Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘This Time Each Year’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Niall Matter and Alison Sweeney as Kevin and Lauren in THIS TIME EACH YEAR. (Photo Courtesy of Jeff Weddell/Hallmark.) ©2024 Hallmark

We truly like to believe that the holiday season is miraculous in nature, and it makes sense as to why. After all, this is a season of love and unity, and so many hold to its wonder by letting go of old haunts and embracing the wonder of the season and what it stands for. Which gives rise to calm family dinners and joyous gift giving and sometimes outright forgiveness, and we of course… do our best to make the season proud by paying that goodwill forward in the hopes that others find such joy. Which we should continue to do, simply because… the hard reality of the season is that not everyone sees at as the most wonderful time of the year.
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Because life doesn’t end during the holiday season and some people are reminded of that when harsh things happen during the season. To the point where some no longer celebrate, and some… don’t have a family to celebrate with. Which is why it is important to be kind during the season, and be good to others, to help them through those tough times. Granted, we should do it all year round, but alas, we’ll take kindness where we can get it. Because it can go a long way, as does grace, and who knows… perhaps a holiday miracle can happen by just asking how a stranger is doing during that time. If anything, the power of kindness and grace during the season is top of mind today, simply because its power serves as the focus of a new Hallmark Mystery film, This Time Each Year.

For this holiday feature, introduces us to a couple in crisis during the holiday season. For Lauren and Kevin were once inseparable as a couple and had all of their dreams in front of them, and they even started a family. But this holiday season is sour for them. For they are financially destitute thanks to a poor purchase that Lauren initiated and Kevin… well he let dark times grab hold of him hard enough to turn to alcohol. Which puts their marriage on the rocks and leaves them unsure of tomorrow. But a surprise visit from Lauren’s mother, who doesn’t know of their standing, gives Lauren quite the idea. Wherein perhaps she and Kevin should fake being a couple for just a little longer to appease her mother until she heads home, to which Kevin agrees because he wants nothing more than to be near his wife and well… that moment inspires both of them… to think upon what they had and if by chance… a little grace can heal what’s broken.

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Ezra Wilson and Niall Matter as Charlie and Kevin in THIS TIME EACH YEAR. (Photo Courtesy of Jeff Weddell/Hallmark.) ©2024 Hallmark

Which is a plot that perfectly explores two key elements. First and foremost, it does indeed remind us of the fact that the holiday season is not the home of pure joy. For there are folks dealing with what Lauren and Kevin are dealing with. Tough times, heartbreak, and a stunning reset of their lives and that is important to acknowledge. So that folks such as them don’t feel as though they have to put on a façade during the season and bury down their pain, and well, this movie deserves a round of applause for this. Especially a Hallmark film no less. Because this is not a common theme for them, but it is refreshing, and it is very realistic, and it helps to set the stage for what kindness and grace can do during the season.
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Which is the second element in question. Since the decision to be a couple, albeit temporarily, offers kindness and grace. Wherein Kevin and Lauren are forced to be kind to one another and tolerant, and in doing so, they are reminded of what they enjoyed the most about being together and what worked well in their relationship. But more importantly, this film informs us that kindness and grace also do something wondrous for people. In that, it gives them relief from their stress and a chance to look at the moment objectively since they have room to breathe. Which can lead to humility and an understanding of how to fix one’s problems and heal. Something that does take place in this story, and that too is refreshing.

Because that does happen now and again, and it does remind us that not all is lost or broken in this life when we take that objective view. All of which helps to bring forth, a fascinating holiday feature. One that is unconventional for the Hallmark brand, and that’s a great thing. Because it’s showcasing how the brand is growing and evolving, courtesy of this magnificent feature. One that is grounded in concepts that feel real and are supremely relatable, yet it never loses sight of the trademark hopefulness we find in these films and that makes… for a delightful watch. One that has you hoping for better days for this broken couple, while also thinking upon whether or not you’re giving yourself and your life the grace you deserve and need. So, that you too… can enjoy a little comfort and joy in the upcoming holiday season.

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