expectations without getting preachy about it.

Holly Maddux (Claire Coffee) is a young, ambitious advertising executive who has the perfect job, the perfect apartment, the perfect best friend…but she lacks the perfect man. Like the one in the store window she passes every day. Sure, he’s a mannequin, but he’s handsome and well-dressed and seems to be giving his sweetheart the perfect Christmas. When Holly trips on her way to work and conks her head on the pavement, she wakes up to find a gorgeous guy standing over her. Bo (Ryan McPartlin) is smitten and a fairy tale romance begins.

Meanwhile, the big account Holly and photographer Milo (Jeff Ward) need to land for their agency is highlighting the duo’s creative differences. Where Holly wants to sell fantasy, Milo wants to show the beauty in reality. Juggling her demanding job with her increasingly demanding personal life leads Holly to the realization that perfection isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and maybe true love has been right in front of her the whole time.

Holly’s Holiday is a fresh twist on a familiar tale. The actors are engaging and the characters have enough depth to keep the viewer invested in the outcome of the various storylines. Claire Coffee is an endearing leading lady, and Jeff Ward has leading man written all over him. Ryan McPartlin is an old favorite of mine from Chuck, surprising me with a slightly edgy performance as Mr. Perfect. The supporting actors add richness to the story, rather than the usual perfunctory peripheral characters who only serve to move the main romance forward. (Holly’s assistant’s little storyline is adorable.)

This is original holiday movie is a winner. Tune into Holly’s Holiday when it debuts Saturday, December 8 at 8/7c on Lifetime.