Haul Out the Halloween: A Festive Twist That Blends Spooks with Sentiment

Every October, television networks and streaming platforms roll out their pumpkin-spiced programming—haunted houses, family-friendly frights, and heartwarming tales wrapped in orange and black. But Haul Out the Halloween, the latest addition to this growing tradition, takes a different route. This film—part rom-com, part cozy autumn story—leans into the season’s playful chaos, giving audiences a delightful blend of spooky fun and feel-good charm.

A Seasonal Story with Heart

Haul Out the Halloween follows the story of Lucy Mortimer (played by Kimberley Sustad), a small-town event planner who is reluctantly tasked with organizing her town’s annual Halloween festival after the previous coordinator moves away. Lucy, known for her Christmas cheer and obsession with all things holly and jolly, isn’t exactly thrilled to trade snowflakes for skeletons. But when the town council insists she step up, she’s forced to dive headfirst into fake cobwebs, jack-o’-lanterns, and haunted hayrides.

Her co-planner, Jake (portrayed by Christopher Russell), is the total opposite. A Halloween devotee since childhood, Jake lives for elaborate costumes, scary movies, and spooky pranks. The tension between Lucy’s Christmas-in-October energy and Jake’s haunted-house enthusiasm sets the stage for a humorous and surprisingly heartfelt story.

As the two collaborate, their clashing holiday philosophies slowly melt into mutual respect—and maybe something more. Along the way, the film gently explores themes of tradition, openness to change, and rediscovering joy in unexpected places.

Chemistry that Charms

What makes Haul Out the Halloween work so well is its cast chemistry. Sustad and Russell, both Hallmark veterans, bring an easy rapport to their roles. Their banter feels organic, playful, and authentic—especially during the early scenes where Lucy tries (and fails) to hide her discomfort with plastic bats and eerie decorations.

Sustad’s performance anchors the film. She portrays Lucy as a woman trying to find her place in a world that’s shifting around her. Rather than relying solely on comedic timing, Sustad adds emotional nuance to her character’s journey. Meanwhile, Russell’s Jake balances charm and goofiness, making him instantly likable. Together, they create a dynamic that feels less like a cliché rom-com pairing and more like two people genuinely learning from each other.

The Festive Aesthetic

Visually, Haul Out the Halloween delivers everything seasonal movie lovers crave. The production design is brimming with festive details—leaf-strewn sidewalks, glowing pumpkins, cobweb-draped town squares, and costume contests that feel straight out of a storybook. The cinematography captures the golden hues of fall with just the right amount of enchantment, giving each frame a cozy, inviting glow.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is how it treats Halloween not as a backdrop for scares, but as a celebration of creativity and community. Unlike the dark, horror-filled portrayals we often see, this movie embraces the whimsical side of the holiday. You can almost smell the cinnamon candles and taste the caramel apples as the camera pans through each carefully decorated scene.

The costume design also deserves a shout-out. From over-the-top witch hats to clever group costumes, every outfit adds personality and humor to the story. It’s clear that the production team poured love into crafting a visual experience that celebrates the playful spirit of Halloween without losing its heart.

Themes of Change and Celebration

At its core, Haul Out the Halloween is about adaptability—about learning to find joy even when life doesn’t go as planned. Lucy’s reluctance to embrace Halloween mirrors a deeper hesitation many people feel when faced with change. She’s comfortable in her routines, in the warmth of predictable traditions. But through her partnership with Jake, she learns that new experiences can be just as fulfilling as old ones.

This message resonates beyond the story. Whether it’s about trying new things, letting go of expectations, or finding connection in unexpected places, the film reminds viewers that growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zones.

The script doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it uses familiar tropes effectively. There’s the classic “opposites attract” setup, the small-town festival, and the inevitable misunderstanding before the happy ending. Yet, these elements work because the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. It knows exactly what it is—a cozy, seasonal romantic comedy—and leans into that identity with warmth and sincerity.

Humor and Heart

One of the film’s biggest surprises is how funny it is. The humor never feels forced; instead, it arises naturally from the characters’ personalities and the absurd situations they find themselves in. Whether it’s Lucy’s attempt to carve a pumpkin that ends in disaster, or Jake’s overly elaborate haunted maze scaring the mayor’s dog, the laughs come with ease.

Yet beneath the humor lies real emotional depth. There’s a touching subplot involving Lucy’s late mother, who loved Halloween despite Lucy’s insistence on Christmas. This element gives the film a bittersweet layer that elevates it beyond surface-level fluff. By the final act, when Lucy fully embraces the spirit of the season, her transformation feels earned and heartfelt.

Direction and Writing

Directed by Allan Harmon and written by Anna White, Haul Out the Halloween strikes a careful balance between lighthearted fun and emotional resonance. The pacing is brisk but never rushed, and the dialogue flows naturally. White’s script smartly avoids cynicism, instead opting for an optimistic tone that celebrates community, creativity, and the healing power of shared traditions.

Harmon’s direction enhances the film’s cozy mood, using warm lighting and intimate close-ups to draw viewers into the story. The result is a movie that feels as comfortable as a mug of hot cider on a chilly autumn night.

Final Thoughts

In a media landscape crowded with formulaic holiday fare, Haul Out the Halloween manages to stand out by celebrating the spooky season with sincerity and sparkle. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or heavy-handed romance; instead, it builds its charm through character, chemistry, and atmosphere.

This film isn’t about big scares or shocking twists. It’s about connection, creativity, and the small joys that make seasonal traditions worth cherishing. For viewers who love Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas but wish for something a little more autumnal, Haul Out the Halloween is the perfect bridge between October chills and December cheer.

It’s a movie that invites you to laugh, reminisce, and maybe even rethink how you celebrate the holidays. After all, as Lucy learns, there’s room in everyone’s heart for both cobwebs and candy canes.