Why BET+’s Queens of Christmas is the Must-Watch Holiday Film of the Year

Article written by Kimberly Latrice Jones

The holiday season is here, and I was lucky enough to get an early look at the BET+ original film Queens of Christmas. Let me just say—this movie is everything you want in a Christmas story: laugh-out-loud funny, heartfelt, and packed with undeniable holiday magic. Premiering exclusively on BET+ on December 19, 2024, Queens of Christmas is not just a film—it’s a celebration of friendship, competition, and the true spirit of the season. Written by Chad Quinn & Kenny Young and directed by Kenny Young, this film is a must-watch for your holiday lineup.

The story follows Doris Griffin (Terri J. Vaughn) and Julia Mason (Vanessa Bell Calloway), lifelong friends and feuding neighbors who hilariously battle for the coveted title of “Queen of Christmas.” Adding to the chaos is the reigning champion, Nancy (Essence Atkins), whose over-the-top personality and obsession with keeping her crown are equally entertaining and exhausting for everyone around her. But just when you think the competition couldn’t get any fiercer, in steps Patrick St. Thomas (Gary Budoff), a celebrated filmmaker who ramps up the stakes and turns the neighborhood contest into a cutthroat battle.

Patrick St. Thomas, known as the “Godfather of Black Cinema,” is a wildcard addition to the story. While his films perform well at the box office, they often lean into negative stereotypes, particularly the “angry Black woman” trope. Arrogant, manipulative, and wildly close-minded, St. Thomas pushes Doris, Julia, and Nancy to their limits in pursuit of the drama he craves for his next “masterpiece.” As the contest escalates into a no-holds-barred spectacle, the neighbors must decide whether their personal ambitions are worth more than the bonds they share.

Why This Film Stands Out

Queens of Christmas is more than a holiday comedy—it’s a layered story that reflects the humor, drama, and love of real-life relationships. The addition of Patrick St. Thomas as a meddling, self-serving figure adds an unexpected twist to the story. His presence highlights issues of representation and exploitation in the entertainment industry, but it’s handled with humor and wit, ensuring the film doesn’t lose its lighthearted tone.

Essence Atkins, who plays Nancy, sums up the film’s deeper message perfectly: “Sisterhood, remembering what matters particularly at this time... I think that’s kind of the collective atmosphere globally, hopefully, and definitely it’s pervasive in our community of remembering why we gather.”

Doris and Julia’s antics are hilariously relatable, and their long-standing rivalry hits home for anyone who’s ever had a competitive streak with a friend or neighbor. But beneath the comedic moments, the story delves into real challenges: Doris’s unfulfilled dreams, Julia’s financial struggles, and Nancy’s insecurities. These authentic touches give the film depth and make its ultimate message of love and unity all the more impactful.

The Cast Brings It All Together

The cast of Queens of Christmas delivers stellar performances that bring the story to life. Terri J. Vaughn shines as Doris, balancing humor and heart as a mother and wife. Vanessa Bell Calloway gives a nuanced performance as Julia, capturing the pride and challenges of running a failing business. Essence Atkins steals the show as Nancy, whose larger-than-life personality is both hilarious and vulnerable. Reflecting on the dynamic between the three women, Calloway shared, “It’s very collaborative and doesn’t work if everyone’s not working together.”

Gary Budoff’s portrayal of Patrick St. Thomas adds a sharp edge, with his character’s arrogance and manipulation both infuriating and comical. As an outsider stirring the pot, Patrick forces the women to confront their priorities, delivering a clever commentary on the entertainment industry without losing the film’s holiday charm.

The Heart of the Film

At its heart, Queens of Christmas is a celebration of relationships—friendships, family bonds, and the people who make the holidays truly meaningful. While Doris and Julia’s rivalry drives the story, it’s the deep connection between these lifelong frenemies that resonates most. Through their hilarious competition, we see how generations of relationships have shaped this family feud, beginning with Doris and Julia’s mothers, who set the tone for the tension. Meanwhile, their daughters—played by real-life sisters Hannah and Tyler Whitley—bring a fresh perspective, determined to put an end to the family drama once and for all.

Tyler Whitley stars as Vanessa Griffin, Doris’s vibrant, social-media-savvy daughter, while Hannah Whitley plays Angela Mason, Julia’s eco-conscious and vegan college-aged daughter. Both characters see the feud as outdated and silly, serving as a bridge to the younger generation and a reminder of the importance of unity during the holidays.

The meddling of Patrick St. Thomas forces Doris and Julia to confront what really matters: holding onto a title or preserving the sisterhood they’ve shared for decades. At the same time, Nancy’s journey offers another poignant thread. Beneath her perfectionist exterior is a woman grappling with insecurities and loneliness, reminding us that the holidays aren’t about creating a picture-perfect experience but about embracing imperfections and finding joy in the connections that truly count.

By blending comedy, heart, and three generations of relationships, Queens of Christmas delivers a story that’s as touching as it is entertaining, leaving audiences with a powerful reminder of what the holidays are really about.

Why You Should Watch It

So, mark your calendars for December 19, 2024, and make sure your BET+ subscription is ready, because Queens of Christmas is here to light up your holidays with humor, charm, and a powerful reminder of what truly matters—love, laughter, and the bonds that bring us together. Gather your loved ones, grab some popcorn, and get ready to experience the most hilarious and heartfelt holiday film of the year!