Directed by: Maclain Nelson
Written by: Maclain Nelson, Audrey Shulman
Cast: Erin Cahill, Brittany Ishibashi, Ali Liebert, Dee Wallace, Ryan Pines
Genre: Holiday Drama / LGBTQ+ Romance / Family
Runtime: 86 minutes
💬 Plot Overview
In Every Time a Bell Rings, three estranged sisters—Charlotte (Erin Cahill), Emily (Brittany Ishibashi), and Nora (Ali Liebert)—reunite in their picturesque hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, for their first Christmas together following their father's passing. Upon arrival, they discover their father left behind one final, intricate holiday scavenger hunt, a beloved childhood tradition designed to mend their fractured relationships. As the sisters uncover clues across their historic hometown, Nora must also navigate her rekindled connection with her high school sweetheart, Maura, forcing all three women to confront past misunderstandings, embrace new beginnings, and rediscover the strength of sisterhood.
🎨 Style & Direction
Grounded Holiday Warmth: Director Maclain Nelson balances traditional festive aesthetics with genuine emotional weight, avoiding artificial melodrama in favor of heartfelt character interactions.
Authentic Queer Representation: Nora and Maura's romance is integrated seamlessly into the family narrative, treated with the same warmth, normalcy, and emotional depth as any classic holiday love story.
Ensemble Chemistry & Nostalgic Framing: The narrative relies heavily on the authentic screen dynamic among the three lead actresses, using the historic backdrop of Natchez to evoke nostalgia, healing, and festive comfort.
💬 QueerFilmHub Perspective
“Every Time a Bell Rings is a refreshing, heartwarming holiday feature that honors sisterhood and queer romance with equal grace—offering a cozy, inclusive celebration of family reconciliation.”
