Parents' Guide to An Alpine Holiday

Beautiful settings and solid central performances help this slight but heartwarming Christmas romcom climb a little higher than the usual holiday fare. Viewers will guess from the title that An Alpine Holiday has plenty of snowy, festive backdrops on display, and the tone stays warm and light throughout—even through sibling rivalries and a brief mountain rescue. At its core, the film is about two sisters reconnecting through their shared past, but also learning about the women they've become and what's holding them back from the futures they deserve. Faith is a free spirit who's open to almost any adventure, but terrified of settling down. Kelly is happy and safe in her orderly world, but can't cope with the idea of rocking the boat. They're two sides of the same coin, and gradually the sisters see how they can learn from each other. Their relationship trajectory is sweet, if not particularly deep, but that's where the requisite handsome stranger is on hand to spice things up a little. Samani's character is developed just enough to move beyond being merely a pretty distraction, and, after a cocky start, finds a likable balance between flirtation, warmth, and wisdom. For those looking for a simple holiday romcom with a family-themed core, this makes for an enjoyable choice to get into the festive spirit.