Oct 21

Oct 21 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Chateau Christmas'

Two musicians pulled apart by their different ambitions are reunited in the lovely and romantic 'Chateau Christmas' (premiering Oct. 25 as part of the Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas).

In short: Margot (Merritt Patterson), a world-renowned pianist, spends the holidays with her family at a winter chateau and is reunited with ex-boyfriend Jackson (Luke Macfarlane), who helps her rediscover her passion for music.

'Chateau' begins with Margot struggling to connect with her music - and its a through line that runs through the entire story. An artist just going through the motions is a tragic thing to watch, so it's difficult to watch Margot struggle with her lack of inspiration. This only makes it all the more satisfying to watch Margot slowly rekindle her spark - as she's finally able to slow down, spend the holidays with her lovely family, rekindle a past romance and remember what she loved about music in the first place.

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It's a pretty common trope among Hallmark movies for a career-focused protagonist to face the choice between love or career. 'Chateau' goes beyond that decision just as a plot point: Margot is forced to reconsider the sacrifices she's made and if she's willing to make the same sacrifice again. 'Chateau' has a keen awareness of its themes - the regret of past choices and pondering 'what ifs' ... even if their lives have turned out the way they envisioned. For the globe-trotting Margot and the grounded music instructor Jackson, there's a star-crossed element to their relationship that hangs over their reunion.

Patterson and Macfarlane once again prove why they are Hallmark fan favorites. Patterson carries herself with a remarkable mix of poise and self-doubt. Macfarlane keeps the story moving ahead with undeniable charismatic pluck as he practically wills the seemingly doomed chateau holiday concert into reality. It's honestly a lot of fun to watch the two problem solve their way to ensuring that the concert happens - because the show must go on. For a plot with a lot of moving parts, it's refreshing to watch everything fall into place with a character-driven story.

Old flames crossing paths isn't new territory for Hallmark movies, but 'Chateau' has a light touch with its romance. There's a sweetness between Margot and Jackson, like they're just picking up exactly where they left off - even if there's some baggage between the two musicians. While it's plainly obvious the two unexpectedly fall back in love, there's the hint of so many unspoken truths they want to tell each other, yet just can't bring themselves to say.

Final verdict: 'Chateau' throws everything at its two charming leads, but the story is always firmly rooted in recapturing what was once lost and seemed lost forever.