Holiday Rush
Holiday Rush is a 2019 American Christmas romantic comedy-drama film directed by Leslie Small and written by Sean Dwyer and Greg Cope White.[1][2] The story centers on Rashon "Rush" Williams, a widowed New York City radio DJ portrayed by Romany Malco, who loses his high-paying job and lavish lifestyle just before the holidays, forcing him and his four spoiled children to move in with his aunt, played by Darlene Love.[3][2] Released as a Netflix original on November 28, 2019, the film explores themes of family resilience, humility, and rediscovering joy amid financial hardship during the Christmas season.[3][1] The supporting cast includes Sonequa Martin-Green as Roxy Richardson, Rush's romantic interest and fellow radio professional; La La Anthony as his late wife Paula Williams; Deon Cole as his friend and producer Marshall Stone; and the Williams children, played by Amarr M. Wooten, Deysha Nelson, Andrea-Marie Alphonse, and Selena-Marie Alphonse.[2][4] Produced by Poke Prod Production in association with Netflix, the movie was filmed in Queens, New York City, and emphasizes heartfelt moments blended with light humor and holiday traditions like singing carols and community events.[2][1] The screenplay draws from the writers' experiences in family-oriented storytelling.[4] Critically, Holiday Rush received mixed reviews, with no Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 4 reviews (as of November 2025), though critics praised the chemistry between Malco and Martin-Green but noted the plot's predictability and formulaic elements typical of holiday films; the audience score is 43%.[1] Audience reception was more positive, with an IMDb user rating of 5.0 out of 10 from over 3,300 votes (as of November 2025), appreciating its feel-good vibe and messages about gratitude and togetherness despite some cheesiness.[2] Common Sense Media rated it 2 out of 5 stars, highlighting its energetic family dynamics but critiquing the lack of emotional depth and mild language.[5] Overall, it fits into Netflix's slate of diverse, uplifting Christmas movies aimed at family viewing.[6]Overview
Plot
Rashon "Rush" Williams, a widowed hip-hop radio disc jockey in New York City, is abruptly fired from his position at station WMLE when it is acquired by the corporation CamCom and reformatted to focus on pop music, leaving him without income just before the holidays.[2] Overwhelmed by financial pressures, Rush relocates with his four entitled children—teenage son Jamal, daughters Hanna and Mya, and young son Dewayne—to the modest home of his aunt Jo in Rochester, New York, forcing the family to adapt to a simpler lifestyle far removed from their previous luxuries.[6] As the family settles in, the children initially rebel against their reduced circumstances, demanding extravagant Christmas gifts like designer clothes and even a pony, highlighting their spoiled nature shaped by Rush's overcompensation since their mother's death. Rush, portrayed by Romany Malco, begins to reconnect with his longtime producer and close friend Roxy Richardson, sparking a budding romance as they collaborate on a plan to purchase and revive a struggling local radio station.[7] The central conflict intensifies when Jamal, resentful of the changes and his father's growing affection for Roxy, runs away from home, leading to a heartfelt search and reconciliation that teaches the teen about family priorities beyond material wealth.[6] Meanwhile, CamCom emerges as a persistent threat, attempting to buy out the station to expand their corporate reach and eliminate independent competition, pressuring Rush and Roxy to rally community support to keep the station alive. The children's arcs unfold as they transition from entitlement to gratitude, participating in everyday chores and holiday traditions at Aunt Jo's that foster appreciation for non-monetary joys, while Rush evolves from a materialistic provider to one who values emotional bonds. The climax arrives during a high-stakes live holiday broadcast at the station, where Rush confronts the CamCom executive in a public showdown, defending the station's cultural significance and securing its future through on-air persuasion.[8] In the resolution, the family sells their old New York home to generate funds, and with investment from Marshall, enabling Rush and Roxy to co-own and successfully relaunch the station as a family-oriented venture; Roxy becomes a supportive partner both romantically and professionally, solidifying the Williams family's renewed unity and emphasis on love over luxury during the holiday season.[6]Cast
The film features an ensemble cast that highlights family dynamics in its 94-minute runtime.[2] Lead roles- Romany Malco as Rashon "Rush" Williams, a charismatic radio DJ and widowed father navigating life with his children.[2]
- Sonequa Martin-Green as Roxy Richardson, Rush's best friend and business partner who supports the family through challenges.[2]
- Deon Cole as Marshall Stone, Rush's loyal friend providing comic relief and advice.[2]
- La La Anthony as Paula Williams, Rush's late wife appearing in flashbacks to underscore family bonds.[2]
- Amarr M. Wooten as Jamal Williams, the eldest son dealing with personal growth amid family changes.[2]
- Deysha Nelson as Mya Williams, one of Rush's daughters contributing to the household's emotional core.[2]
- Sienna Wilson as Hanna Williams, another daughter involved in the family's adjustment to simpler living.[2]
- Joshua Rivera as Dewayne Williams, the youngest child adding youthful energy to the ensemble.[2]