CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY: THE CHRISTMAS HEARTBEAT HITS VOD ON WORLD HEART DAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Inspired by Carrie Romero's true story, Brittany Curran, Beverly D'Angelo, Hunter Sansone and Joey Lawrence star in a holiday romcom, now on VOD on Prime Video.

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Christmas Heartbeat (Formerly The Heart Brake), the delightful holiday romantic comedy inspired by true events, is available today, Tuesday, September 29, on demand via Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, and VUDU. Overflowing with twinkle lights, family drama, romance, and heart, the film arrives on World Heart Day, a fitting date for a story inspired by the real-life experience of a sudden cardiac arrest survivor.

Set in Tennessee, the movie follows New York City food critic Julia Winters (Brittany Curran, The Magicians), whose career comes to a screeching halt after a sudden cardiac arrest forces her to return to her hometown. There, Christmas never fades. It lives year-round at her mother's bed-and-breakfast, alongside unresolved family history and a future Julia never saw coming. To move forward, she'll have to face the past she thought she'd left behind, and maybe find love along the way.

The film also stars Beverly D'Angelo (National Lampoon's Vacation) as Julia's Christmas-loving mother, Joey Lawrence (Melissa & Joey), Hunter Sansone (Stargirl), Rachael Thompson (WandaVision), Courtney D'Angelo (Riverdance) and WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley.

The heart of the film belongs to executive producer Carrie Romero, who survived sudden cardiac arrest in her 20s. The experience left her questioning whether she could ever feel whole again, and the journey she and her husband, fellow executive producer Gus Romero, navigated together became the story's foundation.

"When I survived sudden cardiac arrest at just 28, I felt completely shattered. I honestly believed I was 'broken' and that I would never find real healing or love again," said Romero. "But The Christmas Heartbeat is so incredibly close to my enlarged heart because the movie is actually inspired by the true events of my own life and the journey my husband and I went through together."

Her story left a lasting impression on the cast. "I'm so proud to have been a part of this film inspired by Carrie Romero's life story. Real healing happens with love, and that is what The Christmas Heartbeat is all about," said D'Angelo in an exclusive interview with Parade.

Sansone says the film also delivers the kind of holiday movie he grew up loving. "What I love about this story is it makes you feel good. Nowadays it's harder and harder to find a good ole' wholesome Christmas movie," said Sansone. "Carrie's courage to tell her story was inspiring."

Directed by Lance Smith, who also co-wrote and executive-produced the film alongside Chuck Fusca, The Christmas Heartbeat was filmed on location in Nashville, Tennessee. Trey McClarnon produced the film for AbstrACct Creative, MarcoBox Studios and Best Part Productions, with Delaney Blanton, Quinton Macari III and Brian Yuran also serving as producers. Vantage Media acquired worldwide distribution rights.

Part holiday rom-com, part family reunion, and all heart, The Christmas Heartbeat invites audiences to start the season early with a Christmas movie that reaches well beyond December, and a reminder that a fresh start can come when you least expect it.

The Christmas Heartbeat is available now via VOD on Amazon Prime Video, Fandango and VUDU.

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS HEARTBEAT
The Christmas Heartbeat is a holiday romantic comedy inspired by true events. Starring Brittany Curran, Beverly D'Angelo, Joey Lawrence, Hunter Sansone, Rachael Thompson, Courtney D'Angelo and Mick Foley, the film follows New York City food critic Julia Winters as a sudden cardiac arrest brings her back to her Tennessee hometown, where she faces her past and discovers the possibility of love, healing and a new beginning. Directed by Lance Smith and co-written and executive-produced by Smith and Chuck Fusca, the film is based on the personal journey of executive producers Carrie and Gus Romero.

Tyler Phillips
Richlynn Group
+ +1 615-970-7474
tyler@richlynmarketing.com
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The Christmas Heartbeat - Official Teaser