Dear Santa

Dear Santa follows the captivating story of a wealthy and frivolous 30-year old woman named Crystal Carruthers. Crystal's parents constantly chastise her for her lack of maturity and she’s continually been procrastinating on finding her purpose in life. She has been living off her parents, enjoying the comfort of their money and shoving off any responsibility. However, things take a promising turn during the holiday season when Crystal stumbles upon a letter to Santa Claus.

This fairytale-like movie starts with Crystal discovering a heartfelt and sincere letter written by a sweet 7-year-old girl named Olivia. In her letter addressed to Santa Claus, precocious Olivia expresses her Christmas wish, which is not for herself but for her loving yet lonely widower father, Derek Gowen. She pleads Santa to find a new wife for her dad, so they’re no longer alone. Crystal is deeply moved by the candid emotions portrayed in the letter and decides to undertake a self-imposed mission to create a happily-ever-after for Olivia and her father.

Crystal assumes who this charming woman should be and initiates her journey to fulfill a little girl’s Christmas wish, which is far removed from her indulgent and entitled lifestyle. She steps out of her comfort zone and is caught off guard by Derek’s simplicity, handsomeness, and warmth. From breaking into the father-daughter duo's family-oriented soup kitchen to encouraging local community participation, she’s on an ever-evolving mission to build connections and redefine herself.

As the movie progresses, Crystal’s frivolous character gradually empowers transforming into a caring and mature woman. Her relationship with the father and daughter deepens, reflecting her own metamorphosis. The circumstances test her integrity as she struggles to keep her intentions hidden and her efforts unknown. And while she's on her secret operation, she unexpectedly begins to fall in love with Derek.

On the crossing paths of these three unique characters, Dear Santa crafts an emotional kaleidoscope of hope, transformations, and unexpected occurrences. It unveils human connections, spontaneity, and the joy of giving, intertwined with a generous splash of Christmas magic and love. The charisma of our protagonist, Crystal, hypnotizes the audience as she persistently presses on, despite numerous humorous hitches and heart setbacks, to keep the spirit of the holiday season alive.

Dear Santa, directed by Jason Priestley and written by Barbara Kymlicka, is a feel-good family-friendly holiday film that involves viewers in an enchanting storyline filled with Christmas magic, plot twists, love, and spontaneous hilarity. The movie hence sets up a warm tone, making it a perfect watch during the holiday season.

The talented Amy Acker shines in the lead role, capturing the evolution of Crystal’s character with a beautiful blend of humor, sentimentality, and dedication. She injectively portrays Crystal's transformation from a naive young woman to one who is willing to change her lifestyle and embrace love and sincerity. David Haydn-Jones gives an equally compelling performance as attractive Santa letter recipient Derek Gowen, portraying his character's loneliness and need for romance subtly yet convincingly. Emma Duke charms every viewer with her amazing portrayal of innocent yet wise-beyond-her-years Olivia.

Furthermore, the film's spectacular cinematography with its vibrant colors warmly welcomes you to a world of snowy exteriors, cozy interiors, and Christmas-themed visuals. The blend of slapstick humor, complexity of emotions, and constant intrigue suit the festive atmosphere of the film. Besides, the prominence of Christmas traditions and community spirit furthers the appeal, making Dear Santa an ultimate holiday season movie.

In essence, Dear Santa is an irresistible festive treat that beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas, selfless acts of kindness, and transformation. It's light, funny, heart-warming, and showcases how the magic of the holiday season can inspire even the most unlikely people to change their ways and spread joy around them. Ready your popcorn, cozy up on your couch, and enjoy this delightful holiday escapade that's sure to bring cheer and warmth into your homes.