Review

"Guiding Emily: A Hallmark Movie That Guides You Straight to the Couch (and Maybe a Nap)"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Hallmark movie and a motivational poster had a baby, Guiding Emily is here to answer that question. Released in 2023, this film is the cinematic equivalent of a warm hug from your grandma—if your grandma also occasionally forgot to add sugar to the cookies. It’s sweet, predictable, and just wholesome enough to make you question whether you’ve accidentally stumbled into a Hallmark holiday movie marathon.

The plot follows Emily, a fiercely independent woman who loses her sight in a tragic accident involving a rogue piñata (okay, fine, it’s not a piñata, but it should’ve been). Enter Gage, a golden retriever guide dog who’s basically the Ryan Gosling of the canine world—loyal, charming, and always there to save the day. Together, they navigate life’s challenges, including Emily’s overbearing mother, her ex-boyfriend who still texts her memes, and the fact that she can’t seem to find her favorite coffee mug without knocking over a lamp.

The movie is packed with all the Hallmark movie staples: a small town with inexplicably perfect fall foliage, a love interest who’s suspiciously good at woodworking, and enough emotional moments to make you reach for the tissues—or the remote, depending on your tolerance for sentimentality. There’s even a scene where Emily and Gage bond over a montage set to a folksy acoustic cover of a pop song. If that doesn’t scream “Hallmark holiday movies,” I don’t know what does.

But here’s the thing: Guiding Emily knows exactly what it is. It doesn’t try to be groundbreaking or edgy. It’s not here to win Oscars or make you question the meaning of life. It’s here to make you feel warm and fuzzy, like a pair of socks fresh out of the dryer. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

So, if you’re in the mood for a movie that’s as comforting as a Hallmark holiday movie marathon but with fewer Christmas trees, Guiding Emily is your guide. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself Googling “how to adopt a guide dog” by the end. And maybe double-check your piñata safety protocols while you’re at it.