Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Single All the Way

Single All the Way is a 2021 Canadian directed by Michael Mayer and written by . The story centers on Peter, a portrayed by , who recruits his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to impersonate his boyfriend during a family visit to Palm Springs, aiming to evade scrutiny over his single status; complications arise when Peter's mother arranges a blind date with a local trainer, Eric (Luke Macfarlane). Released exclusively on Netflix on December 2, 2021, the film features supporting performances by Kathy Najimy as Peter's mother and Barry Bostwick as his father. The movie explores themes of , expectations, and romantic self-discovery within a holiday setting, marking Netflix's entry into gay-led rom-coms following similar efforts like . It received mixed reviews from critics, with a 70% approval rating on based on 27 reviews, praising its lighthearted tone and character respect while critiquing occasional formulaic elements and lack of chemistry. Audience reception was more favorable, reflected in an IMDb user rating of 6.2 out of 10 from over 21,000 votes, with viewers appreciating its feel-good festive vibe. Notable for its representation in mainstream holiday fare, Single All the Way earned nominations including for Outstanding Producer of Streamed or Televised Motion Pictures at the 2022 and Outstanding Film - Limited Release at the 2022 Media Awards. Despite no major metrics due to its streaming exclusivity, it contributed to discussions on inclusive storytelling in , though some commentary highlighted its reliance on conventional tropes adapted for LGBTQ+ leads.

Synopsis

Plot

Peter, a gay Los Angeles marketing executive perpetually single after a recent breakup, dreads the judgment from his family over his relationship status during their annual Christmas gathering in New Hampshire. To circumvent their matchmaking efforts, he persuades his straight best friend and roommate Nick to accompany him home and pose as his boyfriend. Nick initially agrees but oversleeps and misses the flight. On the plane, befriends James, a local , , and church director who is also single and familiar with the area. When a snowstorm delays the flight, Peter convinces the reluctant James to impersonate for the duration of the visit. Upon arriving at the home, Peter's mother Carole and aunt immediately take a liking to James, encouraging the apparent relationship through traditions, holiday preparations, and choir rehearsals, unaware of the . later shows up unannounced, introducing himself as Peter's cousin to maintain the deception, which introduces awkwardness as Peter begins developing genuine romantic feelings for James amid the festive chaos. Tensions escalate when family members, including Peter's sister , push Peter toward commitment, prompting him to confront his patterns of avoiding serious relationships. Revelations about past heartbreaks and unspoken attractions surface during events, leading Peter to end the pretense, confess his feelings to James, and reconcile with Nick's supportive . The film resolves with Peter embracing and pursuing a real connection with James as the holidays conclude.

Cast and characters

Michael Urie portrays Peter, a New Hampshire native and social media executive frustrated with his single status during family holidays, who convinces his best friend Nick to pretend to be his boyfriend upon arriving home for Christmas. Urie previously starred in the television series Ugly Betty for four seasons and Younger. Philemon Chambers plays , Peter's loyal best friend and roommate, who works as a handyman while aspiring to publish children's books; he reluctantly agrees to the but develops deeper feelings amid pressures. This marks Chambers' major film debut following minor roles in short films like Of Hearts and Castles. Luke Macfarlane stars as James, the charismatic spin class instructor and local whom Peter's mother arranges as a blind date, sparking a potential love triangle. Macfarlane is known for recurring roles in Brothers & Sisters and numerous Hallmark Channel Christmas films, including A Shoe Addict's Christmas (2018). Kathy Najimy appears as Carole, Peter's enthusiastic mother obsessed with holiday traditions, who nicknames herself "Christmas Carole" and actively meddles in her son's romantic life by setting up the date with James. Najimy has notable credits in Sister Act, Hocus Pocus, and voice work in Duncanville. Jennifer Coolidge embodies Aunt Sandy, the flamboyant family member directing the local Christmas pageant and injecting theatrical chaos into the proceedings. Coolidge gained recognition for roles in American Pie, Legally Blonde, and Best in Show. Barry Bostwick plays Harold, Peter's father, who forms a bond with Nick over shared interests during the visit. Bostwick is famed for originating the role of Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). Jennifer Robertson depicts Lisa, Peter's supportive yet mischievous sister who encourages the relationship between Peter and Nick. Robertson previously appeared in and . Supporting roles include Madison Brydges as Daniela and as Sofia, Lisa's daughters who scheme to pair Peter with Nick. Brydges starred in Big Top Academy, while Beaton featured in .

Production

Development and writing

Chad Hodge was commissioned by Netflix in early 2019 to write the screenplay for Single All the Way, positioned as the streaming service's first original Christmas romantic comedy centered on gay protagonists. Hodge, known for creating television series such as Runaway (2006), The Playboy Club (2011), Wayward Pines (2015), and Good Behavior (2017–2019), drew from personal experiences with queer family dynamics during holidays to craft the narrative, emphasizing authentic portrayals over stereotypical tropes. The script incorporates subtle queer cultural references, or "Easter eggs," including nods to films like (1998) and Love! Valour! Compassion! (1997), which Hodge selected to resonate with audiences familiar with LGBTQ+ media history while avoiding overt exposition. Hodge served as both and , collaborating with Michael Mayer to refine the story's focus on familial expectations and romantic pretense during gatherings in . Development progressed to formal announcement on March 23, 2021, when confirmed production of the film, highlighting its intent to expand holiday genre representation with a non-heteronormative lead romance. Hodge aimed to subvert conventional rom-com formulas by prioritizing character-driven emotional realism over contrived conflicts, reflecting his broader goal of diversifying romance narratives in .

Casting

Michael Urie was cast as the protagonist Peter, a Los Angeles-based executive facing family pressure during the holidays, with the role announcement made on March 23, 2021, alongside the film's acquisition by . Philemon Chambers was selected for the role of Nick, Peter's best friend and fake boyfriend, a decision writer described as a "stroke of genius" by the casting team due to Chambers' chemistry and fit for the part. joined as James, a local trainer who becomes a romantic rival, completing the lead trio announced the same day. Urie advocated for prioritizing openly gay actors in the principal roles to ensure authentic representation, a stance reflected in the final selections of Urie, Chambers, and Macfarlane, all of whom identify as . The full supporting , including as Peter's mother Carole, as eccentric Aunt Sandy, as father Harold, as sister Lisa, and as sister-in-law Ashleigh, was revealed by on October 7, 2021. Casting was handled by a team that included Rosina Bucci, , Jason Knight, Jonathan Clay Harris, and Alyson Silverberg, who managed talent sourcing across the production's Canadian filming locations. No public details emerged on extensive audition processes, but the choices emphasized performers with prior experience in ensemble comedies and holiday-themed projects to align with the film's lighthearted tone.

Filming and post-production

Principal photography for Single All the Way commenced in late March 2021 in Quebec, Canada, under director Michael Mayer. Production was scheduled to begin rolling in Montreal the week following March 24, 2021. Filming primarily took place in and around Montreal, including the suburb of Pointe-Claire in the Montreal administrative region, to depict the fictional New Hampshire town of Bridgewater. Additional locations included Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, where interiors such as a hardware store at 42 rue St. Vincent were shot, and Bromont. Specific sites utilized also encompassed St. Philip's Anglican Church at 25 Brock Ave North in Montreal and various streets in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, such as 52 rue St. Vincent and 35 rue St. Vincent, capturing winter holiday atmospheres despite the spring shooting schedule. The production leveraged Quebec's locales to stand in for the American Northeast setting, with no reported major delays or challenges in . Post-production, including and , occurred following the completion of on-location shooting, enabling the film's release on on December 2, 2021.

Release

Premiere and distribution

Single All the Way premiered exclusively on on December 2, 2021. As a Netflix original film, it bypassed traditional theatrical distribution and was made available simultaneously worldwide to subscribers via the streaming service's platform. The release aligned with the holiday season, positioning the as part of Netflix's annual lineup of Christmas-themed content. No or alternative distribution channels, such as DVD or theatrical runs, were reported for the film.

Marketing

Netflix released the official trailer for Single All the Way on November 10, 2021, via its YouTube channel and promotional platforms, emphasizing the film's premise of a fake relationship turning romantic amid family holiday pressures. The trailer, which featured key cast members including Michael Urie and Philemon Chambers, accumulated 1.8 million views within three years of upload. Additional teasers, such as a 1-minute preview and a second teaser clip, were made available on Netflix's streaming service to build anticipation ahead of the December 2, 2021, premiere. The film was marketed as Netflix's inaugural gay holiday , targeting audiences interested in LGBTQ+-themed festive content with taglines highlighting familial and self-discovery during . Promotional materials, including the official , showcased a festive red ribbon motif encircling the lead actors to evoke holiday cheer and romantic entanglement. Coverage in outlets like and underscored the casting of actors such as and to leverage their recognition in holiday genres. Marketing efforts aligned with Netflix's broader holiday content push, integrating the title into seasonal previews and campaigns focused on diverse representations in rom-coms, though specific partnership or advertising spend details were not publicly disclosed.

Themes and analysis

Narrative tropes and structure

The film employs a conventional typical of romantic comedies, with the first act establishing protagonist Peter Mosely's (Michael Urie) perennial singledom and familial expectations during the season, culminating in his decision to enlist Nick (Philemon Chambers) as a faux boyfriend to evade scrutiny at his mother's Palm Springs home. This setup mirrors Hallmark-style rom-coms, where pre-holiday relational failures propel the inciting incident, here Peter's recent breakup and aversion to family matchmaking. In the second act, rising complications arise from the subversion of the central fake-relationship : upon arrival, and abandon the pretense to avoid awkwardness, allowing organic interactions—including 's budding attraction to local contractor —to drive conflict, such as jealousy and self-doubt over unspoken feelings between and . This pivot critiques the trope's artificiality, shifting focus to authentic emotional barriers like fear of jeopardizing friendship, rather than sustaining deception for comedic escalation, a departure from stricter adherence in heterosexual holiday films. The third act resolves through holiday-induced revelations during family events like caroling and a New Year's kiss , emphasizing themes of amid festive pressure, with confronting his patterns of avoidance. Supporting tropes include meddlesome relatives facilitating serendipitous encounters and the transformative power of , though critics note these elements yield predictable beats despite the leads' novelty. The structure prioritizes relational introspection over high-stakes plot twists, aligning with the genre's cozy, low-conflict formula while incorporating subtle gay-specific nuances, such as navigating parental acceptance without overt homophobia.

Portrayal of relationships and family dynamics

In Single All the Way, family dynamics center on a supportive yet intrusive that accepts Mosely's but exerts pressure for him to enter a , reflecting common experiences among individuals during holidays. Peter's mother, Carole, played by , embodies this by actively him with local men, including the family's contractor Grant, while his sister and father participate in the efforts, highlighting a dynamic where familial manifests as persistent rather than outright rejection. This portrayal draws from writer Chad Hodge's observations of real family interactions, where acceptance of coexists with expectations of partnership and stability, avoiding depictions of overt homophobia in favor of internalized relational anxiety. The central relationship between Peter and his best friend Nick, initially platonic and leveraged as a pretense to deflect family scrutiny, evolves amid these pressures, underscoring themes of authentic connection versus performative partnership. As the ruse unravels, family members' reactions—ranging from Carole's enthusiastic endorsement to subtle encouragements—catalyze Peter's self-reflection on his reluctance to pursue romance with Nick, portraying friendship as a foundation potentially superior to superficial matches. Critics note this as a subversion of the fake-relationship trope, emphasizing empowerment in queer desire exploration without familial antagonism, though some argue it glosses over deeper relational toxicities for holiday optimism. Broader interactions, such as intergenerational banter and holiday traditions, reinforce a cohesive unit unmarred by division over Peter's orientation, with the narrative resolving tensions through open communication and mutual support. This contrasts with more adversarial depictions in prior , presenting a "happy family dynamic" that prioritizes relational fulfillment over conflict, as evidenced by the film's conclusion where Peter embraces vulnerability with Nick, affirmed by his 's approval. Such elements align with Hodge's intent to depict normalized inclusion in festive settings, though reviews critique the lack of friction as formulaic, mirroring straight rom-com conventions.

Reception

Critical response

Single All the Way garnered mixed reviews from critics, earning a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 27 reviews, with an average score of 6.1/10; the site's critics' consensus describes it as "a smooth, fun and funny holiday rom-com that respects its characters and avoids making anyone a villain." On Metacritic, the film received a weighted average score of 49 out of 100 from six reviews, signifying "mixed or average" reception. Reviewers frequently highlighted its lighthearted, inclusive approach to queer representation in a holiday setting, praising the charm of leads Michael Urie and Philemon Chambers, as well as the ensemble including Jennifer Coolidge and Kathy Najimy for delivering feel-good warmth without villainizing family members. Publications like the Mercury News commended its smooth execution and character respect, while Queerty appreciated the refreshing normalization of a queer couple in a traditional rom-com framework. Critics often noted the film's adherence to familiar rom-com tropes, with some faulting its predictability and lack of innovation despite being Netflix's first Christmas movie centered on a gay romance. Benjamin Lee in The Guardian awarded it two out of five stars, observing that its "overwhelming conventionality" mirrors straight holiday films, rendering it "hackneyed" rather than subversive. Similarly, The New York Times described the central romance as a "flavorless misfire," though it acknowledged the supporting cast's piquancy as a compensatory strength. Other detractors pointed to underdeveloped chemistry between the leads and underutilization of talents like Coolidge, contributing to perceptions of it playing it safe without deeper emotional or comedic bite. Overall, while appreciated for broadening holiday genre inclusivity, the film was seen as formulaic comfort viewing rather than a bold departure.

Audience and viewership metrics

Single All the Way accumulated 235 million minutes of U.S. streaming viewership during the week of December 20-26, 2021, placing it at the top of Nielsen's streaming movie chart for that period. The film earned an audience score of 67% on , derived from over 250 verified user ratings. On IMDb, it received an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 based on 21,058 user votes as of recent data. These metrics reflect moderate audience approval, with praise often centered on its lighthearted holiday tropes and representation of same-sex romance, though some viewers critiqued its predictable plot and underdeveloped character dynamics.

Awards and nominations

Single All the Way won the Outstanding TV Movie award at the 33rd Annual Media Awards in 2022. The film earned a nomination for Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Pictures at the , credited to producer Joel S. Rice. Philemon Chambers received a nomination for Film Performance at The Queerties in 2022 for his role in the film.

References

  1. [1]
    Single All the Way (2021) - IMDb
    Rating 6.2/10 (21,058) Desperate to avoid his family's judgment about his perpetual single status, Peter (Michael Urie) convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to join him ...
  2. [2]
    Single All The Way: Release Date, Cast, And More - SlashFilm
    Nov 10, 2021 · "Single All the Way" is set to hit Netflix on Thursday, December 2, 2021. It will exclusively be available on Netflix, meaning you will need to ...<|separator|>
  3. [3]
    Single All the Way review – Netflix's first gay Christmas romcom
    Dec 2, 2021 · The streamer's latest formulaic festive movie is more of the same but with an LGBT twist, competent but lacking chemistry.
  4. [4]
    Single All the Way | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 70% (27) "Single All the Way" is a smooth, fun and funny holiday rom-com that respects its characters and avoids making anyone a villain.
  5. [5]
    Single All the Way Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 49% (6) Top Cast · Michael Urie · Philemon Chambers · Luke Macfarlane · Barry Bostwick · Jennifer Robertson · Madison Brydges · Alexandra Beaton · Dan Finnerty.Missing: plot | Show results with:plot
  6. [6]
    Single All The Way Cast & Character Guide - Screen Rant
    Dec 3, 2021 · Single All the Way follows the story of Peter and Nick, a New Hampshire native and the best friend he brings home at Christmas to pose as his ...Michael Urie As Peter · Philemon Chambers As Nick · Kathy Najimy As Carole
  7. [7]
    'Single All the Way's' Chad Hodge on Queer Family Dynamics - Netflix
    Dec 20, 2021 · Single All the Way shows real-life queer family dynamics writer Chad Hodge reflects on how Netflix's first gay holiday movie is changing the game.
  8. [8]
    The Ultimate 'Single All The Way' Cast Guide - Netflix Tudum
    Nov 16, 2021 · Single All the Way centers around the newly single Peter (Michael Urie), who brings his best friend home for the holidays with the intent of ...
  9. [9]
  10. [10]
    Chad Hodge Wrote the Christmas Movie He Wanted to Watch - Netflix
    Dec 20, 2021 · “Do you want to write Netflix's first gay Christmas rom-com?” It was early 2019 and I couldn't quite believe I was hearing these words on ...Missing: development | Show results with:development
  11. [11]
    Chad Hodge - Wikipedia
    Chad Hodge (born 1977) is an American writer and producer who created drama series Runaway (2006), The Playboy Club (2011), Wayward Pines (2015), and Good ...
  12. [12]
    Writer Chad Hodge on 'Single All the Way's' Queer Easter Eggs
    Dec 10, 2021 · All the Queer References You Missed in 'Single All the Way'. Chad Hodge breaks down the best easter eggs. By Maria Sherman. Dec. 10, 2021.Missing: development | Show results with:development
  13. [13]
    Single All the Way | Chad Hodge | Writer
    Desperate to avoid his family's judgment about his perpetual single status, Peter convinces his best friend Nick to join him for the holidays.Missing: development writing
  14. [14]
    Netflix Lands Gay Holiday Rom-Com 'Single All The Way' - Variety
    Mar 23, 2021 · A holiday-themed romantic comedy centered on gay men is coming to Netflix from Michael Mayer, the Tony Award-winning director of the Broadway sensation “Spring ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  15. [15]
  16. [16]
    Netflix Rom Com “Single All the Way” Is “The Gayest Thing to ...
    Oct 7, 2021 · This week, Netflix announced the full cast of its first-ever same-sex holiday rom com, Single All the Way, and it looks like a stacked ...
  17. [17]
    Single All the Way credits - Metacritic
    Single All the Way Cast & Crew. Add My Rating. Critic Reviews · User Reviews ... Casting Director. Jonathan Clay Harris · Alyson Silverberg · Rosina Bucci ...
  18. [18]
    Where Was 'Single All the Way' Filmed? Filming Locations Revealed
    Dec 3, 2021 · In late March 2021, filmmaker Michael Mayer, writer Chad Hodge, and the entire cast and crew of Single All the Way set off to film in Canada.
  19. [19]
    Netflix gay holiday rom-com Single All the Way to roll in Montreal
    Mar 24, 2021 · Directed by the Tony Award-winner, the holiday rom-com centred on gay men from writer and executive producer Chad Hodge (Good Behavior) sees ...<|separator|>
  20. [20]
    Where Was Single All the Way Filmed? - The Cinemaholic
    Dec 2, 2021 · Most of the scenes were filmed in Pointe-Claire, which is a Québec local municipality situated in the Montréal administrative region.
  21. [21]
    Netflix's New Christmas Rom-Com 'Single All The Way' Was Filmed ...
    Dec 4, 2021 · The movie was also shot in a couple of other parts of Quebec: Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Bromont. You can check out Netflix's interactive map ...
  22. [22]
    Single All the Way (2021) - Filming & production - IMDb
    Filming locations ; 42 rue St. Vincent, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Québec, Canada. (hardware store interior) ; St. Philip's Anglican Church, 25 Brock Ave North, ...
  23. [23]
    Watch Single All The Way | Netflix Official Site
    and feelings — change when his family plays matchmaker.
  24. [24]
    Single All the Way streaming: where to watch online? - JustWatch
    Rating 78% (1,673) Nov 1, 2021 · Currently you are able to watch "Single All the Way" streaming on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.Synopsis · Cast · Popular Movies Coming Soon<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    Single All The Way | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
    Nov 10, 2021 · Desperate to avoid his family's judgment about his perpetual single status, Peter (Michael Urie) convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon ...
  26. [26]
    'Single All the Way': Watch the Trailer for the Gay Holiday Rom-Com
    Nov 10, 2021 · Single All the Way premieres Thursday, Dec. 2 on Netflix. If you love holiday movies, check out our list of the 2021 holiday movies worth ...
  27. [27]
    Netflix's 'Single All The Way' Trailer Has Holiday High Jinks And ...
    Nov 10, 2021 · Netflix's 'Single All The Way' Trailer Has Holiday High Jinks And Jennifer Coolidge. Debuting Dec. 2, the gay romantic comedy finds Michael Urie ...
  28. [28]
    'Single All the Way' and 'Love Hard' Directors In Conversation - Netflix
    Case in point: Single All the Way, Netflix's first original gay Christmas movie, stars Michael Urie as Peter, an unlucky-in-love Los Angeles single whose family ...
  29. [29]
    Netflix's First Gay Christmas Rom-Com Is the #3 Movie Right Now
    Dec 6, 2021 · The film includes the same story structure and cheesy dialogue as Hallmark classics, but Christmas rom-com fans will be glad this is the case.
  30. [30]
    Single All the Way (Film) - TV Tropes
    Single All the Way is a 2021 Netflix Christmas movie, and notable for being their first holiday romcom to feature a gay main couple.
  31. [31]
    [Discussion] SINGLE ALL THE WAY - Breaking tropes to make a ...
    Dec 6, 2021 · The film be about two Gay guys' experiences with complex feelings as opposed to just a film about people in this community, it got to showcase that a Gay Rom ...
  32. [32]
    Single All the Way - Movie Review - Phoenix Film Festival
    Dec 3, 2021 · Wisely and earnestly leaning into the tropes of a Christmas romance, in the quick-witted charmer “Single All the Way,” screenwriter Chad Hodge ( ...
  33. [33]
    'Single All the Way' review: Warmed over holiday movie tropes with ...
    Dec 2, 2021 · The freedom to be mediocre is underrated. And the warmed-over tropes in Netflix's “Single All the Way” have the right kind of coziness to them, ...Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
  34. [34]
    'Single All the Way' is a necessary queer fantasy - CNN
    Dec 2, 2021 · “Single All the Way” is, in crucial ways, a queer fantasy, one in which gay men feel empowered to explore and act on their desires. Their lives ...
  35. [35]
    Gay Dystopia Finds a Home in the Christmas Comedy 'Single All ...
    Dec 19, 2021 · Gay Dystopia Finds a Home in the Christmas Comedy 'Single All The Way' Christmas cheer, wage exploitation, & toxic love. I love gay trash.
  36. [36]
    'Single All the Way' Review: Cookie Cutter Christmas
    Dec 2, 2021 · This Netflix holiday rom-com rests its family-friendly shenanigans on a display of chemistry that never materializes.<|separator|>
  37. [37]
    Single All the Way | Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes
    Overall, Single All the Way delivers the laughs and the feels. It's nothing short of a Christmas romcom miracle. Full Review | Dec 6, 2021. Paul McGuire ...
  38. [38]
    Benedict Cumberbatch Has Surprising Netflix Hit Topping the ...
    Single All the Way – Netflix – 235 million minutes streamed; Jungle Cruise – Disney+ – 197 million minutes streamed. Cumberbatch stars in the new film alongside ...
  39. [39]
    Hawkeye Stays On Target In The Nielsen Streaming Chart
    Dec 30, 2021 · Elf 236; Single All The Way 235; Jungle Cruise 197. Total. Lost In Space 1,207; Cocomelon 786; True Story 607; Seinfeld 592; NCIS 568; Hawkeye ...
  40. [40]
    Single All the Way | Audience Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes
    See what audiences are saying about Single All the Way. Read user reviews, reactions, and ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Join the conversation today.
  41. [41]
    GLAAD Media Awards 2022: Full Winners List
    Apr 2, 2022 · Outstanding TV Movie. Single All the Way (Netflix) (WINNER) The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls (Hallmark Channel) The Fear Street ...
  42. [42]
    2022 GLAAD Media Awards Winners List - Deadline
    Apr 27, 2022 · Outstanding TV Movie: Single All The Way (Netflix) Outstanding Film – Limited Release: Parallel Mothers (Sony Pictures Classics) Outstanding ...
  43. [43]
    Nominations in Motion Picture and Television Program Categories
    Jan 27, 2022 · Single All The Way Producer: Joel S. Rice, p.g.a.. Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free: The Making of Wildflowers *Eligibility Determination ...