[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/review\/finding-a-holidate-this-romcom-may-hit-too-close-to-the-heart\/#NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/review\/finding-a-holidate-this-romcom-may-hit-too-close-to-the-heart\/","headline":"Finding a Holidate? This RomCom May Hit Too Close to the Heart","name":"Finding a Holidate? This RomCom May Hit Too Close to the Heart","description":"Nothing beats staying in on a cold, rainy day with a bowl of popcorn and Netflix streaming on the screen. Introducing a romantic comedy perfect for Christmas, Holidate is a light-hearted film that may hit too close to the heart. Netflix, Inc. The cast and the plot Directed by John Whitesell and written by Tiffany [&hellip;]","datePublished":"2020-12-24","dateModified":"2022-06-28","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/sofia-yowendra\/#Person","name":"Sofia Yowendra","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/sofia-yowendra\/","identifier":65,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/12228ac6355421174e814db8648dddef6f5d17f60d4696828041d4cb8502f5d8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/12228ac6355421174e814db8648dddef6f5d17f60d4696828041d4cb8502f5d8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"TheHomeGround Asia","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","width":640,"height":640}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/1608776496028_holidate.jpg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/1608776496028_holidate.jpg","height":640,"width":1280},"url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/review\/finding-a-holidate-this-romcom-may-hit-too-close-to-the-heart\/","commentCount":"3","comment":[{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/review\/finding-a-holidate-this-romcom-may-hit-too-close-to-the-heart\/#Comment1","dateCreated":"2026-05-02 11:51:49","description":"I learned something new today.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"tv live free","url":"https:\/\/juarez.gob.mx\/visualizar_word.php?doc=https:\/\/www.oneotv.com\/"}},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/review\/finding-a-holidate-this-romcom-may-hit-too-close-to-the-heart\/#Comment2","dateCreated":"2026-04-28 13:51:33","description":"Very practical and actionable tips.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"on cloud shoes for women","url":"https:\/\/globalshoepalace.com\/product-category\/women\/on-cloud-women-shoes"}},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/review\/finding-a-holidate-this-romcom-may-hit-too-close-to-the-heart\/#Comment3","dateCreated":"2026-04-24 09:02:19","description":"Very practical and actionable tips.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Salomon lab shoes","url":"https:\/\/globalshoepalace.com\/product-category\/men\/Salomon-Men-Shoes"}}],"about":["Review"],"wordCount":833,"articleBody":"Nothing beats staying in on a cold, rainy day with a bowl of popcorn and Netflix streaming on the screen. Introducing a romantic comedy perfect for Christmas, Holidate is a light-hearted film that may hit too close to the heart.Netflix, Inc.The cast and the plotDirected by John Whitesell and written by Tiffany Paulsen, Holidate stars the talented Emma Roberts (as Sloane), the handsome Luke Bracey (as Jackson), and the flirtatious Kristin Chenoweth (as Aunt Susan).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Agreeing to be each other\u2019s platonic partners for holidays and special occasions, Sloane and Jackson fall in love with each other over the course, slowly and unwittingly.All about Sloane\u201cWhy is everyone so suspicious of a happy single woman?\u201d &#8211; Emma Roberts (as Sloane)Holiday family gatherings are tiresome, especially for the now single Sloane. A young working adult, Sloane enjoys working at home in her comfortable shirt and baggy trousers (who doesn\u2019t?). However, her nit-picky mother, Elaine (played by Frances Fisher) is worried about her daughter\u2019s singlehood and her lack of dressing up.\u00a0\u201cWhy are you single?\u201d Elaine is constantly trying to set Sloane up with men despite the latter\u2019s protests; expectations and obsessions with Sloane\u2019s singlehood are putting pressure on her.Herein enters JacksonJackson is a young, professional Australian golfer. Stuck in a relationship he has no interest in, he has been failing at getting social cues from his then-girlfriend. After an exasperating argument over Christmas present and wacky, matching sweaters, Jackson decides to call it quits. Hereafter, Jackson prefers a date with no attachments, both drama and love free.Netflix, Inc.The two meetDestiny begins when Sloane and Jackson meet in a departmental store, when they are both returning presents that they received. Agreeing to be each other\u2019s \u201cHolidate\u201d, a platonic date for every holiday gathering as Aunt Susan has coined, the two becomes fast friends. Jackson gets to avoid serious relationships and attachment while Sloane can finally have a \u2018boyfriend\u2019 to keep her family\u2019s pity at bay.\u00a0\u00a0After spending New Year\u2019s Eve with each other, Sloane yearns for something genuine despite having a great time with Jackson. Her hesitation stops her from contacting him any further.\u00a0On Valentine\u2019s Day, an unfortunate meeting with her ex-boyfriend and a new girl sent Sloane reeling about her singlehood again. As expected, Jackson swoops in and saves the day when he happens to pass by. This marks the beginning of their affirmed Holidate agreement.And love beginsCelebrating Fourth of July together (and many previous holidays), Jackson has become rather close with Sloane\u2019s family. While setting off a firework, Jackson accidentally blew part of his finger off, leading to an emergency rush to the hospital. This time, concern is evident in Sloane as she frets over Jackson\u2019s injury. Meanwhile, the pain does not deter Jackson as he becomes visibly agitated when Sloane flirts with the doctor.\u00a0After several dramatic episodes and an accidental night together, Sloane and Jackson are seen to be falling in love slowly but surely. Although Jackson is keen to take a step further, Sloane is apprehensive and on the fence.After a labyrinth of apologies and acceptanceSloane\u2019s insecurity for the relationship has stemmed from Jackson\u2019s early remark of not being attracted to her. Despite Jackson\u2019s apology and adamant rescind of his careless words, Sloane refuses to give Jackson a chance. This wall in communication results in an awkward relationship.\u00a0Witnessing the amorous Aunt Susan\u2019s sudden heartfelt confession to her brief fling, Sloane is momentarily touched and confused by her own feelings for Jackson as well. Perhaps, it\u2019s time to let the wall down.Netflix, Inc.Finally, the two become a couple\u201cHuman beings aren\u2019t meant to be alone on the holidays. We actually need warmth, companionship and someone to drunk mock strangers with at parties.\u201d \u2013 Luke Bracey (as Jackson)This time, subverting the gender norms, Sloane chases after Jackson. After a mall-wide, on-stage confession to Jackson, Sloane finally spills her feelings, willing to give this relationship a try.\u00a0In all Christmassy warmth, Jackson agrees to be Sloane\u2019s permanent plus one. The two now stay together for all holidays, this time with genuine love and attraction.The verdictThe on-screen chemistry between Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey has exalted the script, their performances natural and laudable. However, some dialogues can be unnecessarily raunchy that may be uncomfortable for some.The plot is predictably simple although the style of comedy is commendably catered to the tastes of this generation. From hilarious scenes, witty lines to adorable and heartwarming interactions, Holidate is a charming film that conveys the importance of companionship.\u00a0Ultimately, the key takeaway from Holidate is the slow and natural growth to love. The film emphasises on being in an emotionally healthy relationship with willing parties and open communication.\u00a0So, who is your Holidate?&nbsp;Join the conversations on THG&#8217;s\u00a0Facebook\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram, and get the latest updates via\u00a0Telegram."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Review","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/review\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Finding a Holidate? This RomCom May Hit Too Close to the Heart","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/review\/finding-a-holidate-this-romcom-may-hit-too-close-to-the-heart\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]