Christmas in July: A Magical Romance Unfolds
It’s that time of year again—Christmas in July! This month, the channel is showcasing a series of holiday-themed romances. Recently, Resolve Christmas: Prince of Mia premiered. It’s the second installment in a series focusing on four friends who manage a gift shop and navigate love while organizing a festive gala, with Kathryn Davis starring as Mia.
Opening Scene: The film kicks off with a picturesque snowy landscape. A woman in a red cape dashes through a forest, only to be caught by a charming prince at the end.
Highlights: This dreamy intro turns out to be Mia’s dream. She, one of the gift shop owners, dozes off reading a romance novel at work. Waking up, she finds herself surrounded by her three friends and co-founders, who tease her about dreaming of her prince. They then dive into planning a significant charity event in town.
Mia is determined to rescue a precious copy of her favorite book, Derbyshire Christmas, from a local bookstore she has long admired. Her sister, Ashlyn, and Ashlyn’s cat unexpectedly visit, turning Mia’s holiday plans upside down. Overwhelmed and allergic to the cat, she decides to nap at the shop. It’s there she meets Beau (Nathan Witte), a man trying to find his footing while opening his own business.
Sparks fly between them, albeit Beau seems perplexed by her sleeping in the store. Mia perks up when she learns he’s in town for a gala. Their connection becomes apparent as he returns to ask her to teach his mother’s book club about gift-giving. When Mia visits Beau’s mother, she’s shocked to discover that Claire Cavanna, a wealthy and well-known figure, is his mother, and Beau is set to inherit the family estate.
However, complications arise as Mia finds out Beau is engaged to Penelope, a match imposed by his mother. Interestingly, neither truly wants this union. Penelope confides in Mia about her own boyfriend and hints that Beau is smitten with Mia. Still, both must navigate the challenges of the gala event, Claire’s expectations, and their own feelings for each other.
Similar Movies: If you’ve caught a glimpse of The Golden Age, Claire’s character might remind you of Berta Russell. Yet, unlike that show, she ultimately realizes the value of love over wealth.
Our Take: Resolve Christmas: Prince of Mia embodies the classic Cinderella narrative. A humble woman finds love with a man of noble standing, facing various hurdles before they can finally unite. Kathryn Davis shines in her role, portraying Mia with a blend of innocence and vulnerability. It’s clear that hurting her is the last thing Beau would want to do.
On the opposing side, Claire, portrayed by Lanett Ware, represents the antagonist without any warmth. Despite her chilly demeanor, she eventually recognizes her missteps. While her transition feels a bit sudden, it adds to the film’s cozy conclusion. By the end, the characters embrace the spirit of Christmas in a delightful way.
Final Scene: The gala wraps up with Mia and Beau sharing a sweet kiss under the mistletoe, surrounded by applause from their friends.
Noteworthy Performance: Beau, who comes from a family with high expectations, is portrayed excellently by Nathan Witte. He shows a maturing character who balances familial duties with his own desires. He really embodies the charming prince.
Memorable Moment: A touching exchange occurs when Mia stands by Bo, captivated by the Christmas lights. “It’s beautiful,” she says, to which he replies, “I agree.” Sure, it’s a bit cheesy, but it truly resonates.
Our Verdict: Stream it. While the first movie, Resolve Christmas: Tina’s Miracle, didn’t quite capture hearts, Prince of Mia certainly redeems the series. It may still lean into the realm of pure fantasy, where some characters border on caricatures—like Claire, who is initially an upper-class snob—but Mia and Beau are both relatable and endearing as they forge their bond.
