*Jussie Smollett is back in a big way, taking on the dual role of director and star in the highly anticipated film “The Lost Holliday”
The film, set for release later this month, features Vivica A. Fox as Cassandra Marshall, who discovers a new side of her estranged son, Damien Holliday, through his husband Jason Holliday, played by Smollett. The movie explores rich themes such as family dynamics, grief, and LGBTQIA+ representation, highlighting the complex relationships and societal challenges faced by a same-gender-loving couple.
In a review of the film, EUR’s Fahnia Thomas wrote, “Smollett and Fox are complimentary balanced with connection and comedy. As their characters bond over losing a loved one – regardless of their frustrations and differences – is relatable.”
Smollett penned the script with Jerrell Chesney and produced the film with Mona Scott-Young, and Tressa Azarel Smallwood.
Watch the trailer below.
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Here’s the film’s synopsis: Vivica A. Fox stars as Cassandra Marshall, who arrives in Los Angeles to plan the funeral of her estranged son, Damien Holliday.. Upon her arrival, Cassandra discovers that the funeral arrangements are already being handled by her son’s husband, Jason Holliday (Jussie Smollett) – a man and a marriage she knew nothing about. Through Jason, their adopted daughter Arielle, Jason’s sister Cheyenne, and best friend Duck, Cassandra learns more about her son in death than she ever did in his life.
Marquise Vilsón, Brittany S. Hall, Miriam A. Hyman, Londyn Carter, Memphis Cade, Corey Knott, Alex “ADIV” Duncan IV, Betty Coleman, Bella Bahhs, Gina Belafonte, and Leslie D. Baker also star in the film.
“When my father passed away, I dealt with it in a completely different way than maybe one of my siblings did,” Smollett told EUR exclusively. “We were all going through the same types of pain, but in completely different ways. So… seeing the way that death, that grief, that pain affects people … and really coming to terms with that was the main focus of this film,” he explained.
“I’m not necessarily trying to show anything except love and whatever that looks like to you,” Smollett added. “… you don’t have to love the exact same way that I love, but I guarantee you that if we sat down and we were just kicking it and we were talking about our experiences with love, with family love, with partner love, with homie love, with whatever employer, employee love, whatever it may be, we’re going to find some connection with each other.”
Elsewhere in our conversation, the actor/singer shared insights into his creative process, the emotional depth of the story, and the significance of bringing these important narratives to the forefront of cinema with the help of some of the amazing Black women in his life. Watch the clip below.
“The Lost Holliday” premieres in select AMC Theatres locations on Sept. 27.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Jussie Smollett & Vivica A. Fox’s New Film ‘The Lost Holliday’ | REVIEW
