Dashing in December (2020 Paramount Network)
Cast: Peter Porte, Juan Pablo Di Pace, Andie MacDowell
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Synopsis (via The Ninth House)
When Wyatt Burwall finally returns home for the holidays in an effort to convince his mother Deb to sell the family’s Colorado ranch, a romance unexpectedly ignites between Wyatt and their dashing new ranch hand Heath Ramos, who dreams of saving the beloved property and the ranch’s magical Winter Wonderland attraction while reawakening the spirit of Christmas in Wyatt’s lonely heart.
Thoughts
Wyatt is a big city guy hitting on caters at work events. (Not my kind of guy!) He is going home for the holidays to help his mother with the beautiful country ranch she runs with a ranch hand named Heath and his high school girlfriend, Blake. Blake and Deb are excited that Wyatt is coming home for the holidays. They are also excited to introduce Wyatt to Heath for a potential love connection.
When Wyatt arrives, he steps in horse poop and ruins his fancy shoes and suitcase. He takes a quick shower and immediately talks about selling the family ranch. At dinner, Wyatt is snobby and rude to Heath, insulting his wine and being the worst. Even his horse Dash isn’t into him. What an entrance tho!
Heath has plans for the ranch to make it better, but Wyatt doesn’t want to hear it. He is entitled because he pays to keep the farm running. The two men have a catty fight but eventually, come around and talk man to man. Heath realizes that Wyatt is gay, and their conversation shifts to a more vulnerable one. Wyatt has fond memories of horse rides with his mother, who passed away from cancer. Wyatt can relate to recently losing his father.
The men go for some horseback riding, and we are treated to some beautifully shot outdoor scenes. Then they go to a bar and have drinks with Deb, Blake and some other friends. They have drinks and then line dance. A slow song comes on, and Blake encourages Wyatt to ask Heath to dance. He laughs it off and dances with her instead. A small detail, but important. Being aware of your surroundings as an LGBTQ+ person is always top of mind. Especially in straight spaces. (Something most straight friends don’t think about.)
We get the men in their underwear scene in an accidental walking in on someone in the shower scene. Both men look great, and Peter Porte’s underwear is so cute. Wyatt and Heath get dressed and laugh off the encounter. They talk while putting out Christmas decorations about growing up and gay dating; Heath is Columbian and emigrated to the country when he was ten. He also dated guys who weren’t out before and has been hurt in the past by men. Wyatt listens and is supportive of his new friend. They begin to understand one another.
Heath asks Wyatt’s mom if he can take her son out on a date, which is so sweet. Heath recreates a homecoming dance in the gazebo so they can have a proper dance together. Kayce Musgraves plays as they dance and laugh while holding each other. They ride their horseback to the ranch and kiss.
Wyatt plans a date for Heath. It is a movie date in the horse stables. Wyatt still wants to close the ranch and suggest that Heath move in with him in New York and work at his company. Heath calls him selfish, and they argue at the dinner table. Wyatt takes it a bit too far and insults Heath. Andie MacDowell looks at her son like, “WTF!”
Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson “Wintersong” plays while a sad montage happens. Lots of staring out windows and looking sad here.
Wyatt leaves for New York and leaves Heath behind. Heath talks to Deb, and she tells him if he has found love, then he better hold on to it. She takes her own advice and calls up Carlos, who has been trying to date her the whole movie.
Blake and Heath open Christmas gifts, and there is a knock at the door. It isn’t Wyatt, it is Blake’s husband back from war or something. I’m not sure. Wyatt comes home, too, with an idea to save the ranch. It is a partnership with one of his big corporations. Wyatt plans to stay and make Heath a partner in the business. Heath agrees and asks Wyatt to take him on a proper date first. They hug it out and then share a perfect kiss.
Side Note
Directed and written by Lifetime Legend, Jake Helgren.
Minority Report: Heath, Blake, Carlos, Suzanne, Hugh, Sam, Hunk Caterer, Loretta, Judy,
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Overall rating
🎄🎄🎄🎄 (4 Christmas Trees)
🍷🍷🍷 (3 glasses of wine required.)
*Photo Credit: © 2020 Paramount
