In 1989, Rob Reiner asked the question: Can a straight man and a straight woman be friends with no romantic attraction? The conclusion reached by When Harry Met Sally is a resounding “unlikely", but Sweethearts takes on the challenge of proving the theory 35 years later.

 

Jamie (Kiernan Shipka) and Ben (Nico Hiraga) are lifelong best friends and freshmen at the same college. They each realize they need to break up with their high school sweethearts, and make an agreement to do it during Thanksgiving break. Everything inevitably unravels by the time they get into town. Both Jamie’s boyfriend Simon and Ben’s girlfriend Claire are not at the meeting spot, so with the help of their mutual friend Palmer, it’s a mad race to locate the significant others before the chaos overtakes the night.

 

Sweethearts certainly wears its influences on its sleeve, while carving its own path. It’s easy to digest, but not too predictable. It does what it sets out to do, although the execution may leave some viewers feeling slightly underwhelmed. It could have used that one final punch to send the message home, but opts to play it safe as a lighthearted casual flick. Despite that, it’s still lightyears ahead of any given Hallmark holiday movie. This has a real plot, and genuine laugh out loud moments.

 

In a chemistry dependent movie like this, it can be hard to cast. I’m happy to report that Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga are perfect screen buddies. Caleb Heron absolutely owns his role as well, making for a satisfying side plot with a beautiful arc.

 

Thanksgiving movies can be hard to find. Aside from the de facto standard Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, you have to find your own holiday classics. For me, it’s Son In Law or The Ice Storm. I’ve never seen one quite like this, taking place during a semester break with college kids running around their hometown on Blackout Wednesday. Sweethearts definitely earns a spot on the annual Holiday lineup.