The Merriest Misters

Janovsky (You Had Me At Happy Hour) sets up a new Santa mythology in this whimsical gay holiday romance. Less than a year into their marriage, architect Patrick Hargrave and second grade teacher Quinn Muller are having doubts about their relationship. After an argument on Christmas Eve reveals that Patrick has hidden his recent job loss, he encounters and knocks out a late-night intruder. Turns out it was Santa Claus, who rage-quits on the spot. An elf then appears, saying Patrick and Quinn have one hour to decide to take on the role or “cancel Christmas.” Patrick agrees and the pair, after a mad-dash delivery of gifts, are whisked to the North Pole. There, the Council of Priors, made up of former Santas and Mrs. Clauses, inform them that the magic relies on the love between Santa and his significant other and educate them on their new duties. Quinn enjoys his time as the first-ever Merriest Mister, but when Patrick starts making plans to take on the Santa role well beyond the single year they agreed to, the strain on their relationship returns and threatens the future of the holiday. Janovsky once again shows his chops at putting tender, queer spins on rom-com situations. This is a charmer. Agent: Samantha Fabien, Root Literary. (Oct.)