Get ready for a festive showdown with a side of heartwarming friendship!

The BET+ Original Film, Queens of Christmas, premieres tomorrow, December 19th, and promises a hilarious holiday rivalry with a heartwarming twist. This festive comedy centers on lifelong friends and fierce rivals, Doris and Julia, as they engage in a comedic battle for the coveted “Queen of Christmas” title in their neighborhood.  

A Christmas Rivalry for the Ages

Terri J. Vaughn stars as Doris Griffin, a spirited hairdresser who runs her business from her basement salon. Doris lives for the holidays and is determined to claim the Christmas crown, even if it means out-decorating and out-baking her longtime friend and neighbor, Julia, played by the talented Vanessa Bell Calloway. Julia, co-owner of a struggling bakery, is equally determined to prove her Christmas spirit reigns supreme. Adding fuel to the fire is Nancy, played by Essence Atkins, the reigning “Queen of Christmas,” whose confidence and over-the-top decorations intimidate both Doris and Julia.  

Beyond the Tinsel: A Story of Sisterhood and Second Chances

Queens of Christmas is a heartwarming exploration of female friendships and the complexities that come with them. The film reminds us that even the strongest bonds can be tested by time, rivalry, and misunderstandings. Through it all, the power of love and forgiveness can prevail.  

I Love Us recently had the chance to chat with the cast, and Vanessa Bell Calloway beautifully captured the essence of the film’s message: “The one thing that is beautiful about this movie to me is… these ladies are friends for years and we all have friends that we’ve been with for years. Only with your friends or your sisters can you fight and come back… because you love them. And they know. Even for Terri and [Essence] and I to play this part, we’ve been friends for years. You go at each other because it’s a safe space. Even in this story, the three ladies kind of get sidetracked and they kind of lose sight, but they come back together because they remember the sisterhood and the love. I think that’s what’s so important. It’s a good reminder to everybody that you can fall out with family and friends. You’re going to have some disagreements, but it should always be the love that brings you back.”

A Real-Life “Family Affair”

Adding a heartwarming layer to this holiday tale is the genuine friendship amongst the cast. Vanessa Bell Calloway shared with us that working with longtime friends Terri J. Vaughn and Essence Atkins made the experience feel like a true “family affair.” This bond extends even further, as the film features Hannah and Tyler Whitley, who play friends on screen but are real-life sisters. These talented young actresses are also the nieces of actress and comedian Kym Whitley, another close friend of Bell Calloway. This close-knit connection amongst the cast adds a special layer of authenticity and warmth to the film’s message of friendship and sisterhood.

The Strength and Struggle of Multi-Generational Friendships

One of the things we loved most about Queens of Christmas is its portrayal of multi-generational friendships, a hallmark of tight-knit communities. The film beautifully captures how these bonds can deepen over time, with shared histories and experiences weaving a strong connection. However, as the film also shows, discord amongst any members of the group can create a ripple effect, impacting the dynamics across generations. This nuanced portrayal adds a layer of complexity and realism to the story, reminding us that even the strongest friendships require effort, understanding, and a willingness to forgive.

A Must-Watch Holiday Treat

Queens of Christmas is a funny addition to BET+’s growing collection of Black-centric holiday films. With relatable characters, comedic charm, and heartwarming message about the enduring power of friendship, this film is a fun entry for your holiday movie marathon.

Watch the trailer below and don’t miss the premiere of Queens of Christmas tomorrow, December 19th, exclusively on BET+!

Cover photo: ‘Queens of Christmas’ Crowns BET+ with Holiday Cheer, Friendship, and a Touch of Family / Photo courtesy of World Wide Entertainment and Media