The Christmas Setup

Starring: Ben Lewis, Blake Lee, Fran Drescher

Hugo (Ben Lewis), a corporate lawyer hoping for a promotion in the new year and his best gal-pal Madelyn (Ellen Wong), travel from New York City to Hugo’s hometown of Milwaukie to spend it with Kate (Fran Drescher), his vibrant neighborhood activist Mom who is also in charge of the local Christmas celebrations. Kate “arranges” for Hugo to run into Patrick (Blake Lee), a former secret crush and high school mate of Hugo’s. Patrick has recently moved back to the neighborhood after a successful stint in Silicon Valley, now looking to give back to the neighborhood that gave him his start. As they enjoy the local holiday festivities, Hugo and Patrick’s attraction is undeniable. Using their legal and business know-how, they even team up in an effort to save the local train station used for the neighborhood’s main Christmas event from impending demolition. While Kate’s well-intentioned Santa-style matchmaking proves to be successful (even city slicker Madelyn and Hugo’s brother Alex, a naval officer on leave, feel a spark) the realities of how these holiday attractions will fare once the ornaments have been packed away come into relief. Hugo’s firm offers him a plum promotion that will have him moving to London right after the new year, leaving him with a decision he never imagined he would have to make. Yet Hugo’s Christmas time at home shows him that the things he really cares about–community, love and family–are truly the best presents to find under your tree.
 
2022 Canadian Screen Awards nominee for “Best TV Movie” and Ben Lewis for “Best Lead Actor, TV Movie”