The OWN Christmas movie A Season to Remember offers a fresh take on the classic “co-workers to friends to lovers” theme.
The film stars Michele Weaver (Love Is) and Nathan Owens (9-1-1), and brings a story to the screen about self-discovery, finding courage, and building a romantic relationship.
Weaver plays Symone Gibson, a talented and ambitious sports reporter, who faces challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry. When she teams up with freelance sports photographer Iggy Love (Owens), Symone learns valuable lessons about pursuing her goals.
Weaver and Owens sat down with Urban Hollywood 411, to discuss everything related to the holidays and romance.
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Owens shared why it’s important to advocate for women in the workplace without expectations.
“This [movie] resonated with me in my own personal experiences,” he said. “I’ve watched my older sister go through some of the same struggles that Symone goes through, as far as professionally in dealing with a male-dominated world. So, I’ve seen a first-hand account of it.”
In the film, Symone has just one week to uncover a story that could propel her career to new heights. With Iggy’s help, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and finds a renewed sense of purpose along the way.
Weaver, who is also an executive producer on the film, said she was attracted to the fact that the lead characters develop a strong bond before romance blossoms.
“That is something that I brought up to the writers, producer, and the director. So many good relationships, long-lasting relationships, start with a friendship,” she explained. “Even if it doesn’t start with a friendship, you need a friendship to have a successful, long-lasting relationship. You’ve got to be friends with them!”
Weaver noted that by becoming friends first, the two main characters are able to “build something romantic.”
Owens added that Iggy and Symone complement each other.
“Iggy Love might loosen her up, but she also tightens him up and gets him a little bit more on track with his life and path, and I think that yin and yang is something that’s beautiful,” he said.
Weaver added a bit of dating advice for viewers, saying being “exciting” doesn’t necessarily make someone a good partner.
“Some people, because of the way society projects love, they might overlook someone who is a great partner candidate because you think they ‘ain’t exciting enough,’ but actually excitement wears off,” Weaver said. “You want more than that. You want someone who you can talk to, who you can be friends with, and who you can have a partnership with.”
Sound advice for the movies and for real life.
A Season to Remember premieres Saturday, Dec. 7, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.
