Hallmark has long perfected the art of comfort-cinema: familiar towns, predictable sparks, and endings you can set your watch by. But 2019’s Kiss at Pine Lake takes a small—yet refreshing—step off the studio’s usual path. Set around a rustic summer camp rather than the quaint main streets, bakeries, or holiday-dusted towns the brand is known for, this film dips its toes into a different flavour of nostalgia. The lakeside cabins, canoes, and crackling campfires give the story a looser, outdoorsy charm that sets it apart from the typical Hallmark blueprint.

The story itself follows the classic “summer sweethearts reuniting years later” trope, but with a slightly more grounded tone. Instead of leaning solely on misunderstandings and missed timing, Kiss at Pine Lake focuses on memory, sentiment, and the kind of youthful magic you only get from summer camp romances. It’s a nice shift—subtle, but noticeable for longtime Hallmark fans.

Now, let’s be honest: this movie is cheesier than a cheese factory inside a cheese store located in a cheese-themed amusement park. And that’s exactly why it works. The heartfelt glances, the tidy emotional arcs, and the almost aggressively wholesome atmosphere are all part of Hallmark’s well-worn, well-loved recipe. Even with its slight stylistic detours, the film never forgets who it’s made for.

Acting-wise, the leads bring enough warmth and sincerity to sell the romance without tipping into parody. Their chemistry feels more lived-in compared with some Hallmark pairings, and the supporting cast adds a gentle humour that rounds out the film’s slow-paced charm.

Is it groundbreaking? Absolutely not.
Is it comforting? Entirely.
Is it worth a watch? Yes—especially if you enjoy Hallmark movies that stray a little from the usual cookie-cutter settings while still delivering all the gooey sentiment you signed up for.

If you’re in the mood for lakeside nostalgia, rekindled romance, and a generous slab of Hallmark cheddar, Kiss at Pine Lake will hit the spot perfectly.