Mistletoe & Matrimony, OWN’s latest holiday romance, premiered on December 14, 2024, delivering a heartfelt story centered on familial boundaries and healthy communication. This film follows Olivia (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut) a wedding planner juggling the stressful task of organizing her younger sister’s Christmas Eve wedding in under two weeks while also caring for their elderly parents. Adding to the chaos, Olivia’s ex-boyfriend, Isaiah (Etienne Maurice), shows up as the wedding photographer, reigniting old feelings as they work together on plans. As Olivia navigates the complexities of reconnecting with Isaiah, she’s also faced with balancing her dreams with her family’s needs. With themes of resentment, regret, and forgiveness, this movie offers a refreshing take on holiday storytelling, celebrating Black love while exploring the nuances of complex family dynamics.
The cinematography of Mistletoe & Matrimony enhances the viewing experience, bringing a stunning visual appeal to the story. Set in Chicago, the film features some beautiful shots of downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods. One standout element is the use of split-screen scenes, where Olivia and Isaiah discuss their breakup with friends and reflect on their true feelings for each other. These moments add depth to the narrative, highlighting their lingering emotions and unresolved issues, which makes the storyline even more engaging.
Key Takeaways About Relationships
Throughout the film, Olivia’s conflicts with her sister Rosemary (Asha James) and ex-Isaiah reveal valuable lessons about maintaining healthy relationships with both siblings and romantic partners. Isaiah ended their relationship over the phone after Olivia prioritized her parents’ well-being over their planned trip, creating a rift that kept them apart for four years. Their dynamic highlights contrasting flaws: Isaiah avoids conflict and walks away when things get tough, while Olivia takes on too much responsibility, often neglecting her own needs. Through honest conversations, they confront their faults—Olivia learns to look out for herself and embrace new experiences, while Isaiah realizes the importance of confronting issues head-on instead of shutting down. This growth allows them to rekindle their connection and spend more time together, achieving the balance they both need.
When it comes to Olivia and Rosemary, their relationship is strained by past resentment. Olivia harbors anger and frustration towards Rosemary for not helping take care of their mother after a serious fall that left her injured. Rosemary expressed that she avoided stepping in because she felt unequipped to handle the situation, assuming Olivia was a better fit for the responsibility. However, as they opened up to each other, Olivia realized that Rosemary wanted to help but didn’t know how to contribute effectively. This heartwarming exchange leads to forgiveness and reconciliation between the sisters. Their storyline serves as an important reminder to let go of grudges, communicate openly about emotional burdens, ask for help when needed, and offer help to loved ones.
The film also unveils lessons about honesty and compromise through Rosemary and her fiancée, Gwen (Krista Nazaire). Gwen struggles to express her true feelings without fear of confrontation, while Rosemary prefers to control everything without any input—especially when it comes to planning their wedding. While Gwen wants their wedding to be short and intimate, Rosemary wants it to be over the top.
When the wedding plans become too extravagant and overwhelming, Gwen finally speaks up, expressing her desire for simplicity. In response, Rosemary makes the drastic decision to call off the wedding—despite guests already being present—and announces that they will elope instead. This bold move forced Gwen to confront Rosemary about her selfishness, pointing out how she disregarded everyone’s hard work. This confrontation serves as a reality check to Rosemary, leading the couple to compromise and continue the wedding. They ultimately realize the importance of listening to each other’s needs and making adjustments, creating a stronger foundation for their relationship.
Mistletoe & Matrimony is a film packed with meaningful takeaways about the joys and challenges of navigating family dynamics and romantic relationships, making this a must-watch when binging holiday movies. If you’re looking for a sincere reminder to not hold grudges, prioritize self-care, and communicate effectively, this is the perfect movie to inspire and uplift your holiday spirit.
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