Name: Single All the Way
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Released: 2021-12-02T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Luke Macfarlane, Jennifer Coolidge, Kathy Najimy

The opening scene of Single All the Way sets the tone with a frantic Peter (Michael Urie) convincing his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to fake a relationship for the holidays—a premise that feels familiar but takes a refreshing twist by centering on a gay protagonist.

Directed by Michael Mayer and written by Chad Hodge, this 2021 Netflix original aims to subvert traditional Christmas rom-com tropes. Peter, a social media strategist, is tired of his family’s judgment about his perpetual single status. His desperate plan involves Nick pretending to be his boyfriend during the holidays. The film’s strength lies in its ensemble cast, particularly Jennifer Coolidge as Aunt Sandy and Kathy Najimy as Carole, who bring a much-needed spark to the proceedings with their quirky, over-the-top performances.

The film’s originality shines in its attempt to shift the narrative focus from the typical straight rom-com formula to a gay-centric story. However, the execution falters when it relies too heavily on clichés and predictable plot points. The blind date subplot with James (Luke Macfarlane) adds tension but feels contrived, especially when Peter’s mother sets him up despite knowing he’s supposedly in a relationship. The humor is hit-or-miss; while some moments, like the anecdote about the guy who died hanging lights, are genuinely funny and well-timed, others fall flat due to over-reliance on broad comedy.

Michael Urie delivers a solid performance as Peter, capturing the character’s desperation and vulnerability. Philemon Chambers is charming as Nick, but their chemistry feels forced at times, making it difficult to fully invest in their romantic arc. Luke Macfarlane’s James is likeable enough, but his character serves more as a plot device than a fully realized person.

The film’s pacing is another issue. The first half drags with too much setup and not enough payoff, while the second half rushes through emotional beats that deserve more development. The soundtrack, filled with festive tunes, tries to evoke holiday cheer but often feels disjointed from the on-screen action.

In the end, Single All the Way is a well-intentioned but uneven holiday rom-com. It takes steps in the right direction by centering a gay love story but stumbles with its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters.