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Under the Christmas Tree

Name: Under the Christmas Tree
Director: Lisa Rose Snow
Released: 2021
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2021

TV-PG

Director

Lisa Rose Snow

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Under the Christmas Tree breaks traditional holiday romance clichés by placing a queer female relationship at the center. The protagonists are characterized by their professional expertise and ability to act, moving away from passive character types. The film successfully highlights same-sex intimacy as a core narrative element. By focusing on the intellectual and romantic bond between Alma and Charlie, the story conveys their relationship with genuine emotional depth. While the racial and cultural dimensions are somewhat limited by the synopsis, the inclusion of a Hispanic-identified lead and a secularized holiday theme adds new layers to the genre.

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Category Breakdown

Does Under the Christmas Tree have LGBTQ+ representation?

Excellent

The film focuses on the romantic relationship between two female characters, Alma and Charlie, which serves as the main emotional storyline rather than a secondary plot.

How does Under the Christmas Tree portray gender?

Good

Both main characters have high-level professional roles as a marketing expert and a tree specialist. This portrayal challenges passive stereotypes by emphasizing their professional competence and personal growth.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Under the Christmas Tree?

Good

The lead character, Alma Beltran, likely has a non-Anglo-Saxon background, adding diversity to the predominantly Western holiday setting.

How does Under the Christmas Tree represent religion and culture?

Good

The story emphasizes whimsical elements such as 'fairy dust' rather than strict religious practices, offering a secular and romanticized version of the holiday season.

Does Under the Christmas Tree include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of characters navigating physical, neurodivergent, or mental health conditions in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Placing a queer romantic relationship as the primary emotional storyline.
Highlighting female characters with high-level professional roles and specialized skills.
Challenging traditional holiday romance clichés with a modern perspective.

Limited or Absent

Increasing the visibility of a more diverse supporting cast.
Including characters with disabilities or neurodivergent traits.

Official Synopsis

Marketing whiz Alma Beltran and Christmas tree whisperer Charlie Freemont cross paths when Charlie finds the perfect tree for the Maine Governor's Holiday Celebration — right in Alma's back yard. While they initially spar, romantic sparks soon begin to fly between the two women as the enchanting tree and some Christmas fairy dust from the town's pâtissière extraordinaire bring out the best in them and spark each other to take leaps of faith and fight for love and Christmas magic.

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