“Chilling Delight: Why ‘Hot Frosty’ is a Must-Watch This Holiday Season on Netflix”

Just like everyone else, when I initially encountered the trailer for Netflix’s “Hot Frosty”—focused on a snowman who comes to life to win the heart of a single woman in a quaint town—I sighed and chuckled simultaneously. It appeared to be a spoof of the corny Christmas television movie category, embodying the kind of straightforward, return-home-for-the-holidays enjoyment that Hallmark has traditionally promoted and Netflix has effectively presented to a youthful audience over the past few years. I anticipated that I would casually watch it while also enjoying some festive spirit when scrolling through my phone turned a bit too somber.

Well.

I eventually watched the 90-minute hit featuring Dustin Milligan as the titular Frosty and Lacey Chabert, and although it may not be clinching any Emmys, it is a warm, unexpectedly delightful experience that should manage to entertain both your parents and any teenagers in your life this holiday season. (I guess this is the moment where I mention that I’ve viewed nearly all of Netflix’s Christmas films since the platform first ventured into the viral domain with “The Christmas Prince” in 2017; I find the “Princess Switch” series starring Vanessa Hudgens particularly enchanting.)

In summary: Chabert portrays Kathy, a widow residing in Hope Springs (fitting), who feels lonely this festive season because she’s all alone. While strolling past the snowmen on display for a local contest, she wraps a red scarf given to her by an intrusive neighbor around one of the snow caricatures. Smash cut to the following morning, and that snowman is now a living, very attractive…man. Hilarity—and a considerable amount of sexual tension—ensues.

Absolutely, it’s silly and if you dislike amusement, this particular one will certainly not be for you. However, it’s not significantly odder than the premise for any cherished holiday classic, whether that involves an Elf from the North Pole traveling to New York City, or an overwhelmed mother forgetting one of her children at home prior to a long journey. I won’t reveal how this one concludes, but similar to those favorites, it carries a timely, heartwarming message; this one about accepting love into your existence, regardless of how long or how inconvenient.

Among my favorite aspects of this film (besides the superior-than-anticipated production quality, thanks to director Jerry Ciccoritti and crew), is the level of dedication displayed by everyone to the absurd concept, especially Chabert portraying a woman who is ready to give love another chance and never anticipated it would be with a guy like Jack, who claims to be a snowman and can’t remain indoors for too long — for fear that he might begin melting, obviously. She is a woman on the brink… of wanting to be intimate with a snowman, a reality she approaches with straightforward sincerity and zero winks to the audience. (Well, perhaps just the one.) Another pleasure is Craig Robinson as the foe/chief of police, a law-and-order despot who aims to capture Jack because he pilfered some clothing when he came to life one day.

A deliberately ludicrous storyline is challenging to execute; Netflix’s other major offering this year, “The Merry Gentlemen” — focused on putting on a striptease to rescue the local music hall — is notably atrocious. The screenplay for “Hot Frosty”, penned by Russell Hainline, avoids becoming mired in any detailed justifications or world-expanding narratives: Jack used to consist of snow, he possesses tremendous appeal, and everyone in this quaint town is somewhat accepting of it. How did it occur? Don’t fret about it. How did he acquire the ability to speak? No clue! Aren’t the power dynamics between a literal newly-formed human male and a mature woman somewhat concerning? I swear, I genuinely don’t care!!

“Hot Frosty” substitutes subplots with joy; emphasizing a budding romance over anything more extravagant. Yet as the runtime concluded, I found myself genuinely rooting for Kathy and Jack to succeed. After all, they may not share the same body warmth(!), but if holiday television films have conveyed anything to me, it’s that love, aided by a touch of holiday spirit, can triumph over nearly all obstacles.

That’s what I define as Christmas magic.

“Hot Frosty” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.