It Was Always You is one of those Hallmark films that sneaks up on you—in the best way—and reminds you why this network has such a loyal fan base. Director Michael Robison leans into the emotional warmth of the story without ever letting it get syrupy, giving the film a grounded, lived‑in feel that sets it apart from the usual “wedding‑weekend chaos” setup. From the opening scenes, you can feel the movie settling into a confident rhythm, like it knows it’s about to become a fan favorite. And honestly? It earns that reputation.
A huge part of the film’s magic comes from its cast. Erin Krakow brings a quiet, thoughtful presence to Elizabeth, a woman who has spent so much of her life doing what’s expected that she’s forgotten to check in with her own heart. Opposite her, Tyler Hynes is pure Hallmark charisma—messy, charming, a little mischievous, and completely magnetic. Together, they create a dynamic that feels effortless. Even the supporting cast—Giles Panton, Elysia Rotaru, Nelson Wong—adds texture without ever pulling focus from the central emotional journey.
The chemistry between Krakow and Hynes is the real engine of the film. It’s not loud or flashy; it’s the kind of chemistry that builds in glances, pauses, and those small moments where two people realize they’ve been orbiting each other for years without ever truly seeing one another. Their scenes together have a spark that feels both romantic and deeply human, and that’s what elevates the movie from “cute” to “oh, this one’s special.”
Emotionally, the film hits a sweet spot. Elizabeth’s arc—questioning her engagement, her future, and the version of herself she’s been performing—is handled with surprising nuance. David isn’t there to “fix” her; he’s the catalyst that makes her finally listen to her own instincts. The movie lets her uncertainty breathe, and that patience pays off. By the time she reaches her emotional turning point, it feels earned, honest, and incredibly satisfying.
Plot‑wise, the story is simple but effective: a woman preparing for her engagement party is thrown off balance when her fiancé’s free‑spirited brother returns home, stirring up old memories and new feelings. What could have been a predictable love‑triangle setup becomes something gentler and more introspective. The film is less about choosing between two brothers and more about choosing the life that actually fits. It’s a romance, yes, but it’s also a story about self‑permission.
MPAA Rating: TV-G.
Runtime: 86 mins
Director: Michael Robison
Writer: Kathy Kloves; Marian Thurm
Cast: Erin Krakow; Tyler Hynes; Giles Panton
Genre: Drama | Romance
Tagline: A Hallmark Channel Original Movie
Memorable Movie Quote: "Do you realize the hundreds of annoying things you used to do on a daily basis?"
Distributor: Hallmark +
Official Site:
Release Date: February 27, 2021
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Elizabeth's engagement plans are thrown into disarray when her fiance's brother returns home. His unexpected influence prompts Elizabeth to question her life decisions.
