The storyline of Breakup Season might resemble anything you would see on the Hallmark Channel during the yearly countdown to Christmas. The setup is as follows: In a welcome diversion from his portrayal of Carl in The Walking Dead, Ben (Chandler Riggs) takes his fiancée Cassie (Samantha Isler) back to his hometown of La Grande to spend Christmas break with his family.
The holiday would, however, bring the couple even closer if it were broadcast on the Hallmark Channel. There might be a minor argument about Ben’s lack of enthusiasm for Christmas, but she would eventually win him over, and everyone would embrace while gathered around a brightly lit tree and a crackling fire for a happy ending.
Although La Grande is endearing and Ben’s family home appears comfortable, things don’t always go as planned during Breakup Season. When Cassie first meets Ben’s family, things get a little awkward because Ben forgot to mention that Cassie is a vegetarian, which makes supper awkward.
Cassie’s brewing doubt intensifies after that meal, and she eventually tells Ben, “This isn’t working.” Cassie is adamant about leaving right now, but Ben is upset. Unfortunately, Cassie is unable to flee because of the winter weather that has swept in and the wrecks that have stopped I-84.
In telling this story, writer-director H. Nelson Tracey demonstrates a deft sensitivity by avoiding the temptation to either go overboard in an attempt to be anti-sentimental or to indulge in schmaltz.
Rather, Breakup Season presents characters who don’t always behave as you might anticipate, allows the talented performers to shine, and ultimately evokes real emotion with a satisfying ending.
Carly Stewart, James Urbaniak, Jacob Wysocki, and Brook Hogan in “Breakup Season.”Buffalo 8/BMP Beverly Hills is the source.
The film also relies heavily on the sense of place. What if some photos show the streets appearing to be snow-free, but others show a lot of snow on the ground? It’s nice to see areas of the state that aren’t frequently featured as filming sites. Breakup Season was shot in La Grande during the winter of 2023.
The actors are a good match, with Isler making Cassie’s urge for independence relatable and comprehensible and Riggs portraying Ben’s hopeful, occasionally embarrassing attempts to win Cassie back.
James Urbaniak and Brook Hogan as Ben’s perceptive parents, Kirby and Mia; Carly Stewart as Liz, a potential influencing sister; and Jacob Wysocki as Gordon, an older brother who has been living with Kirby and Mia since his own breakup, provide Riggs and Isler with exceptional support.
Breakup Season is a heartfelt and sage holiday delight, combining sweetness and a hint of melancholy with its gentle message that partnerships change because people develop.
On Monday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m., Breakup Season will have a special screening at the Hollywood Theatre. After the screening, local crew and cast members will participate in a Q&A session with filmmaker H. Nelson Tracey, who produced the screenplay through the Eastern Oregon Film Festival’s residency program. Starting on December 6, Breakup Season will also be accessible on demand on several platforms, including Google Play, Apple TV, and Amazon.
Stories by
Kristi Turnquist
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Kristi Turnquist discusses entertainment and features. You may contact her at [email protected], 503-221-8227, or @Kristiturnquist.
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