Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe

Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe is a light-hearted romantic comedy film directed by Don McBrearty and released in 2018. The movie stars Lacey Chabert as Darcy Fitzwilliam and Brendan Penny as Luke Bennett, and is based on the novel of the same name by Melissa de la Cruz.

The storyline follows Darcy, a successful businesswoman who returns to her hometown, Pemberley, Ohio, for Christmas. Darcy is a workaholic, and her work always takes priority over her personal life, which has left her single and utterly unattached. While in Pemberley, she runs into Luke, an old classmate from high school, who is now running his family's business. Luke is an easy-going, charming guy who has always had a crush on Darcy, but she appears to have no interest in him or any other man for that matter.

However, as she spends more time in Pemberley, Darcy starts to rekindle her relationship with her family and old friends. She also becomes attracted to Luke, who seems to be everything she never knew she wanted in a man. As Christmas approaches, Darcy is faced with a choice between the life she has built for herself in New York and the life and potential love that she could have in Pemberley.

The movie's title, Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe, is a nod to Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice, and the film's plot shares many similarities with that story. Darcy's character shares many traits with Austen's Elizabeth Bennet, including a strong-willed personality and an initial disdain for the leading man, who is reminiscent of Mr. Darcy. However, the movie updates the story to make it more modern and places it in a Christmas setting, adding a new layer of festivity and charm to the classic tale.

The film is well-cast, with Lacey Chabert and Brendan Penny delivering strong performances in their respective roles. Chabert portrays Darcy as a determined and hard-working woman, but also shows her vulnerability and the conflict she feels between her career and her personal life. Penny is charming as Luke, and his chemistry with Chabert is palpable. The supporting cast, which includes Sherry Miller as Mrs. Fitzwilliam, Darcy's mother, also delivers solid performances, adding depth and humor to the story.

The movie's setting is one of its most significant strengths, as the small-town charm of Pemberley, Ohio, provides a warm and cozy backdrop to the story. From the town's Christmas tree lighting to the ice-skating rink, the movie immerses viewers in the holiday spirit and makes them feel like they are part of the festivities. The movie's soundtrack also adds to the film's atmosphere, with classic Christmas songs and original tunes enhancing the mood.

Overall, Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe is an enjoyable and charming holiday movie that balances romance, comedy, and sentimentality in equal measure. The movie's familiar storyline and setting make it a perfect pick for anyone looking for a movie that captures the magic of Christmas and the joy of falling in love. Fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice will appreciate the nods to the classic novel, while those unfamiliar with the story will find themselves swept up in the film's romantic story and holiday cheer.