**Netflix’s Festive Cinematic Offering: In a Holidaze**
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Netflix is embracing the holiday season with its latest Christmas film, *In a Holidaze*, an adaptation of the beloved novel by Christina Lauren. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Rob Lowe, Graham Phillips, Jackie Sandler, Patton Oswalt, and newcomer Elias Kacavas, alongside the lead character Mae, portrayed by Maddie Ziegler.
Set against the backdrop of a family holiday tradition, the film follows the story of Mae, a young woman in her twenties who experiences a significant romantic blunder, which casts her into a time loop. She finds herself forced to relive the same Christmas at her family’s cabin, where she is surrounded by her parents’ friends and their children. The goal of this unusual predicament is for Mae to rediscover what truly brings her happiness.
In the exclusive first-look trailer revealed by *PEOPLE*, Mae is seen discussing her romantic dilemmas with her ‘pseudo-uncle’ Benny, played by Rob Lowe. In a scene full of emotion and confusion, Mae admits to Benny that she kissed Theo (Elias Kacavas), rather than her longstanding crush, Andrew (Graham Phillips). The complexity of Mae’s romantic feelings becomes evident, leading to a humorous exchange about her choice of partner.
“How on earth did you kiss the wrong brother?” Benny inquires, to which Mae responds with frustration. Unfolding her tangled emotions, she reveals, “I’ve waited a year to finally tell him how I really, really feel, and instead I kissed Theo and ruined Christmas.”
The narrative takes an unexpected twist as Mae finds herself in the car with her newly divorced parents, played by Jackie Sandler and Patton Oswalt. In the midst of complaints about their friends selling the cherished holiday cabin, an unfortunate incident involving a snowbank triggers the time loop. Suddenly, Mae realizes that the events of the day are repeating, and she has to confront her fears and desires.
“I keep coming back to this Christmas,” she states, coming to terms with the surreal nature of her situation. In conversation with Benny, who is clad in an eccentric outfit that includes denim shorts and an array of necklaces, Mae opines, “I’m projecting my fears onto a time-loop fantasy. Maybe if I stop being afraid, I’ll stop starting over.”
As the trailer draws to a close, Andrew (Graham Phillips) asks Mae what’s weighing on her mind this holiday season. Mae’s response, which hints at her true feelings for Andrew, sets the stage for further developments as she navigates her time loop.
Maddie Ziegler expressed her enthusiasm about the film’s unique concept, stating, “The time loop aspect is such a fun element! Each time loop reveals a different version of Mae, allowing for significant self-discovery and the pursuit of true desires.”
Writer-director Tiffany Paulsen highlighted a comedic aspect of the film, jokingly mentioning Rob Lowe’s choice of costume: “Rob Lowe in denim shorts! It’s a spectacle.” She emphasised that the film is not only about romance and comedy but also boasts stunning scenery and a captivating soundtrack featuring artists like Ariana Grande, Ava Max, and Kesha. The score is crafted by Zac Rae from the band Death Cab for Cutie.
Both Ziegler and Paulsen acknowledged the influence of classic films on *In a Holidaze*, with 1993’s *Groundhog Day* serving as a significant inspiration. Ziegler remarked on the influence of romantic Christmas films that shaped her childhood perception of the holiday genre. Meanwhile, Paulsen noted the importance of crafting relatable characters and an inviting cabin setting that would evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
“As a family, I wanted ours to be the kind of family everyone would want to have,” she explained, highlighting her vision for creating a strong connection with the audience through heartfelt storytelling.
*In a Holidaze* is set to premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, December 2, promising to deliver a blend of romance, laughter, and holiday cheer, while inviting viewers to reflect on their own pursuits of happiness during the festive season.