Nerds That Geek Movie Review: “’Tis the Season to Be Irish”

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Eoin Macken and Fiona Gubelmann as Sean and Rose Walsh in ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE IRISH. (Photo Courtesy of Martin Maguire/Hallmark.) ©2024 Hallmark

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, “’Tis the Season to Be Irish”.
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The vast majority of us out there in the world, uncover how to attain fulfillment pretty early on in life. Something we can attribute primarily to our upbringing. For so many of us can think upon direction we received from our parents regarding what lie ahead and how to get there, and perhaps a good sit-down chat with one of them… where they really wanted to know our plans for the future and what made us happy so we could properly pursue it. Which in turn really helped us to find our true north and get it and belong and settle into a place where we find joy and contentment, and that sense of fulfillment, and where we find time to reflect upon the wonder… of those chats and what they did for us.  

But not everyone gets that wondrous discussion, and sometimes their family life teaches them something different. Wherein they step into adulthood in a more aloof manner. Where the moment matters more and where peace is a little harder to come by, as is purpose and a sense of direction or belonging. Which for some is fine. They’ll find value in just moving about and enjoying the day as it comes. But others… others will struggle badly with this. To the point where they begin to wonder what they are missing in life, and how to find it, and that does beg a hug question. How do people find that sense of fulfillment when they spend a lifetime rarely thinking of that concept? Well, it just so happens, that a new film from Hallmark ponders upon that very question.  

A feat that ‘Tis the Season to Be Irish accomplishes by introducing us to Rose Walsh. A real estate investor that truly lives in the moment. Courtesy of her upbringing and circumstances and she truly does seem to enjoy this life. Since she often gets to live in new places as she invests in property before flipping it, and well… she’s done so well with her work that she’s ready for a new challenge. Specifically, a lovely cottage she’s discovered in her mother’s hometown in Ireland, which she is quick to purchase. But soon, buyer’s remorse settles in. Simply because the cottage is a mess and will require a stunning investment, and to complicate matters further… being in the very place where her mother grew up informs Rose, that maybe there is more to life than being a modern-day nomad, adding a new complication to the life she so loves.

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Fiona Gubelmann and Eoin Macken as Rose Walsh and Sean in ‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE IRISH. (Photo Courtesy of Martin Maguire/Hallmark.) ©2024 Hallmark

Which is… the perfect way to explore the core concept of this story. Because Rose is indeed, that person who isn’t necessarily lost in the world, but moves to the beat of a different drum. Since she is all about living in the moment and not worrying about where tomorrow takes her. But she definitely isn’t aware that there can be more and well… that realization allows for a stunning exploration of that answer to come into play. One that informs us that what gives us that sense of purpose and direction, and fulfillment, is connection. Connection to a dream, connection to a community and family ties, because that helps us to realize that we are more than the sum of ourselves, but something greater. A place where we can create memories with others and enrich more lives by showcasing who we are. Which of course, the story explores through her actions.  
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Since she makes friends in that hometown, she learns about her mother and her family’s history and yes. She finds love. Because that is a Hallmark staple, but it also provides its own special value. Since that too speaks to the power of connection, the power of love and how that too changes us and transforms us to want to shoot for something different. Which leads to a cerebral story for certain, one that does provide some measure of guidance to those who are in Rose’s shoes. Because there are folks who think they have what they want… but feel the call for something more. Feel as though they’re missing something, and it should be noted, that this story makes a point to not insult those who find happiness in not going this route.

For the story also explores how people who believe in the moment and a life that takes them where the wind goes, find a different kind of connection. One that relates to fate, one that relates to the thrill of just seeing where life takes us, and that both paths, are fine paths. All of which makes, for another Hallmark feature that is decidedly different from the norms. Since it ponders upon the crises we reach in life when we feel the call for more and how finding what we want, and need requires some work and some time and that it is okay if we don’t find it in the traditional manner. For life does indeed take us on some wild twists and turns on our way to finding exactly what we want in life. Be it the moment or the connections we seek. 

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