Time loops are a gamble. Honestly, we’ve all seen the Groundhog Day formula beaten into the ground by a million different sci-fi thrillers and mediocre rom-coms. But then 2023 rolled around, and Hallmark decided to drop a Hanukkah movie that actually—wait for it—had a soul. Round and Round isn't just another cookie-cutter holiday flick you put on in the background while scrolling through your phone. It’s snappy. It’s genuinely funny. And if you're looking for the Round and Round full movie, you're likely realizing it has staying power way beyond its initial December premiere.
The story follows Rachel (played by the effortlessly charming Vic Michaelis), an assistant editor who is, frankly, a bit of a mess. She’s stuck. Not just in a time loop, but in a career that isn't going anywhere and a relationship with a guy named Adam who—shocker—is totally wrong for her. On the seventh night of Hanukkah, she spins an heirloom dreidel given to her by her Grandma Rosie, and suddenly, she’s reliving the same day over and over.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Time Loop
Most viewers go into these movies expecting the "magic" to be the main point. It’s not. In Round and Round, the loop is just a catalyst for Rachel to finally stop being a passenger in her own life. She meets Zach (Bryan Greenberg), a "nice Jewish boy" and art teacher her grandmother is trying to set her up with.
Instead of the typical Hallmark trope where they fall in love instantly, they actually have to work for it. Well, Rachel has to work for it. Zach has to be convinced every single morning that they are, in fact, living the same day. It’s a lot of donuts. Goldberg’s Bake Shop makes a return appearance (eagle-eyed fans will recognize it from Hanukkah on Rye), and let’s just say a lot of sufganiyot die in the making of this film.
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The chemistry between Michaelis and Greenberg is what makes it work. It’s quippy. It’s fast. Michaelis has this background in improv and sketch comedy (you might know them from Dropout's Very Important People) that brings a chaotic, lovable energy to Rachel. She isn't a perfect Hallmark princess; she's a real person who's stressed out by her family's expectations.
Why This Isn't Your Average Hallmark Movie
Usually, Hallmark holiday movies feel like they were written by an algorithm that really loves tinsel. This one feels like it was written by someone who actually knows what a Hanukkah party looks like. No "Hanukkah Harry" nonsense here. We get Rick Hoffman (yes, Louis Litt from Suits) as the dad, Stan, wearing an "I love you a latke" apron and cracking terrible dad jokes. It’s authentic.
The movie deals with the "Double Chai" (36th) anniversary of Rachel's parents, a lovely nod to the Jewish tradition where the number 18 (Chai) signifies life. It's these small, specific details that elevate the script. Tamar Laddy, the writer, and Stacey N. Harding, the director, clearly wanted to make a "real" movie that just happened to be on the Hallmark Channel.
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- The Cast: Vic Michaelis, Bryan Greenberg, and Rick Hoffman lead a stellar ensemble.
- The Vibe: Less "corporate Christmas," more "Brooklyn Jewish family gathering."
- The Twist: It’s self-aware. Zach is a comic book nerd who uses his knowledge of time-loop tropes to help Rachel "level up" her life.
Finding the Round and Round Full Movie
If you're hunting for the Round and Round full movie, you have a few solid options. Since it’s a Hallmark production, it lives on their ecosystem, but it’s drifted to other platforms too.
- Hallmark+ (formerly Hallmark Movies Now): This is the most direct route. It’s usually tucked away in their holiday or "Countdown to Christmas" collections.
- Peacock: For a while, Peacock was the go-to streaming home for Hallmark's live feed and recent VOD releases. Check their holiday section.
- Philo and Frndly TV: These are great budget-friendly live TV streamers that often have the movie available on-demand if you have the Hallmark Channel in your package.
- Digital Purchase: You can usually find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Vudu if you want to own it and watch it every year without worrying about shifting licensing deals.
The "Garbaggio" Factor and the Ending
Without spoiling the literal last second, the ending of Round and Round is surprisingly satisfying. It doesn't just hand Rachel a "happily ever after" on a silver platter. She has to make choices. She has to quit the job that's draining her and finally pursue her own writing. The time loop doesn't break until she stops trying to "fix" the day and starts fixing herself.
Basically, it’s about agency. And it’s about "garbaggio"—a term you'll only understand once you've watched the movie, but trust me, it’s a highlight.
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Is it perfect? Kinda. It still has that Hallmark "sheen" where everyone’s coat is perfectly lint-free despite the New York slush, but the heart is there. It’s one of the few holiday movies that feels like it could have been a theatrical indie rom-com.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Rewatch
If you've already seen it once and you're heading back for a second loop, keep an eye on the background. The movie is littered with references to other Hallmark films and Jewish pop culture.
- Look for the heirloom dreidel: The way it moves is the key to the whole mystery.
- Pay attention to the sister: Shoshanna (Marnie Mahannah) and her wife Bex provide a grounded, modern look at family dynamics that Hallmark used to shy away from.
- The soundtrack: The busker’s songs are intentionally annoying, but they mark the progress of Rachel’s sanity perfectly.
If you haven't seen it yet, or you're looking to share it with someone who "hates Hallmark movies," this is the one to use as bait. It’s the gateway drug to the genre.
Next Steps for the Viewer:
To experience Round and Round the right way, check your Peacock or Hallmark+ subscription status first. If you're a cable cutter, a free trial of Frndly TV is often the easiest way to catch it during the holiday season. Once you've watched, look up Vic Michaelis’s other work on Dropout—the tonal shift from a Hallmark lead to an improv mastermind is honestly impressive and well worth the rabbit hole.