After making his directorial debut in B-Boy Blues (2021), actor/singer/director Jussie Smollet returns to the world of directing with his sophomore feature film, ‘The Lost Holliday’. The independent film tells the story of a man meeting his mother-in-law for the first time after the passing of his husband.

The film had its world premiere earlier this year at the 2024 American Black Film Festival.

Starring the film alongside Jussie Smollett are are Vivica A. Fox, Jabari Redd, Marquise Vilsón, Brittany S. Hall, Miriam A. Hyman, Londyn Carter, Memphis Cade, Cynthia Bailey, Corey Knott, Alex “ADIV” Duncan IV, Betty Coleman, Bella Bahhs, Gina Belafonte, and Leslie D. Baker.

Release Date

Directed by Jussie Smollet, ‘The Lost Holliday’ opens in select AMC Theatres nationwide on September 27, 2024.

Synopsis

Vivica A. Fox stars as Cassandra Marshall, who arrives in Los Angeles to plan the funeral of her estranged son, Damien Holliday (Jabari Redd). 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 (Londyn Carter), Jason’s sister Cheyenne (Brittany Hall), and best friend Duck (Marquise Vilsón), Cassandra learns more about her son in death than she ever did in his life.

‘The Lost Holliday’ explores themes of family dynamics, friendship, fatherhood, adoption, mother-son and father-daughter relationships, grief, and the bonds of love that transcend time, generational trauma, and even death. The film also celebrates LGBTQIA+ representation and the importance of acceptance, shining a light on the adversity and triumphs of a same-gender-loving couple navigating family dissension and societal presumptions.

Official Trailer

Watch the official trailer for ‘The Lost Holliday’.