Real estate developer Hillary (Alicia Josipovic) is sent to the small town of Midnight Clear to buy the struggling community for her father's real estate business. The reception is anything but welcoming, and she clashes with Pastor Daniel (Jon McLaren), who is trying to raise funds to restore the town's dilapidated church. As Hillary grapples with her loyalty to her father and her empathy for the residents of Midnight Clear, she begins to question whether she should focus on saving the community, rather than buying people off to start their lives elsewhere.
"Christmas in Midnight Clear" has a very familiar story and is an entertaining rehash of the "fish out of water" trope prevalent in so many Christmas TV movies. However, the story's familiarity isn't a problem, as "Christmas in Midnight Clear" hits the mark and benefits from a solid script, enriched by its cast. Great American Family always strives to blend traditional storytelling with faith-based narratives, and screenwriter Riley Weston pulls it off beautifully. Yes, the film centers on a love story—somewhat predictable—but it also explores faith, something rarely seen these days.
Director: Nicholas Humphries
Writer: Riley Weston
Stars: Samantha Kendrick, Jon McLaren, Alicia Josipovic
Hillary arrives in Midnight Clear determined to achieve her goal, but as the film progresses, she begins to show her human side as she gets to know the community. Upon arrival, she believes she's doing what's best for the town, but she soon realizes that forcing people from their homes would have the opposite effect. Her passionate interaction with Pastor Daniel prompts her to rethink her work, and her attraction to him is immediate.
Some of the film's most impactful scenes are the conversations Daniel and Hillary have about faith. For Daniel, it's something he's dedicated his life to, but for Hillary, it's something she never truly felt was right for her. Their conversations are important and raise a timely question about the decline of faith worldwide.
Beyond the religious threads of the story, viewers will enjoy the budding romance between Hillary and Daniel. As with all these films, you know where the story will end, but the fun lies in seeing how the characters get there. It's not an easy path, but watching Hillary evolve over the film's nearly 90-minute runtime is very enjoyable. You see her exterior soften as she integrates into a community she knew very little about when she arrived. Her interactions with the people of Midnight Clear change her course, and there's a powerful message about the importance of community.
Alicia Josipovic and Jon McLaren are excellent as the protagonists, Hillary and Pastor Daniel. Their on-screen chemistry is immediate, and I believed them to be two people bound by fate. Josipovic is the most impressive, as she has to convey the idea that her character completely transforms throughout the film, but McLaren delivers a sincere and charismatic performance as Pastor Daniel. Both actors are very warm, and their presence truly lights up the screen.
"Christmas at Midnight, Sure" may not be groundbreaking, but it raises some important questions and makes you think. Honestly, this might be one of my favorite American Christmas movies to date. It's heartwarming, captivating, and offers a satisfying ending.
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