All language subtitles for The Holiday Exchange (2024) 720p

Candy canes and mistletoe, evergreens
dressed up in snow,

all the things we've come to know, they
say to you.

Santa's sleigh and reindeer thorn,
carousels outside the door,

all these things we love and more, they
say to you.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all.

Merry Christmas to all. Merry Christmas
to all.

Merry Christmas to all.

Merry Christmas to all.

Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Merry
Christmas

Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Merry
Christmas Merry Christmas Merry

Merry Christmas

I wasn't expecting you. Let me guess, my
mother sent you again? Yes, I'm here

with a few options for your big day. I
mean, though I didn't even know you were

getting married.

Oh, oh no.

No, I'm not.

When she says big day, I'm selling my
company and I'm closing in a couple

Oh, wonderful.

Congrats.

I also brought you a festive forest
green option I know you will love. Of

you did. You're the best stylist in
town.

Your mom is my angel.

The pleasure is all mine.

Look at you.

You make my job easy.

No. Chase, what you do is amazing.

What people want, you bring to their
door in a gorgeous suit and a lovely

It is the perfect transaction.

You never disappoint.

Oh, no. Did you and Sean break up?

Why? Does it look like I've been crying?

Only on the inside.

I can hear a hollow tear duct screaming
for an escape.

You'll be okay.

Oh, wait, actually, I have something for
you. I'm glad you're here.

Oh, you're sweet, Wild.

Thank you. And Merry Christmas.

And I hope that this holiday season
people show you love and, I don't know,

honest with you and are good to you.

And even if you get really, really busy,
I hope someone is patient with you and

sticks by you through thick and thin.
Oh, happy holidays, Wild.

And best of luck on your big day.

Ah, my, my, my.

Don't you clean up like a champ.

You know, if I hadn't started as your
intern... George, I think we both know

that might have ended.

True, I could only take so many weekends
at home knitting or writing poetry.

And my liver could never keep up with
your outrageous drinking schedule.

How is it at that?

It's a surprisingly fun holiday party
for a room full of divorce attorneys.

I know what we do is important, but I
just don't know how many more years I

do this.

Oliver, you are good at it because you
care about people.

It hasn't been all bad now, has it? A
few dates.

Speaking of dates, I believe yours
entered a few moments ago.

Moving from client to co -worker.

Not this office romance.

What? James is lovely.

Maybe. But maybe it's time to start
thinking differently.

Here, I've got you something.

George. Happy Christmas.

You said no gifts. I know.

Well, it's a book.

Single, gay, and holidaying yourself in
L .A.

It's a bestseller!

Getting cozy with yourself.

George, this is so silly.

I'm trying to find someone. This is a
guide on how to stay single in L .A.

It's a guide on how to be okay with
being with yourself for a bit.

We know firsthand that half of all
marriages end in divorce.

It's what keeps us in business.

Gorgeous author, though.

Well, I happen to like the single life
myself.

Why spend all your time dating when you
can be married to your work?

Also, your dad gave me a fat bonus this
year. At least that's something.

I still can't convince dad to give even
a cent to any of the charities I

volunteer for.

You mean the Find Oliver a Husband
Foundation?

It's got nothing in the account yet.

All right. Let's get out to this party
I'm supposedly hosting.

Hey, Oliver.

You've done a lot for many people.

It's okay to want change for yourself.

I do deserve a change.

And I think that might be a martini
instead of a champagne. You could make

happen.

Coming right up. Now, go get you to the
ball, princess. Go say hi to James, I

guess. Also, your daddy's looking for
you. Like your actual daddy.

Oh, gosh. I'll distract.

Oliver, good to see you. James.

Hi, good to see you.

Gosh, I haven't seen you in the office
lately.

I've been in court, closing up cases.

Over 400 divorces settled this year by
the Whitlock firm.

Congrats to us.

Congrats to us, I guess, yes.

Thanks so much for dinner again,
Australia.

My pleasure.

It was a later night than expected.

I had fun, though. Fun.

I suppose I sometimes can be a bit of
fun.

Spirited, really.

Now, that's a compliment.

You're one of the good ones, Oliver.

A good man, Charlie Brown.

Ah, Charlie Brown.

Well, he does have a history of picking
the wrong tree, but things are looking

up this Christmas season.

I'm not surprised.

I keep hearing buzz that your father may
be retiring, leaving you on top, mate.

Actually, I was referring to maybe
seeing you again these holidays.

My treat this time.

I've decided to drive north, see my
family.

I haven't spent Christmas there in ages.

Ah, well, look at that. My glass has
seemed to share my cocktail with me.

I'm off for a refill, mate.

Be well.

Happy Christmas.

Yes, absolutely. I will be there in a
couple days for the closing, so I look

forward to seeing you.

And happy holidays to you, too. Oh, hey,
I've got a call coming in. I'm sorry,

I've got to get this.

Hi, Mom.

Hi, honey.

You look tired.

Thank you, Mother.

And Chase was just here, so thank you
for the suits.

You're welcome.

By the way, I knew that this was the
only way to get a hold of you, so... I'm

sorry. It's end of year, and I'm getting
ready for the sale. I'm trying to close

up all the details, so... Well, I know.
Well, that's why I want to get a spa day

on the books. And I know you've been
feeling down.

No, I'm fine, Mom.

I'm fine.

And it's probably best that I just sit
with this, so... Well, don't sit too

long. Every ten minutes, use that watch
I got you. You gotta move, you gotta

stretch. I meant sit with the situation.

Oh.

Mom? My doorbell just rang. Did you send
something else?

Nope. I gotta go.

Okay, please start answering my phone
calls.

I will. Okay. Bye, Mom. Love you.

No, no, no. You stay right there.

Oh. Sean, what are you doing here? I
told you I was leaving for the holidays.

I knew you weren't.

Miles, come on. Just talk this through
with me. Okay.

Again, you told me you were going on a
creative writing retreat, and instead

went to TRX. So, what is there to talk
about?

Yes, I should have told you.

But, I mean, I just figured you would
flip out.

Like you did anyway.

We've been together for three years,
Sean. You can't just write people off,

Wild. This whole one strike you're out
thing, it's not going to serve you. You

don't get to tell me what serves me.

Wild! You have not exactly been easy to
love these last few years. I'm on the

brink of selling a company that I have
spent ten years building. A little

patience is required, Sean.

This is so you.

Isn't it just everything takes a
backseat to your career, including me? I

building this for us. And what have you
been doing?

Running to see your ex? Well, you
shouldn't have been going through my

It was on the iPad, Sean. We share it.
It was connected to the cloud.

Up pings the newest photo on the iPad of
you and him, cuddly as koalas in a bar,

while I thought you were off.

Writing a script.

You don't even listen, do you? I told
you I was going to meet a director.

Whatever, it doesn't matter. See, you're
doing it again.

The only thing you value is your career,
like what you do.

I financially support us, Sean.

Wild, I've made money.

Just not the amount that you've been
told equals happiness.

Wild, there is nothing going on between
him and me.

I promise.

I mean, he kissed me and I knew.

Say what?

You, you, he kissed? You kissed? I
didn't kiss him back.

I can't believe this keeps unfolding.

Okay, other than that, nothing really
even happens.

Well, I guess I'm never going to know,
will I?

What the sheep?

Wild.

Wild.

I got to get out of here.

St. Lucia.

Now the buy store is under renovation.
The Woodland Resort Hills up the street

is basically like camping.

Lisbon did that in June.

What's that even like in the winter?

Okay. Mr. B &B House Rental.

Brofack. Where is Brofack?

Europe.

Oh, that's cute. Cozy.

Charming. No, wait.

Something I don't get every day.

Contact host.

Hi. I know that this is very last
minute, but your place looks perfect.

I knew you'd make one of your
appearances any day now. Good to see

You too.

Get in here.

I was happy to hear you were still in
town.

You always rent the house out for the
holiday.

Actually, I had a last -minute inquiry.

I'm thinking about accepting it.

How are you?

Well, I was compared to Charlie Brown
last night, and I think he was talking

about before he finds... The joy of
Christmas.

I know you to be a romance fanatic, but
joyless?

No. You know, it really is ironic that
you're a divorce lawyer.

How was the shoot?

Not my favorite project.

Happy to be wrapped on that one.

Crystal was a real diva.

Oh, the hard life of a movie star.

At least you know when people like you.
They like you for you and not some silly

character you played.

Are you sticking around with you?

Yeah. I need to be here for Dad.

I know this time of year is tough,
Henry.

We all miss her.

She did love the holidays.

I just keep expecting to feel a bit
better after all these years, you know?

She is 100 % Christmas queening in
heaven.

She is... slaying in every sense.

I just wish you could have...

See me live the life she wanted for me,
you know?

Maybe find love, become a dad, be just
the most merry and gay.

She would love that.

Don't worry, she's around.

And if I know her, she's closely
watching every detail.

Well, hopefully not every detail. And I
mean every detail.

No, stop. You're never alone.

We've been made to believe that being in
a relationship is a prerequisite to

feeling complete.

But that isn't true.

You are enough.

And with a little self -love and a city
of stars, you can be happy exactly as

you are.

Killed it again.

Appearance number 10 completed this
week. Here's your copy. Thank you. Much

needed.

It really is a bizarre thing to read a
self -help book out loud.

You're doing great. Okay, and the driver
should be here any minute. Give me one

second. Here, hi.

Ben, you're here again.

Is this the third reading that you've
been to? Yeah, every time it gets

It's incredible.

And you don't get tired of hearing it
every single time? No, him reading his

poetic brilliance into the universe, so
hot.

Julius, hi. Hey, listen, I'm going to
have you call him because he's a little

tired. Hi.

Ben, hi.

How are you?

You haven't been responding to my text.

All right, I'm just really bad at text.
You know, the family thread just clogs

everything up.

You been good? So busy.

I have so many new clients.

This celebrity just started working out
at our gym, and we have all this extra

security and press.

I just signed an NDA.

But I'll tell you, it's crazy.

That's amazing, man. I'm really happy
for you.

Yeah, I'm super happy for me, too.

Glad you're happy for me.

Happy, happy.

Well, thank you for coming, but we've
got to get going.

When are we seeing each other again?

I thought we had a good time a couple
weeks ago.

I've just been crazy busy.

But I will respond to your text.

Just said you aren't good at texting.

Right. Julius, hey, the driver, he's
actually here. I'm so sorry, but we've

to jet. Thank you so much for coming,
and best of luck at the gym.

Okay.

I'll wait for your text then.

Yeah, yeah.

Then for the sake of holidaying
yourself, you better put a pin on

Yep. Is it me or does he smell like
protein powder? Let's go.

Oh.

Hey.

Come here. I miss you.

I miss you, sweet girl.

Let's go get some food. Come on.

Wild? Wild, are you here?

I know you are. I saw your car in the
driveway.

Listen, I know this is a hard time, but
you can't stay locked up forever.

I've been calling.

Mom, hi.

You can't just walk into my house. Don't
make me regret giving you a key.

Oh, please.

I know there's nothing going on around
here.

How do you know that?

Because moms know everything.

And I also know that you've been moping
around thinking about that waste of a

human, Sean.

Waste of a human, right.

You loved him, so what are you talking
about?

Actually, no. I was pretending.

You and I both know that's not true.

Well, I know that you deserve better.

And I even deserve better. That could
have been my son -in -law. Mom, I don't

know if you know this, but a breakup
sometimes is made much worse by a

pity.

Well, then, rodeo drive it is, girl.

Don't call me girl.

Hey, let's go find you some looks,
legend.

Mom, I can't. I'm going in the office to
sign the closing papers.

Oh, I forgot.

Oh, no, I'm sorry. I've been so busy, I
totally forgot.

Okay, how about you wear this?

And do you remember something that I
know you've known your entire life?

That when you fall down, you get right
back up again.

And that goes for love, just as it did
when you were a little boy riding your

bike.

And you are unstoppable, and I love you.

Thank you.

I think I'm actually going to hang out
here for a little bit.

Listen, I love your dad, but Mama needs
a beat.

Okay. Is the pool heated?

Yes. Hey.

Have fun. Bye.

Good luck today.

I don't need to get nothing from the
store. Just want to give my baby a

We're going to have a good time this
Christmas.

Congratulations.

Hi.

Oh, this is so sweet.

Thank you.

You've been here all day? Where's Dad?

He's golfing.

He'll stop by later.

And I haven't been here all day.

I did go to the pool for a little bit,
and I left to buy you the balloon,

champagne, and flowers.

Thank you.

How are you feeling?

Sorry.

Sean again.

I am going to get you through this.

We're going to go somewhere.

Not this time, Mom.

You can't just solve all my problems
like you do Dad's. It's not even your

Maybe I should take that trip.

Get out of here and clear my head for a
little while.

I will end Sean for this.

You know, maybe it's not just him.

All these years I thought I was just
dating immature guys, but maybe... Maybe

I'm part of the problem.

Mom, you're perfect to me.

You might be a little biased.

Maybe a little.

Champagne?

Sure.

What?

This recipe isn't right.

That is not how you make Christmas
pudding or figgy pudding for yourself or

anyone else.

Are you still interested in my place?

Absolutely.

Any leads on a great rental home in Los
Angeles? Looking for some warmth.

My place will be empty.

I don't know if you have any interest,
but you could stay here.

Let me create a listing and put some
photos up for you.

Can we FaceTime? I'm not being home
rental catfished, am I?

Yes, anytime.

333 -555 -9810.

Hi! Oh my goodness.

Hi. It's happening so fast.

Your house is gorgeous.

Oh, thank you so much. Yours is perfect
for me, too. I've never even used this

app, Mr. B &B, before.

Oh, my gosh, it's the best. They have
the most exclusive listings. Plus, you

to meet people like you along the way.
I'm Oliver, by the way.

I'm Wild.

The house will be ready for you.

I really appreciate that. I know how
last -minute this inquiry was, so thank

you. Oh, don't worry.

Do you want me to show you around the
space now?

No. I mean, the pictures look great.

It's quite different than yours.

Different is exactly what I'm looking
for.

I'll send key instructions.

Yeah, I'll do the same.

I can't believe this is happening.

Thank you so much. I'm really excited.

Yeah, me too, I think.

I'll chat with you soon.

I will too.

I'll be in touch.

So gorgeous.

How did you get down here?

Amen.

Is there a switch somewhere?

Be smarter than the fireplace.

What would it be, mate? Can I get a hot
toddy? Good choice, with a snowstorm

approaching.

There's a snowstorm approaching?

Yeah, big one.

Stock up.

Hi, yeah, do you guys do grocery
delivery?

Perfect.

Oh, voila.

Looks perfect.

Thank you.

Cotton candy clouds in a bright blue
sky.

Peppermint on your breath.

Sun bouncing off those lowly green
pines. In the moment of fury, I just

wreath off the door and I bunged it at
his head.

He was really not like me. He was just
an energy sucker.

I'll find him a new life.

It's cold here.

Mom.

Mom, hi.

Where are you?

Vrilfax. Everyone here is just super
nice. And they're interested in you.

want to sit by you and talk to you.

Buy you a round of drinks.

You're in Europe?

You said you were going to Palm Springs.

And you look dehydrated.

Well, I guess it's going to be a little
dry skin Christmas for me, Mom.

What just happened?

Yes, I'm fine. I seem to have found a
little black ice.

Um, I'm going to go.

Listen, I know I suggested a trip, but
do you think maybe you should come home

for Christmas?

Home?

Where's home for me, Mom?

Home is where the heart is, right?

I need my own little adult wild home.

I also might need a heart. Sometimes I'm
feeling like a tin man these days.

And now I'm babbling, so, hey, Merry
Christmas.

I'm going to call you later.

Old book, huh?

Thanks, Joe. See you later.

Hi.

Thanks for coming.

Yeah, see you later.

Thank you.

Hello. Hello.

Hello.

Did you want a book signed?

Oh, that's okay. I, um, I came for a few
new reads, and, uh...

The toy drive. Ah, great. I see.

Sign up's over there.

Okay. I couldn't help myself.

I had to tell you that I tried the self
-care and self -dates, and it really

just left me thinking how much more
enjoyable the holidays would have been

someone you love.

I did feel lonelier having done them
than had I not done them in the first

place.

Did you treat yourself to that nice
suit?

Yes, I did. I'm not saying it's all bad,
but your recipe for figgy pudding is

definitely wrong. You need to do it in
brandy to make it properly.

Okay. Well, criticism received.

I did very much enjoy your heart's all
aglow section.

I've got a bit of a passion for
charitable causes.

I've been called a charitable cause
before.

What is it you do?

I'm an attorney.

Oh, what kind?

The kind who...

Who helps people.

Better than the other kind, I guess.

Is there anything else I can help you
with?

Yes, actually. Any recommendations from
best -selling author?

Fiction? Non -fiction?

A magical Christmas romance?

Too much to ask for?

No. I know just the one.

They're turning it into a movie. It's
super cute.

Ah.

Whimsical fairy tale between a king and
a knight.

Call me Kate Middleton, because I'm in.

It's on the house. I'll take care of it.
That's very kind of you.

Charitable. Hey, just this season.

How about I challenge you to go on some
of your revered holidays with someone

sometime? Just to prove that the
holidays are more fun.

Shared.

That's a good idea.

I'll think about it.

Anyway, it was nice to meet you.

Do the reads.

Hey.

Thanks again for the book.

Yeah, anytime.

By the way, the toy drive is on Friday
if that giving spirit keeps tugging at

you.

Naomi can show you where to sign up.

Naomi, Naomi.

Hi, I'm Naomi. I'm Julius's manager,
publicist, and best girlfriend.

Oliver. Oh, what a darling name for a
darling boy with a darling accent.

Jenny, uh...

We'd like to get Oliver's book, and he
wants to sign up for the toy drive.

Great. Exciting. I love shopping for
toys.

Then you're in the right place. So we
just need you to write down your name,

telephone number, and how many kids you
could buy toys for.

Okay. Just right here.

Confidential.

Oh, wow. That's a lot of kids.

It's Christmas.

We're not dialing our ex.

No, no, no, no. No, no.

No,

no, no, no, no.

Sean?

Hey. Oh, sorry.

Who's that in the background?

I was just calling to wish you a Merry
Christmas and to... Are you out?

Sean, what's crazy is I just sold the
company and I'm on top of the world

now.

And the minute I leave town, you're
already with him again.

Do you love them?

Who are you? How'd you get in here? Why
are you here? Wait, wait.

Who are you? I'm Thang here. I should be
asking you that.

Thang, are you renting the house?

What is it? 21 questions? Why do you
have a bag?

I'm sorry. Hi, I'm Henry.

I'm Oliver's cousin.

I've met Oliver, and there is no family
resemblance here.

Our dads are brothers. My mom's from
Spain, and his is from here. Wait.

You were at Finnegan's.

Finnegan's? Yes, yes.

You look super familiar. Why weren't you
there?

No, I'm pretty certain they would have
remembered me.

No, sir. We have met before.

They're going to come to me. They're
going to come to me. I'm Henry. A pipe

burst at my place, and it's really cold
outside.

I'm sorry to ask, but could I stay for a
bit?

You don't have anywhere else to go?

Well, my dad lives an hour out, but with
the storm coming in, there's nowhere

I'll get there before the roads close.

This is the night I die.

This is the night you make a new friend
and do me a huge favor.

I'll make it up to you.

Don't you have a girlfriend?

Boyfriend? Not this year.

Okay, well, you can stay.

But stay away from me.

This is crazy.

I was just here with Oliver.

I didn't realize he accepted the
reservation.

He sure did.

It was a very last -minute holiday
exchange.

I won't bother you. I'll be out of your
way as soon as the road's clear.

Super.

What are you doing?

Are you a what, bandit thief?

I'm letting the faucets drip.

So they don't freeze over like mine just
did.

Oh. Of course.

Um, why is the fire not on?

Pete, I just didn't really want it lit.

It's freezing.

It'll help heat the house up.

Did, uh, did you have trouble with it?
Oh, I didn't have trouble with it.

It's the fire boys.

Looking for something?

The switch.

No switch.

This is the real deal.

Ha! Hit ink.

I can help. No, I don't need help. I got
this.

You might be surprised to learn that I'm
an Eagle Scout.

Not by choice.

My mom told me I couldn't get my
driver's license unless I became an

Scout. So... I know a thing or two about
fires in my day.

Watch this.

Really, I can help.

You need to turn the gas on.

This is great.

Um, I'm gonna go to bed.

Uh, just enjoy the fire. I hope we

don't get snowed in all week.

There's worse places to be snowed in.

Yeah, I suppose so.

Um, well, I'm going to bed, and with the
jet lag, I'm gonna sleep pretty late,

so I don't expect to see you in the
morning.

Night. Good night.

If you end up leading the fire, I'll be
out here a while.

Right. So you'll be here, and I'll be in
there, and so it is, and so it shall

be.

Hi. Nice outfit for snowshoeing, my
friend.

Yeah, I think, um... Sorry, I've been
knocking. I think I'm fucked up. Sorry,

this home has those off -state shooter
walls.

Do you think you can... I'll be right
there, yeah.

Hey. Hey. Well, you found your clothes.

Frostbite getcha?

No. No, it didn't.

Where did you get that? Is that caviar?
Where'd you get that? In the fridge.

It's yours?

It's fine.

Sorry, mate. I thought it was Oliver's.

It's totally fine.

I mean, I don't normally just pop it
open for breakfast, but you do you.

I was going to make breakfast if you
wanted.

Yeah, I'd love nothing more.

All right, it's really starting to
bother me.

Why do you look so familiar?

Oh, um, sometimes I'm in movies.

I never like to assume anyone I meet has
seen any of them, but admittedly, often

they have.

That's it. I have seen you in a movie.

Is that funny?

I left Los Angeles to come to Brillfax
to get away from it all, and then, you

know, an actor comes to my door.

Well, uh, we're not all the bad type,
are we?

No.

No, of course not. It's just my ex, he
was an actor.

Gosh, he hated when he wasn't working.

I see.

Well, I very much love what I do and
don't feel like I require too much

validation.

That's good to know.

And you, what do you do again?

Nothing now.

Previously, I built tech software to
help companies better manage their

Ah, tech type.

I know you.

Okay, actor, shame me.

That's funny.

Those for you?

No, those are for my parents.

I thought it'd be kind of cool to send
them a bunch of stuff from Brillfax, but

I'm kind of regretting that now. None of
them are wrapped.

I can help.

Oh, it's okay, I got it. I'll do it
later. I happen to be excellent with my

hands.

For wrapping, I mean.

You are a lifesaver.

What would I do without you?

Suffer and die.

You ain't kidding.

Hey, we need to talk about your January
appearances.

And I need a timeline for this next book
proposal. The LGBTQ plus community is

asking questions.

Do we have any ideas?

I'm struggling with it, gnomes.

I've written two self -help books for
gay men and it's starting to feel

gimmicky. Two successful self -help
books. And wait, are you kidding me?

Gay men love a gimmick. Never gets old.

I feel like I'm rehashing how to deal
with gay youth trauma and loving

before anybody else over and over again.

But what if that's not enough anymore?

What if I want more than just me?

Well, that's fine. It's great to want
more.

It's great to want to find love. And you
know what? Maybe you're ready.

You sure look like that at the signing
anyway.

What do you mean?

I saw you. I saw you with that guy that
you practically kicked, sir.

What? No. No way.

Yes.

I was kind of hoping he'd ask me out.

I spent five minutes with the guy. I'll
probably never see him again.

Oh, well, you know, Oliver signed up for
the toy drive.

You got his name? Almost. I mean, Jenny
got in the way, but then he signed up. I

mean, how many Olivers signed up for
that thing?

You are one smart cookie, Miss Naomi.

Baked with love.

Smart cookie.

This is like a very serious and heavy
snowstorm.

Well, in fact, snowstorms like to stick
around.

Here, let me show you a trick.

Okay. Yeah.

That's origami wrapping.

That's crazy. I'm not going to do that.

Well, my mom taught me how to wrap.

My mom taught me how to get it included
in the purchase price.

Give me your hand.

So hold here.

Here.

Tape here.

Tape here.

So you're attractive, successful.

I think I'm attractive.

You're a movie star even.

If you don't mind my asking, why is a
guy like you single?

Did I say I was single?

You did last night when you came over
and said you had nowhere else to stay

no one to stay with.

Well, if I reverse the question for you,
how would you answer?

I don't know.

I guess that I'm a little more
complicated than I realize.

You? A lot of guys don't want to be
passenger to someone else's career ride.

Yeah, I've heard that before.

I want kids.

A lot of guys don't.

I can't wait to be a dad.

You know, I'm at like a crossroads.

I finally have freedom to do what I
actually want to do instead of what my

parents told me would make me happy.

What was that?

Work and money.

How does it feel to be free now?

We'll see.

How about you? You feel free?

No, I'm not free. I'm waiting for
someone to deem me good enough for the

job. Don't get me wrong, I love.

To play pretend.

That's just it about you actors, isn't
it?

So good at always playing pretend.

Looks like the snow's letting up. That's
good.

Yeah, I guess so.

Um, I should probably head out. Oh, you
didn't... Um, I... Oh, wait, Henry,

I... Just one more thing.

Do you know where the coffee machine is?
Because I've been looking for it and I

can't find it anywhere.

He's got a kettle, but no coffee
machine.

How do people survive in the dead of
winter here without hot coffee?

Well, if you're looking for a hot cocoa
coffee, I know a place if you'll join me

tomorrow, 3 p .m.

Okay. It's a date. It's not a date, but
a holiday outing it is.

Where?

Barn down the hill. You can't miss it.

Thanks again for letting me stay.

Yeah, anytime.

See you at the barn. Yeah.

Sounds ideal.

I love barns.

Jenny! Hi!

Julius! Hi!

Are you ready to fulfill the dreams of
children across the globe by collecting

thousands of toys? What they really
need, right? Not food or clothing or

I actually just need to call in a little
favor first.

I need you to give me the last name of a
very handsome fellow named Oliver who

signed up for the drive.

Does it sound like the beginning of a
horror movie?

I met him here, but I didn't get his
name.

I could get fired for that, no?

I will find 50 books for you to give to
your gay friends or sell online or

whatever. That's so sweet, but no, I
mean it's actually going to cost you. I

will bring out the toy drive list for
$100.

$100? Yeah.

Jenny. I thought we were friends. I'm
here all the time.

I know we are, and I'm a little in love
with you. But you are now a famous

writer, and I'm still a cashier at a
bookstore.

And while my rise to fame is imminent,
it has not happened yet. And my baby, I

have bills to pay. Have you seen the
rent prices in this town?

100.

I have 80.

Okay, I'll take the 80 and the 50 signed
books.

Tough bargain, Jenny. It's a deal.

They don't call me Jenny Hijack for
nothing.

Show me the list.

Um, he actually, he just came in again.
He's, he's, he's like right over there.

Shark.

Oliver.

Julius.

Hi. Hi.

I don't think I gave you my name.

He tried to steal your name and number
from the sign -up. Jenny!

Hey! Oh, what?

Sorry. I just wanted to contact you
somehow.

Say hi and get the proper recipe for
figgy pudding.

Oh, yeah? Mm -hmm. Okay, sure.

Yeah. And hi.

Hi.

Here, let me help you with this.

I was thinking about you.

I mean, thinking about what you said. I
thought about you, too.

I love the novel you gave me, by the
way.

I was wondering if you would allow me to
break my own rules a bit and try one of

the holidays with you.

I do love a rule breaker.

Though I did most of the ideas in the
book.

Okay.

What's an Oliver go -to Christmas
experience, then?

How about chestnuts tomorrow evening?

Chestnuts?

Roasting on an open fire.

Literally. People do that?

Well, they do where I come from. You've
got my number, so text me and I'll shoot

you the address.

Okay. I'll see you tomorrow.

See you then. I'll see you then.

Okay.

I want my money back.

Zero chance.

Boy, oh boy. I met the gent that you're
suddenly hosting.

I showed up at your house because my
pipes burst during a freeze.

Mr. Wilde? A bit full of himself, but...
Oh, my gosh.

Tell me you didn't. No.

No, nothing.

I had no idea he'd be there.

It all happened so fast, I didn't even
tell you I was leaving.

Oh, my gosh. Henry, this sounds meant.

I don't know about that, but I am taking
him to the Christmas bar tomorrow.

Oh, I love that place.

And you?

How are you doing over there?

I have a date too now, actually.

Hey, you had it, boy. And?

And he's the author of this gay self
-help book about getting through and

enjoying your holidays as a single guy.

Get out.

My manager gave me that book.

Yeah, well, I mean, we'll see.

A bit nervous.

Oliver.

I just found the gold heart ornament in
the gift shop.

Just like the one my mother had on the
tree every single year before it broke.

You remember?

I'll never forget it.

I did that.

I was helping her adjust the star a few
years ago and I knocked it. She was

devastated.

She always said a heart of gold would
take you further than anything else in

this life.

Man, it looks just like it.

See? I told you she's around.

Always watching.

What a place.

Yeah.

It's a long story. I'll tell you later.
But let's just say I really lucked out.

So, how long do these roast for?

They roast for 20 minutes.

Kind of like you roasted me for my book
not being helpful.

I like the book. I mean, I understand
the message.

It just also made me want someone to do
the list with.

Being single can be beautiful.

I just don't think marital status should
dictate our happiness, you know?

I just think I've done the single
version for so long, I'm over it.

All right, so you're single.

You're from Real Facts. You're a lawyer
who helps people, and let me guess,

you're an amateur book reviewer?

Actually, may I ask, why all the books
about self -love? I mean, I

know why, but I'm just curious.

Were you ever in a relationship?

Sorry.

No, no, it's fine.

I have been in a relationship before.

A very long one, actually.

He was a bit of a taker.

I gave up a lot for him.

Even moved here for him.

But in the end, he turned out to be not
so good a guy.

And so I had to ask myself, why'd I put
up with it?

And it taught me that I needed to start
working on loving myself.

Sounds like it was for the best.

I mean, after all, it inspired you to
write something amazing, didn't it?

Yeah. Thanks.

And thank you for this.

I'll admit it's been a minute since I've
met someone I was this excited to see

again. It's been a minute since I
roasted chestnuts with the best -selling

author.

You seem like a guy who knows what he
wants.

It's refreshing.

Honestly, I think it's my best bet at
romance.

You ready?

Oh, I'm ready.

Smells good.

It's good.

I'm happy you're here.

Me too.

Do you have plans tomorrow?

I've got a fun idea, and it's something
I don't want to do on my own, so I'm

gonna need a real day for this one.

Oh yeah?

Sounds good.

I'm in.

And I think I know something else you
simply cannot do on your own.

Oh yeah?

What's that?

Wow, he's got moves.

Hey! Jeez!

Henry, dude, you almost gave me a heart
attack.

Welcome to the Holiday Barn, you filthy
animal.

The Grill Facts Classic.

Wow.

What a place.

Fits the whole vibe here, doesn't it?

Small town magic.

Arthur, why is everybody so nice here?

Maybe it's just how handsome you are.

I can't help myself.

Wow. Sir Henry and the sweet talk, huh?

Lines from an old script.

Why do you shut down so quickly?

You've known me for like a day, and you
know I shut down quickly?

Seems rather clear.

Wow. Not much for a light -hearted combo
and a holiday stroll, huh?

Oh, maybe a hot Coke or coffee will help
open you up to your good senses.

Two cocoa coffees, please.

Got to learn what I can while I have
you.

I know time with you is hard to come by.

Time.

Yes, I've been told I am not so generous
with my time.

So, guilty.

Thanks for calling me out on that, by
the way.

Got some good stuff going for you, too.

Give me a place to stay.

Plus, you make a mean breakfast.

Shall we?

It's fine.

I'm kind of like royalty around here,
remember?

All right, old Prince of Burlfax.

I'll be your cinderfella.

And the fellow who leads?

Breaking all the rules today.

Wilde, do you believe there's just one
person out there for everyone?

No.

No, I don't.

I believe there's probably a few great
options, and that's the tricky part,

isn't it?

How do you know that you've found the
best one?

Well, people need to choose at some
point, right?

Can't wait forever.

What if you want to share a life?

Why is everyone so obsessed with sharing
a life?

Rumor has it love can bring you a lot of
happiness.

Let me guess.

You believe in true love.

I do.

She's gone now, but she was amazing.

Gee.

Wow. You are more complex than I
thought.

She was my mom.

I loved her with my whole heart.

It took her a minute to come around when
I came out, but...

She championed me.

She was my best friend.

I know a lot of guys don't have that
with their mum, but I did.

I was in love with being her son.

Wow, that is... That's touching.

When you say that she's gone, do you...
She passed two years ago.

Oh, gosh, Henry.

I'm so sorry. It's okay, it's okay. I
know it's hard to know what to say.

Thank you.

But it was her.

She is the reason I'm constantly
reminded how precious time is.

Losing her made me realize all we have
is now.

Time should be spent with the people we
love.

It sounds like what you had with her was
very special.

I get it because I don't know what I
would do without my mother.

I can't even imagine.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to get so heavy.

I'll be right there.

I'm so sorry, Walt. There is no non
-date I would rather leave less.

I've got to run.

The plumber's there.

I'll see you tomorrow night at
Finnegan's.

I'll think about it.

See you tomorrow.

Hi. Can I get a glass of... Yeah, just
the sparkling water.

Thank you.

George, L .A. is gorgeous. It is sun,
it's lemons, it's bougainvillea.

So you aren't missing us back here at
all?

Of course I am.

I'll be home soon enough.

Enjoy this while you can, Oliver, and
try to have fun while you're there. I do

actually have a date later today, and
you are partly the reason.

How? Why?

He's the author of the book you gave me.

Get out!

I haven't told him what I do yet, which
might be an issue.

Why?

Because I've been trying to convince him
that everything is better with someone.

I see.

Only to soon find out that you actually
help people part.

It's silly. I just... I feel like I
don't want to mess this one up.

Well, come clean.

You'll be fine.

Oh, by the way, your dad has been
talking to some of the partners about

taking over.

I haven't even spoken to him.

Squash those rumors if you can.

Aye, aye, Captain.

Thanks, Georgie.

I did not know that L .A. does Christmas
so well.

Okay. Yeah, it's one of my favorite
spots in the city.

Turns out they let you make your own
mulled wine around the holidays.

Well, add it to the book.

Oh, maybe the next one.

Coupled at Christmas.

Holidays for you and Boo.

Well done.

You need to get that? No, no. Sorry.

It's my dad. He's obsessed with the
weather.

He's convinced my flight to Vancouver is
going to get canceled.

That's like home for the holidays. This
is the guy who ditched his family to

spend Christmas in L .A.

Touche.

What makes the home a home, though?

People in it, I suppose.

I guess that's why I go back to see my
parents whenever I can.

They're all I've got.

Well, and Naomi.

She's pretty great.

We have a pact to live together if we're
both still alone at 50, but it'll never

happen. The boys love her way too much.

I'm sure the boys love you, too.

Maybe.

Just not the ones I want.

I like a different kind of guy, usually.

Like, uh, Rolfax kind of guy?

Oh, wow, this is rich.

So that's your rebound guy?

Van, uh, hi.

He's not really a rebound if you and I
weren't dating. What do you mean?

You were my longest relationship in L
.A.

We hung out two times, Van.

Exactly.

This is absolutely trash on fire.

A Christmas...

Trash fire situation.

That's for never texting me back.

And it's disgusting.

I'm so sorry.

We literally hung up once. Don't be
sorry. He means well. He's just super

You don't owe me an explanation.

I'm not getting ahead of myself for
once.

Oliver, come on. It's okay.

You should get that. No. Please, just
stay. Julius, I'm going to go.

That's how this ends anyway, right?

Well, it is good to see you back home
again, Axel.

You're never here.

Spending Christmas with the family,
then?

Yeah, I decided to come back for Dad.

He comes in here sometimes when he's in
town.

I miss your mum coming in for a weekend
Moscato, too.

Oh, she loved that Moscato.

Hi. Hi.

Oh, two know each other, then.

Okay.

It's good to see you again, Wilde.

Another hot toddy for you, then? Nope.

Never again.

Wilde must have what I'm having, unless
you're wanting to order your own.

Oh, that's great. I'm excited for coming
off to take the lead tonight.

Are you Arthur Wilde?

Me.

Cute. Cute?

Cute.

Okay. Hi. Hi. How was your day?

It was good.

Yeah, I shopped.

What about you? Did you end up meeting
your dad?

Yeah, he's good.

Yours? Missing you?

No, he's probably golfing. Oh, one of
those.

Not a lot of love in your childhood?

Oh, wow.

I'm so sorry. That was supposed to be a
joke.

I'm sure he probably loves me.

My family's not full of a lot of warmth.

I see.

You know, actually, I was a boy.

I remember a couple times I would go to
him just crying or hurt, and he'd slap

me on the shoulder and say, Buck up,
Wild.

Boys don't cry.

So your mother, you said she's doing
great, right?

Honestly, I think I can sometimes be a
little hard on her, a little dismissive.

She worries about me, like, a lot.

She just gave me this list of boxes to
check off in life that made her happy,

I think I just try to please her.

Is find the one on the checklist?

You know, I was never that guy on the
hunt for the one. I figured if it

happened, that's great, but, I mean, it
would probably make her pretty happy.

You ever wonder if you meet someone
great, you'll miss it.

Because you're so focused on everything
else.

I didn't before, but yeah, I do now.

I don't know, though.

My mom always told me that what was
meant to be simply won't pass you by.

It can't.

I like your mom.

She led with her heart.

It's a crazy organ, isn't it?

You feel everything just right there.

I think it's cute you tried to pay with
dollars.

This is a euro -only establishment.

I forgot where I was for a minute.

But thank you. Thank you for the drink.

It's been a long time since someone
bought me a drink.

Hey, what are you doing tomorrow?

You can't spend it alone.

Oh, it was kind of the plan.

Well, I could come over.

I don't know if that's such a good idea,
Henry.

Why?

Because while you are seemingly very
wonderful and very charming, Your life

mine, man, they don't mix.

Does anyone ever call you a control
freak?

Ah, not exactly, but type A, yeah.

Hey, you said I could take the lead.

I'm not trying to complicate your life.

But if you're anything like me, you've
been on a lot of bad dates with a lot of

less than stellar men.

Correct.

It's rare to find a spark wild. Really
rare.

But when you do, don't you want to give
it a shot?

Henry, long distance is a nightmare.

You did say you had some time on your
hands.

Yeah, to figure out what's next for me.
What if I'm next?

I don't know.

I thought I might shake up the model
instead of just going to another

relationship. Become a dad first and
have a kid.

What about if we give this a chance?

Just Christmas Eve. Nothing crazy.

Just a little Whitlock family Christmas
Eve tradition.

Chinese food.

Aren't you supposed to be spending time
with your dad while you're here?

I'll see him again Christmas Day.

Okay.

But no Chinese food.

I will cook for us a real Christmas
dinner.

Boy, if your dinner is anything like
your breakfast, I'm in good hands.

See? I'm not completely worthless here.
You are anything but worthless, Ward

Williams.

Julius, what are you doing here?

Oh, they didn't end right, Oliver.

So in the spirit of my book, I think I
owe you a new one.

But your parents, they're fine.

My sisters will go.

I'm working on loving myself now in more
ways than one.

Plus, I have to make sure you got this.

For good, how to forge a charitable
foundation.

You remembered.

What's all this?

Oh, I got the stuff.

We're gonna make some Oliver -style
figgy pudding. Okay, Dad. I guess I'm

Okay. Let's get the baking, baby.

Which way is the kitchen?

This way?

Yes. Okay.

Okay. A quarter cup of this.

Yeah. I'm gonna get this right, I
promise.

Oh.

It's my dad.

Look who's getting all the phone calls
now.

I should get this. I'm sorry.

Yeah. I've been avoiding him completely.

Of course. Go ahead.

Dad, I'm kind of busy. Can we... Yes, I
know.

But look, you know I'm grateful for
everything we've built.

But I don't want to be some divorce
attorney my entire life. And I know that

want to keep it in the fam.

But I need time to think.

You're a divorce attorney?

Why didn't you just tell me that?

I think I was just trying to prove to
you that gay relationships don't have to

be so fleeting.

That if you're hopeful enough, you can
open yourself up to something lasting.

And I thought telling you what I did
would make me seem hypocritical.

Oliver, we're adults.

I think we both know not everyone who
starts in a relationship ends up

forever.

The issue is you lied about it. I didn't
lie, I just... You left out choice

pieces?

You've been telling me this whole time
how important it is to share your life

with someone, to open yourself up to the
possibility of love, but how can you do

that without honesty?

What you do is great.

Hiding it from me?

That's off.

Julius. Just what were you doing?

Spying on your dates?

Ah, look at you two.

Haven't seen you on this side of the
pond in a while, Mark.

Well, it's good to be back. Yeah.

Cheers.

So I just... I don't know.

It's amazing.

Wow. Henry.

Hey. Hey.

What's this?

The 12 dates of Henry Whitlock's
Christmas at Home?

Huh? No, no, this is... Let me guess.
This is your act.

The thing is, Henry, I've played this
game before, and I don't have time for

and how I end up dating actors is beyond
me, but you are very good. Well, so,

this is my... Well, Mark.

Henry's manager.

Henry was actually just talking about
you.

See, I flew in to town with my family
for Christmas and to see my favorite

client and to bring him a gift.

Oh. Kind of hard to catch him between
films, so this seemed like a viable

option. So you're here with your family,
and you two were never a thing.

Well, before he was married, but now
it's strictly business.

And I'm going to just go. That's great.

Everything's wonderful.

I'll talk to him.

Wilde, wait.

Wilde, wait. I'm good, thanks.

Wilde. Henry, I saw you all touchy
-feely in there with him. So?

We're close, yes. He's represented me
for years.

He has a partner and kids.

I know, and that's very embarrassing for
me.

I'm going to go.

You can't just run from your problems
like you ran from L .A. to Brillfax, you

know?

No?

Okay.

Fine.

Clearly, I'm not in a place to start
something new, Henry.

I need to grow up, and I need to stop
being so reactive to everything.

But you and I, we live in different
worlds. Mine is not made up of magic and

romance.

Have a good Christmas, Henry.

Bike cider, heavy on the bike. Thank
you.

Are you holding up?

Well, I'm back to being happily single.

I should have just gone home.

You are home.

You two are just getting to know each
other.

You can't compare him to Richie just
because one left out detail.

It's not good for you, it's not good for
him.

He just presented himself as a...

Cupid, who believes in meant to be.

Meanwhile, he's a completely different
person altogether.

Julius, you're one of the most
transparent and considerate people I

Not everybody's you.

You remember you told me you wanted to
take risks for a relationship?

Not every slot play is a hit. Sometimes
you gotta pull again on the same machine

to get a win.

Remind me again why you're not a writer?

Well, I'm... Too pretty to spend that
much time by myself.

Now look, I'm going to probably break
our pact one of these days and marry a

rich man in real estate, so I think you
should just go for it.

See what happens.

Yeah?

You make a mean drink.

Spiked with love.

to join me and my parents for Christmas
Eve dinner.

Yeah, I'm sure. Thank you.

And thank you for being here.

And always.

Every day, really.

I love you. And I love you.

Merry Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas,
babe.

Oh, special delivery here for one
Julian.

Nice.

Enjoy.

I'm sorry I wasn't more transparent.

Working for my dad was never what I
wanted.

I made this alone and learned to enjoy
it, thanks to you. But it still would

have been better with you. Love, Oliver.

Henry, what are you doing here?

I wanted to leave you this tonight to
give to your mother.

My mum had one just like it.

It's reminiscent of the Celtic knot,
which stands for pure love.

I know you're about to say something
about actors being overly romantic, but

this symbolizes something wonderful.

How about one?

Same exact one for my mom.

I wanted to hang it on Oliver's tree for
my last night here.

You think your mom's got a hand in this?
No way.

Now, what was that you were saying about
your world not having any magic?

Who knows?

Maybe this one can be yours.

I'm sorry about earlier, Henry.

I would.

I'd like to try to figure this out with
you, no matter the distance.

I'm a transcontinental actor with an
American agent who hates the cold. There

doesn't need to be any distance between
us if you don't want there to be.

Like, right now?

What do you mean?

I don't really want there to be any
distance between us.

Don't leave.

Yes, I am tired of dates with myself.

And I'd really like to spend Christmas
and New Year's with someone.

Finally.

I'm hoping that's you.

What about the long distance?

Yeah, you said it yourself.

You really want something, you figure it
out.

Thank you for the last minute dinner.

Is everything okay?

Yeah.

Yeah, it is.

Thank you.

For what?

For being here.

Fire's on.

Dinner was good.

It's Christmas.

It's that simple stuff, isn't it?

Who could ask for anything more?

Come here.

What's this?

We never did finish our dance.

This time, you lead.

It's Oliver.

I'll call him tomorrow. No, no, no,
answer.

I want to say hi. I want to thank him.

Okay.

Kaz, I just, I had to ring you to wish
you the happiest of Christmases. Wait,

are you at my house?

Uh, hey!

I am indeed.

Oh, no way.

Oh, this is so great.

Oh, I knew it was meant to be.

Listen, Oliver, I gotta say, your
hosting abilities are gonna get a five

review.

Who do we have here, Oliver?

This is Julius.

The Julius?

Hi, guys.

Nice to meet you.

I loved your last book.

I loved your last movie.

Wild. How about we extend our stays just
for a few days?

I mean, yeah, I love that idea. I'm
supposed to fly back to...

Spend New Year's with my parents.

I have to come back tomorrow, actually,
but please feel free to be my guest.

I don't want to be an intruder.

Wait, what if we joined you guys in L
.A. for the ultimate New Year's Eve

I mean, not to invite myself to your
house, but... I fully plan on being your

New Year's kiss.

That sounds like a great idea.

I'm in.

Well, then, Merry Christmas to us all.

And to all a good night.

Nice place.

Thank you.

Ah, before we go in, um... Yeah?

Thank you.

I don't know where this is going, and
I'm still trying to sort through where

I've been these past few years, but you
make me feel something I haven't in a

while. Oh,

I'm warning for you, Art.

Pleasure. Ditto. Ditto, ditto. How was
the flight? Good.

You made it. Yeah.

So nice to meet you in person.

All right. Be great. Bye.

Starting a charity?

That's the goal.

I've been dreaming of a non -profit.
It's raising money for causes I love.

Turns out it requires a lot of money to
give money.

Right.

We should chat.

I happen to have a few extra pennies
that I don't really know what to do with

right now.

How many pennies did you say?

Yeah, do tell us of the pennies. I would
love to talk to you about that if

you're serious.

Maybe Julius and I could help with
appearances or something?

Oh. Does somebody think he's famous?

By the way, I haven't read your book
yet, but I hear it's fantastic.

Well, maybe now you don't have to.

And maybe this is the best New Year's
Eve ever.

Guys. Guys.

I love guys.

Wild, I think you should toast us.

Your champagne's up there.

I actually, I did prepare a little
something on the plane just because I

I might get asked.

you know, because we're here at my
house, so.

Here, here.

Whoever wrote the phrase, if at first
you don't succeed, just try, try

again, wasn't considering navigating
love in the gay world.

He needed another dozen tries in there,
or more, for it to ring with any truth.

And yet, despite the heartache that
sometimes befalls us, we still keep

small, tiny glimmer of hope alive, even
if it is in the bottom right corner of a

broken heart.

Because who knows?

What's meant for you just might not pass
you by.

So cheers, gentlemen.

A toast to a new beginning, to time
while we have it, to people we love, and

opening up to a little magic through a
true holiday exchange.

Cheers. Wow.

Happy New Year.

Hi, Mom.

Happy New Year.

Yes, hi.

Sorry I haven't seen you lately, son.

I'm happy to be here now.

Yeah, I'm so happy to see you guys. I
didn't know you were coming.

Well, we didn't want you to spend New
Year's Eve alone.

Oh, but I'm not alone.

Wait, are you telling me you threw a
surprise New Year's Eve party just for

Hi, guys.

Wow, you look fabulous.

Hi. Happy New Year.

Now I know where to get you from. Thank
you.

You look great.

Thank you. Wow.

Hi.

Nice to meet you. Happy New Year.

Hi. Julius.

He seemed very sweet, and he's very
cute.

Yeah, we'll see, Mom.

Hey, you're one of a kind, Mom.

I'm so glad you're here, and I love you
and Dad.

But I want you to know that I know how
lucky I am to have you.

And I'd love to spend more time with you
this year.

We love you, Wilde.

Happy New Year.

I love you too, Mom.

From the bottom of my heart.

I love you.

Should we drink? Let's drink, yes.

Five, four, three, two, one.

cup in hand.