Snowed In: The Holiday Breakup That Will Leave You Speechless!

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During what’s commonly known as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, H. Nelson Tracey’s movie “Breakup Season” is tricky to classify (and this is a good thing). At moments, it feels like you’re watching a romantic comedy. In other instances, it plays out like a tender family drama. Yet, it’s all presented in the context of a holiday film. It recently screened at the 2025 El Dorado Film Festival and garnered a positive response from an excited audience who supported Tracey’s vision.

Ben (Chandler Riggs) has an exciting holiday schedule set with his girlfriend Cassie (Samantha Insler). He’s chosen to introduce her to his hometown of La Grande, Oregon by inviting her to spend seven days with his lively family. His entourage includes his parents Mia (Brook Hogan) and Kirby (James Urbaniak), as well as his brother Gordon (Jacob Wysocki), who has returned home after a messy breakup, and his sister Liz (Carly Stewart), who is a social media enthusiast.

The initial interactions were cordial, although Cassie appeared somewhat distant. However, tensions rose during dinner as Gordon persistently badgered Cassie about her vegetarianism. A significant event occurred later that evening when Cassie told Ben she wanted to end the relationship. Her intention was to spend the night and catch an early morning flight to Portland. Unfortunately, a snowstorm caused road closures and grounded all flights, preventing her from leaving.

The main part of the narrative unfolds as Cassie finds herself trapped in snow with an ex, Ben, and his family whom she barely knows. However, she surprisingly forms connections with Ben’s relatives, while at the same time becoming increasingly annoyed with him. Despite her inability to clearly articulate her reasons for wanting to part ways, Cassie expresses that their relationship seems predictable, summarizing it as “it just feels like clockwork.” Unaware of the harm he is causing, a well-intentioned Ben persistently pesters Cassie, which only serves to drive her further from him.

In the narrative, Ben’s family brings vibrancy and individuality to the tale, taking on unique roles that contribute to the overall plot. For instance, Gordon and Liz often provide light-hearted moments, adding humor when needed. Meanwhile, Mia and Kirby serve as voices of reason during tense situations. Despite their specific functions in the story, these characters are far from flat; they each have their own well-defined personalities, thanks to Tracey’s crafting, resulting in a captivating and authentic family dynamic that feels both entertaining and genuine.

From my perspective as a movie enthusiast, Tracy skillfully portrays a mix of empathy and irritation for both Ben and Cassie. At moments, I found myself getting frustrated with Cassie, but understanding Ben’s situation. Later, I might feel annoyed by Ben and sympathize with Cassie. Neither character is depicted as the villain, and by the end, we come to see them as ordinary individuals trying their best to handle a difficult situation. However, I may have slightly favored one over the other, but this could vary for different viewers, which highlights the brilliance in their writing.

As a cinephile, I’ve got to say that “Breakup Season” truly delivers with its stellar cast, a script brimming with intelligence, and a director who skillfully navigates the pitfalls common in this genre. Instead of following the beaten path, Tracy remains steadfast in his vision, offering an authentic portrayal of breakups as they often are – complex, heart-wrenching, and confusing. With just the right dose of comedy, this film manages to weave a touching tale of love and loss while keeping us entertained throughout.

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2025-03-04 00:57