Cast
View AllDanica McKellar
as Rachel Lewis
Dolly Parton
as Dolly Parton
Niall Matter
as Luke Hakman
Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe
as Maggie Davis
Jason Cermak
as Eric
Sarah Strange
as Gail Lane
Zoë Noelle Baker
as Ava Lewis
Christine Cattell
as Ginger
Garwin Sanford
as Lyle Davis
Pauline Egan
as Alexis
Barry W. Levy
as Carl
Chris Shields
as Mark Haber
Andrew Moxham
as Vince Blackwell
Ramon Terrell
as Chef
Shelby Lynn Bramlett
as Dollywood Attendee (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Michael Robison
Writer
- Nina Weinman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Christmas at Dollywood represents a fascinating example of TV Movie/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Michael Robison brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Christmas at Dollywood took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 149 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2272 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Christmas at Dollywood shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Pentatonix Christmas Special, which focuses more on action than character development, Christmas at Dollywood subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Love Actually and A Taste of Summer explore similar territory, Christmas at Dollywood stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 8, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch

