Following Yonder Star (2024 Hallmark Channel)
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Cast: John Brotherton, Adam Hurtig, Brooke D’Orsay
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DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlySynopsis (via Hallmark)
Abby Marshall (D’Orsay), once celebrated for her role as an inspirational mother on TV, is finding her real life in shambles after dealing with a scandal. She retreats to a luxury Vermont resort for Christmas only to find herself without a room due to a booking mishap. All the local hotels are booked up due to a rare astronomical event – a beautiful star said to mirror the Star of Bethlehem will appear on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Abby finds a room at a quaint B&B, owned by Tom Maguire (Brotherton), who is also a high school astronomy teacher. Since his wife’s passing, Tom has taken on a lot of extra responsibilities, including running the inn and directing the local church’s Christmas pageant. Empathizing with Tom, Abby offers to help with the pageant and various activities around the inn and finds herself enjoying both the projects and Tom’s company. Through newfound community, family and love, Abby discovers that hope sometimes comes in the most unexpected ways.
Recap/Wine Thoughts
Abby Marshall is a holiday TV mom actor who seems over the attention the show brings her. The show has been canceled, and Abby’s show husband/real-life ex-husband is getting married and expecting a baby. She feels like life is passing and is lost. She loses it on a particularly annoying store clerk, and the incident goes viral when onlookers record it. “America’s Perfect Mom Loses It Over Christmas Ornament.”
Oliver, her agent, does damage control. He starts to plan a PR campaign and press tour. However, Abby isn’t into the idea. She needs to leave LA. Abby books a five-star resort. She sends her a script for her next movie to look over while she lays low. There is a mix-up with the booking, AKA Abby books the wrong year. The concierge suggests a B&B that isn’t so luxurious.
The press is stationed outside her house because her ex publicly announced his engagement and baby. Giving Abby even more incentive to stay in Vermont for Christmas. The innkeeper/science teacher, Nick, falls all over himself to check her in. He recognizes her and is very awkward about it. (His dead wife was a BIG fan!)
The townspeople of Vermont are buzzing about their local brush with celebrity. Most of them think she is an entitled DIVA—everyone except Clara, the concierge, and Nick.
Abby starts helping with the town Christmas pageant that Nick is directing. (His wife used to direct before she died, and he is keeping her legacy alive.) Nick’s daughter is in the play but only shows up to emotionally manipulate us. Otherwise, she is nowhere to be seen.
Nick and Abby make Christmas wreaths for the B&B, discuss God, and pray. It is a DAYSPRING movie, after all.
Zoey is Nick’s sister-in-law, and she disapproves of Nick or her niece spending time with Abby. Zoey takes her niece to a Christmas dance, leaving Nick and Abby to have some Christmas romance. They ride a carriage into the woods and look at stars by a fire. Nick is still awkward the whole time.
It is the final dress rehearsal, and Abby is in her element. Nick and Zoey are impressed. Zoey even changes her tune about Abby being a DIVA BEYOTCH. The pair bake and talk about their differences. Zoey opens up about losing her sister and being protective over her niece. Abby promises to care for her loved ones.
A masquerade ball happens because WHY NOT! Abby tries to stay anonymous but is called out by a rude townsperson named Mia. Abby stands up for herself; this time, it isn’t recorded. Abby and Nick slow dance to Jennifer Hudson. Abby tells Nick that she is having such a good time. She wants to stay through the new year. She has to go back to LA for filming after that.
They try to end the night with a kiss but are interrupted three separate times! Oliver calls Abby to tell her she needs to come in for a screentest. The network feels nervous about all the bad press. Abby doesn’t want to let the kids down and leave immediately, but her career is on the line.
Nick prays to God for guidance and talks about feeling lost in the dark and needing some light. (John Brotherton does some ACTING here! I was impressed.)
The media is tipped off, and they show up at the pageant for charity. Nick and Zoey misunderstand and think Abby tipped off the press. Nick is confused about whether Abby is his friend or just using him for good publicity.
The pageant goes off without a hitch. The kid forgets her lines. Abby jumps on stage to help them “remember their lines.” She does so to not steal the spotlight.
Abby wants to stop playing a perfect wife and mom and instead BE an everyday wife and mom. Abby and Nick kiss while the star shines in the night sky.
Side Note/Stray Thoughts
Did Jennifer Hudson go the whole soundtrack for this movie? Give her an Emmy!
Overall rating
Pour it up
Put a Cork in It
Christmas Feels
🎄🎄🎄🎄 (4 Christmas Trees)
Enjoyment Level: 🍷🍷🍷 (3 glasses of wine.)
What did you think of the movie? Let me know in the comments or on social media @LifetimeUncorked
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*Photo Credit: © 2024 Hallmark
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