The Harlem screening of The Lost Holliday was nothing short of phenomenal. The film, starring the legendary Vivica A. Fox and the talented Jussie Smollett, left the crowd buzzing with laughter, tears, and plenty of “did-that-just-happen?” moments.
Co-written by Jussie Smollett himself, The Lost Holliday tells a bold and touching story that pushes holiday films into fresh territory. We follow a loving gay married couple whose family life is shattered when one partner passes away. The film dares to show a family structure not often highlighted on-screen, and it does so with style and grace.
Vivica A. Fox lights up the screen as the mother of the deceased. She brings spice, sass, and plenty of sharp one-liners that had the Harlem audience hollering. But behind the wit is a mother grappling with regret. She never had a close relationship with her son, and she only learns about his sexuality after his death. Add in the shock of meeting her late son’s adopted child, raised with his partner, and you’ve got drama, humor, and some tender healing all wrapped into one.
A Heartfelt Harlem Night with The Lost Holliday
The story takes another twist when the sister of the surviving partner shows up with her girlfriend. Yes, another lesbian couple joins the mix, forcing Vivica’s character to confront her own blind spots about love, family, and identity. It’s awkward at first, but the comedy of those moments keeps the story grounded. And by the end, hearts shift, walls crumble, and new bonds form.
The Harlem crowd loved every bit of it. You could feel the energy rise with every witty exchange, every heartfelt embrace, and every surprise revelation. The film felt personal, urgent, and healing. It brought together the humor of holiday gatherings with the real-life challenges of acceptance and grief.
Jussie Smollett, who not only stars in the film but co-wrote it, adds a layer of authenticity to the story. His work alongside the celebrated Mona Scott-Young, a visionary producer, elevates this film beyond mere entertainment, into a powerful testament to love’s endurance.
Credit must also go to powerhouse producer Mona Scott-Young, who knows how to gather a cast and crew that deliver. With Vivica Fox bringing the spice, Jussie Smollett co-writing and starring, and a story that flips holiday movie traditions upside down, The Lost Holliday is a film you’ll talk about long after the credits roll.
This film is for everyone—Black communities, LGBTQ+ families, film lovers, and holiday movie fans tired of cookie-cutter plots. If you want laughs, tears, and a fresh take on family, The Lost Holliday is the one.
So, support this film. Take your family, your friends, and even your nosy auntie who always has something to say. Let’s make sure Hollywood sees that stories like these matter—and that audiences are ready for them.
Because honestly, nothing says “holiday spirit” like Vivica A. Fox side-eyeing her way into acceptance while Jussie Smollett serves a script that makes you laugh and cry at the same time.
