Experiencing writer's block, rising music star Layne Price (Dia Frampton) heads back to the city that inspired her to become a singer, Nashville. Deciding that part of her issue comes from unresolved emotions around an ex-partner, Layne heads out on New Years with her BFF Cassie Holmes (Ashley Argota) to track down her elusive ex. However, Cassie has decided to finally confess her feelings towards Layne, making Layne's most hated holiday all the more turbulent. “I Hate New Year's” offers up a story of friendship, romance. mysticism and the love of music.
“I Hate New Year's” is currently available on Tello
Tello Films, a network that specializes in producing original LGBTQ+ content, focus towards the upcoming holiday season with the rom-com “I Hate New Years”. The film takes the vocal talent of Dia Frampton (runner up of the 2011 season of “The Voice”) and actor/singer Ashley Argota. The production also includes a few notable names, particularly transgender icon Candis Cayne, but the real focus is on Frampton and Argota's relationship and on-screen chemistry.
Thankfully the two actors really shine in their respective roles, playing off of each other in a charming and realistic manner that celebrates the best of friendship and, eventually, romance. With boundless charisma, the two become a great focal point of the production making it is easy to get drawn into the emotional struggles and growth of each respective character. Off of Frampton and Argota, the rest of the cast works well to interact with the duo, often adding to the subtle humor of the production. Both Candis Cayne and Andrew Brennen act as a moral compass for the two, and help with the feeling of inclusivity and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. Overall, the success in establishing an engaging couple and celebration of community makes “I Hate New Year's” a strong entry in the rom-com genre.
The narrative, while succeeding on the charm of the cast, is not without its faults or hindrances. Notably, the approach to include mysticism in bringing the two friend together is awkwardly handled, resulting to little less than a self aware wink and a nod to the camera breaking the third wall. Ultimately, this element does not add any humor or additional depth to narrative giving the otherwise idyllic trip a few awkward transitions.
With talented vocalists at the forefront of the production, it is rather unfortunate that more care is not given to this aspect of the production. Undeniably, when any of songstresses perform, their voices have great passion and clarity, reflective of their success in the field. Sadly, the production of the songs falls kind of flat and the backing music never really matches the energy. Given that the film has a few musical numbers, it is a shame none of the tracks were given care to produce a more memorable single to help define the film, although this is a gripe if approaching the title as a musical. Overall, while the vocals shine through, the score, sadly, does not leave a lasting impression.
“I Hate New Year's” is an idyllic rom-com, marred by a few missteps, lead by standout performances from Dia Frampton and Ashley Argota, whose chemistry captures both friendship and romance with a playful charm. Consequently, the film works well to celebrate the upcoming holiday season and should be added to the top of the watch list this December for those who love to indulge in feel good films for the month.
