Holidate

Holidate

Year: 2020

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: John Whitesell

ComedyRomance

Two strangers, Sloane and Jackson, despise the holidays and the pressure to be in a relationship during those times. To avoid unwanted family gatherings and awkward encounters, they make a deal to be each other's "holidate" for a year. This arrangement, initially devoid of romantic intention, sees them attending festive events as a couple. As the year progresses and they navigate increasingly absurd holiday situations, an unexpected connection begins to develop, potentially leading them to find something they didn't anticipate.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Holidate (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Holidate (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

Set in the present day, the film navigates modern dating challenges during holiday seasons. It reflects contemporary family dynamics, social pressures, and the evolving nature of relationships during festive occasions. Key holidays like Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Thanksgiving play a pivotal role in the story.

Location

Australia, Christmas Dinner, various Holiday locations

The movie features various holiday locations, including a festive Christmas dinner where family dynamics are explored. It also highlights Australia, where Jackson hails from, and serves as a backdrop for the final romantic getaway. These settings are central to the unfolding relationships and holiday spirit throughout the film.

🎄 Holiday 🌏 Travel

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Main Characters – Holidate (2020)

Meet the key characters of Holidate (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sloane Benson (Emma Roberts)

Sloane is a relatable character grappling with the pressures of family expectations regarding relationships. Her journey highlights her initial annoyance with being single and evolves into a deeper understanding of love and self-worth. Through her interactions with Jackson, she learns to embrace her feelings amidst the chaos of the holidays.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Romantic 🎭 Struggle 🔄 Growth

Jackson (Luke Bracey)

Jackson is portrayed as a laid-back Australian golfer who becomes an unexpected partner for Sloane. He embodies a mix of charm and vulnerability as he navigates his feelings for Sloane. His character experiences growth as he confronts insecurities, particularly about being good enough for Sloane.

🏌️‍♂️ Adventurous ❤️ Vulnerable 🎉 Charming

Elaine (Frances Fisher)

Elaine, Sloane's mother, represents the traditional pressure placed on her daughter to find love. Her well-meaning attempts to set up Sloane with eligible bachelors highlight societal norms regarding relationships. Elaine's character showcases the generational differences in perceptions of love and family.

👩‍👧 Family 🎭 Pressure 💔 Well-meaning

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Major Themes – Holidate (2020)

Explore the central themes of Holidate (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love

The narrative revolves around the journey of Sloane and Jackson as they navigate their feelings for each other. Their evolving relationship captures the essence of love found unexpectedly during holiday seasons. It explores the intricacies of vulnerability and connection amidst familial pressures.

🎉 Holidays

Holidays serve as a backdrop for character interactions and growth, showcasing both the joy and pressure they bring. The characters experience moments of celebration and conflict, emphasizing the juxtaposition of love and familial expectations. Each holiday represents a step in Sloane and Jackson's blossoming romance.

🚫 Singlehood

Sloane's struggle with being single and the judgments she faces from her family highlight the societal pressure to couple up, particularly during holidays. The movie reflects on the challenges and stigma associated with singlehood, pushing the narrative to explore self-acceptance and the complexities of modern relationships.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Unlock the Full Story of Holidate

Don't stop at just watching — explore Holidate in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Holidate is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Holidate Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Holidate, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Holidate Summary

Holidate Timeline

Track the full timeline of Holidate with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Holidate Timeline

More About Holidate

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Holidate: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Holidate

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