Hallmark’s 2026 movie Missing the Boat closes out the Winter Escape lineup with exactly the kind of breezy, sun‑kissed charm you want from a finale. It’s light on its feet, warm in tone, and anchored by two leads who know how to make a simple premise feel like a full‑on adventure. Directed by Maclain Nelson and written with a playful, travel‑romance sensibility, the film leans into its strengths: gorgeous locations, easy chemistry, and a story that never forgets to have fun.
Emilie Ullerup and Kristoffer Polaha are the heart of the whole thing, and they slip into their roles with the kind of relaxed confidence that makes you want to follow them anywhere—especially across Southern Italy. Ullerup plays Kelly with a grounded, quietly determined energy, while Polaha brings his signature mix of charm and gentle chaos to Parker. Together, they strike that perfect Hallmark balance: opposites who aren’t really opposites, strangers who feel like they’ve been bantering for years, and reluctant partners who slowly realize they make a pretty great team.
The chemistry between them is the movie’s engine. It’s not forced or overly scripted; it’s the kind of chemistry that builds in shared glances, mismatched travel plans, and the occasional “we’re definitely lost but let’s pretend we’re not” moment. Their dynamic feels lived‑in, like two people who discover they’re better together not because the plot demands it, but because the journey naturally nudges them closer. By the time the romantic spark fully ignites, it feels earned.
And speaking of the journey—Southern Italy is practically a third lead. The film makes full use of its coastal towns, ferry docks, winding roads, and sun‑drenched piazzas. Each stop along Kelly and Parker’s frantic race to catch up with their cruise ship adds a new flavor: a bustling market here, a quiet seaside overlook there, a chaotic transit scramble that somehow still looks postcard‑ready. The locations don’t just decorate the story; they shape it, giving the movie a sense of movement and discovery that keeps things lively.
Nelson’s direction keeps everything breezy and bright, letting the scenery and performances shine without overcomplicating the plot. The writing supports that tone beautifully—light, witty, and just grounded enough to give the characters emotional texture. The script understands that the fun of a “missed the ship” setup isn’t the panic, but the unexpected detours, the forced teamwork, and the way travel strips people down to who they really are. It’s a road‑movie‑romance hybrid that knows exactly what it’s doing.
MPAA Rating: TV-G.
Runtime: 84 mins
Director: Maclain Nelson
Writer: Judith Berg; Sandra Berg; Maclain Nelson
Cast: Emilie Ullerup; Kristoffer Polaha; Amy Louise Pemberton
Genre: Drama | Romance
Tagline: All New Hallmark Original Movie
Memorable Movie Quote: "You know, if they're going to fire you for making an honest mistake, you weren't meant to be there."
Distributor: Hallmark +
Official Site:
Release Date: January 31, 2026
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Strangers Kelly and Parker both end up on the same Italian cruise, but after missing the boat during a stop, they're forced to team up and race across southern Italy to catch up.
