So here’s how Holly Star found me: I was hunting through holiday-movie options and landed on its page almost by accident. I’d never heard of it before, but something about the title Holly Star felt cozy and intriguing, like a lights-in-the-snow kind of film. Now that I’ve watched, I can’t quite shake it.
I won’t pretend it’s a flawless movie. But, like a half-forgotten song you hum in the car, it keeps coming back.
What Is It / The Premise
Sloan (Katlyn Carlson), once a hopeful artist, returns to her Maine hometown for Christmas. She’s broken, both financially and emotionally, and flirts with giving up on her creative dreams. A few flashbacks and cryptic memories hint at a childhood secret: buried treasure, hidden clues, a family legacy. She recruits her quirky best friend (paintball-obsessed), a reluctant old flame, and yes, puppets, to help uncover what might be hidden.
Favorite Quote
There aren’t dozens of quotable one-liners here (the film leans more emotional than snappy), but one line from Sloan about her art stuck with me:
I paint because sometimes the world inside feels more real than the world outside.
It’s simple, yes, but it captures so much: the longing, the escape, the idea of art as refuge.
Final Thoughts
Holly Star is a bit like coming in late to a gathering, you have to find your footing among the people already talking. Sometimes you’re not sure which threads you’re supposed to follow. But once you settle, there’s warmth. There are puppets. There are memories. There’s snow and nostalgia and creative hope.
It won’t win awards. It won’t be quoted alongside holiday giants. But as a little flick you might watch by the twinkling tree, it has charm. It’s a homecoming film with secrets, a bit of romance, and a heart that tries, even when things get messy.
If you’re in the mood for something offbeat, not slick, but with a pulse, Holly Star is a steadier companion than you might guess.
RATED: Sweet & Quirky
WATCH IT AGAIN: Probably yes, especially during the holidays
DO I WANT TO OWN IT?: I would for the right price but, at least right now, it's on streaming services. But I’d like to keep this little movie around, even with its rough edges.
See ya' next time.
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