A Newport Christmas 2025 Movie Review
If there is one particular criticism that has hung heavy over the world of Hallmark Channel holiday movies, it would have to be… they stick to the same old thing. For so many have pointed out that there is a formula to them, and that they hold to that and nothing more, and that we are likely stuck as fans of seeing the same variation on the same idea until the public begins to grow tired of the same old thing. But what’s fascinating about that criticism is that it does not have merit. For the past few years, the Hallmark Channel has worked hard on new concepts and so much more for these films, to try and draw a new audience in, all while giving standard fans who do love the romance and holiday aspect what they want. For proof, well then, look no further than this weekend’s release, A Newport Christmas. For this is indeed a holiday movie that is unlike anything that Hallmark has done to date. Courtesy of a refreshing and fun plot.
For this story introduces us to Ella, a socialite living in 1905, who wants more than what life in that era offered women. She wants a legacy, she wants to live a fulfilling life where she contributes to the world, but she, of course… is expected to marry someone and follow their edict. Which pushes her into the nearby sea to find clarity, and a single wish, while out there is granted in a weird way. Since she is sent to 2025, where she meets Nick and learns she has accomplished so much. But if she doesn’t go home quickly, all she accomplished will be wiped away by temporal mechanics. For if she leaves that life behind, it will never exist, and so much will change. That means she must return to her time, and that won’t be easy to do. Not with feelings coming forth for Nick, and not with the knowledge that someone is waiting for her in the past to claim her name in marriage.
Which really is… something we’ve never seen on this channel. Because that’s a holiday sci-fi movie, and that’s definitely new for Hallmark, and well, believe it or not, this works. In part, because care was put into the story regarding the science fiction elements. For the time travel bit has rules, and it uses familiar concepts to bring this to fruition, and because of that, it feels comfortable and works within the story. Plus, it’s never complex and it’s never overwhelming, making it easy and fun to digest for non-sci-fi fans. But for those who do love it, well then, this is a real treat and may bring more fans into the fold. Because just like that… stuff that we nerds that geek see in Star Trek or Doctor Who is on display here, and it’s a joy to watch, and it sets up what turns out to be… a surprisingly deep story as well.
Because beneath a little temporal causality loop is a story grounded in the progress we’ve made, of how much more we need to make, and a powerful personal journey for Ella. Who embodies an age-old rite of passage, when we all take a moment to pause and think upon the course of our lives. Of where we are going, what we are doing, and who we want to be. Which she deals with in real-time, with her legacy and decisions in front of her, which is unique. But it does speak deeply to life, of the journey we go upon and how the choices we make can have a powerful impact upon others, so we should choose accordingly. Which really are deeper concepts that are popping up more and more in Hallmark Channel movies, and those two elements give rise to an enriching story that is fun and engaging.
But of course, it does have everything we love about these types of movies. After all, it’s set at Christmas, in two time periods no less, and yes, there’s lots of romance to be found. Because Nick and Ella pretty much fall in love at first sight, something we adore in these stories, and they go on quite the romantic journey. One that speaks to how matters of the heart can seem impossible to pursue when the timing feels off or when life gets in the way, and how that is a misconception that can be easily overcome by committing to what we want and who calls to our heart. Which gives rise to an epic, timeless love story that will satisfy anyone who tunes in, and that’s just it… this really is a Hallmark movie that has something for everyone.
Because if you want an old-school romance, you’ll get it. But if you want something to think about or perhaps a big concept to enjoy, that’s here too. Plus, you get some sci-fi fun, and earnest and fun performances from Ginna Claire Mason (Ella) and Wes Brown (Nick). Who has great chemistry on screen and sells the romance, and Ms. Mason deserves a special shout-out. Because she genuinely sells the wild confusion that one might experience if they woke up and found themselves in another time period. All of which just brings together a true holiday treat for audiences, and clearly, this holiday movie season from Hallmark is going to be vastly different than other years. For the network is ready to take these movies to new heights, and if this is any indicator, we are in for some special stories.
