The movie opens in a snowy Chicago hotel lobby—think twinkling lights, lukewarm coffee, and just the right amount of awkward eye contact. Annie and Dave strike up a conversation, swap some laughs, and maybe a stolen kiss or two, only to part ways the next morning with zero contact info exchanged. Cue the sighs, the “what ifs,” and the inevitable string of near-misses as they bump into each other again and again around the windy city—because, of course, December is a ticking clock for romance and life’s timing is forever the prankster.
We Met in December hits you in that exact Gen X sweet spot: right in the feels, but with a wink. It’s the movie you stumble across when you’ve got a cup of coffee, a blanket, and a quiet night—and suddenly it’s like the universe is nudging you, saying, “Hey, remember that time everything felt almost right?” December here isn’t just a month; it’s a mood, a frozen-in-time vibe where endings and beginnings blur, and timing… well, timing is the whole point.
The movie’s obsession with timing is deliciously real. Annie and Dave don’t miss each other because of some cheesy rom-com plot twist—they miss because life is loud, exhausting, and full of adult stuff we didn’t sign up for in our twenties. Gen X knows this: someday rarely shows up on schedule, and when it does, it usually comes with a latte in one hand and an apology in the other. The humor here is dry, sometimes painfully so, like realizing your cool years were spent listening to mixtapes instead of texting back.
What’s refreshing is that the romance doesn’t rely on magical speeches or manic pixie energy. Annie and Dave are adults, baggage included, navigating disappointment, lowered expectations, and the occasional triumph. Autumn Reeser and Niall Matter have this chemistry that’s like a slow burn in a mug of hot cocoa—warm, slightly sweet, and just enough spice to keep you paying attention. Supporting roles from Tara Yelland, Lara Amersey, and Kyana Teresa add texture, grounding the story in family, friendship, and the kind of festive chaos only December can deliver.
Timing is everywhere: in their glances, missteps, snowy rooftop encounters, and cozy café coffee runs. Chicago itself feels like a character—part playground, part labyrinth—forcing the couple into almost-too-close-for-comfort proximity while life laughs at them from the sidelines. Watching this, you realize that “almost” is basically a character in the story, and sometimes “finally” shows up just in time for Christmas miracles (or awkward confessions, which are basically the same thing).
And for the practical stuff: We Met in December was directed by Jonathan Wright, with Nina Weinman’s smart, funny script threading humor and heart together like a holiday sweater. The film’s snowy Chicago locales are gorgeous, the cast is charismatic, and the timing—did I mention timing?—is perfect. You can catch it on the Hallmark Channel as part of their Countdown to Christmas lineup, or stream it on Hallmark+ the day after. In short: cozy, funny, heartfelt, and perfectly timed for anyone old enough to appreciate missed connections and holiday nostalgia without falling into syrupy clichés.
MPAA Rating: TV-G.
Runtime: 84 mins
Director: Jonathan Wright
Writer: Nina Weinman
Cast: Autumn Reeser; Niall Matter; Kyana Teresa
Genre: Holiday Romance
Tagline:
Memorable Movie Quote: "Now it's gonna take just a little bit of luck."
Distributor: Hallmark Channel
Official Site:
Release Date: November 27. 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Annie Lane and Dave Weeks meet in a holiday hotel, falling in love. They embark on separate quests to find each other, sharing wisdom and making significant life changes.
