It’s time to watch Carol again…
BY SCARLETT COUGHLAN, IMAGE BY STUDIOCANAL
We all love seeing Buddy the Elf prancing round our screens in his camp little get-up. But, sometimes, it’s nice to watch a Christmas film where the girl gays and theys are the stars of the show. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
A Holiday I Do (2023)
Starring Rivkah Reyes and Lindsay Hicks, A Holiday I Do follows a frazzled small-town mum (Hicks) as she falls in love with her ex-husband’s wedding planner (Reyes) – chaotic af. Luckily, a smattering of Queermas magic is in the air to help untangle this holy mess. Read more about the latest instalment of seasonal sapphic scrumptiousness here.
Friends and Family Christmas (2023)
We’re in for a treat as 2023 presents us with not one but two festive films starring queer women – it should be more but we’ll take what we can get. Available on Hallmark Channel from 17 December, the plot follows Dani (Humberly Gonzalez) and Amelia (Ali Liebert) who, set up by their parents, pretend to date to please their families over the holidays. You can probably guess what happens next – but it’s cute all the same.
The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night (2021)
This short film is a much-needed breakaway from the cishet-fest that is the Christmas movie market. In 11 minutes of cinematic loveliness, Noor, a queer Pakistani Muslim woman, brings her Puerto Rican partner, Luz – played by non-binary actor Vico Ortiz – home for the first time on the Syed family’s annual game night. A truly magical watch.
Christmas at the Ranch (2021)
An enemies-to-lovers story with a country twist. Yeehaw! When Haley returns home to save her family ranch from financial ruin, she and ranch hand Kate don’t get off to a good start – but that all changes. Not the most original plot line, but scores points for satisfying our cowgirl fantasies.
Happiest Season (2020)
One of our absolute festive favourites! When couple Abby (Kristen Stewart) and Harper (Mackenzie Davis) visit the latter’s family for the holidays, Abby isn’t too pleased to discover that her girlfriend hasn’t yet come out to her conservative family. A hilarious and heartwarming film with an incredible cast (think Dan Levy and Aubrey Plaza). Watching KStew on TV while stuffing your face with mince pies? Double yum.
We’ve also created the perfect wardrobe for you to pretend you’re dating Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis – you’re welcome.
The Christmas Lottery (2020)
The Christmas Lottery might not be the most sapphic film on our list, but it’s still a great watch. It’s also got a refreshingly all-black and POC cast. The story follows a Houston-based family whose dad buys a winning lottery ticket. He invites his three squabbling daughters home for the holidays to celebrate – but, plot twist, they lose the ticket. The family, including daughter Deidre and her gorgeous wife, must unite to find it.
Let It Snow (2019)
When a snowstorm hits a perfect holiday-card town on Christmas Eve, a group of high school students find friendship and love colliding. Featuring a lesbian romance between the characters of YouTube star Anna Akana and non-binary actor Liv Hewson (you may recognise them from Santa Clarita Diet), the film gives queer teenagers some much-needed representation in a fun and festive way.
Season of Love (2019)
Season of Love follows three diverse female couples in their loosely interrelated lives between Christmas and New Year. There’s no cliché coming out story, just some nice representation of queer female love during the season when family – whatever that looks like – matters most.
Tangerine (2015)
The most hilarious film on our list by far. The plot follows two trans sex workers Sin-Dee and Alexandra – played by trans actors Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor – who seek revenge on Sin-Dee’s cheating boyfriend on Christmas Eve. It was also shot on three iPhone 5S’s – Y2K slay.
Carol (2015)
Last but certainly not least, we have Carol. Set in 1950s New York, the tale starts when Carol (Cate Blanchett) meets department store worker Therese (Rooney Mara) while buying a Christmas present for her daughter. Already in the midst of a divorce, Carol risks everything – from her reputation to her child – to pursue Therese. A beautifully shot and sensitive exploration of sapphic love.
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