People usually think of Hallmark movies as background noise while they’re folding laundry or scrolling through their phones. But then a movie like It Was Always You Hallmark fans can’t stop talking about drops, and suddenly everyone is actually paying attention. It’s a 2021 release, yet it feels different. It doesn't just sit there; it breathes.
Kimberly Sustad and Erin Krakow—the leads—actually have chemistry. Like, real chemistry. Not the kind where two actors stand three feet apart and smile politely because the script says they’re in love. It’s the kind of tension that makes you lean into the screen.
Honestly, the plot is kind of a classic setup. Krakow plays Elizabeth, an ultra-planner who has her whole life mapped out. She’s engaged to George, a guy who is basically the human equivalent of a beige wall. Then David (Tyler Hynes) comes back to town. He’s the brother. The "wild" one. He’s the guy who travels the world and probably forgets to check his mail but remembers exactly how you like your coffee.
The Casting Magic of It Was Always You
You can’t talk about this movie without talking about Tyler Hynes and Erin Krakow. In the world of Hallmark, these two are heavyweights. Krakow is the face of When Calls the Heart, and Hynes has this specific, understated charm that makes him feel like a real person rather than a rom-com trope.
Most of these movies rely on a "misunderstanding" to drive the plot. You know the one—someone sees someone else hugging an ex and assumes the worst. It Was Always You Hallmark avoids that annoying trap. Instead, the conflict is internal. It’s Elizabeth realizing that the life she’s meticulously built is actually a cage.
David isn’t there to "steal" his brother’s fiancée. He’s there because he’s family. The tension comes from the fact that he actually sees her. He remembers her dreams of being an architect, dreams she traded in to be a professional organizer because it felt safer. It’s relatable. Who hasn't traded a big, scary dream for a comfortable, boring reality at some point?
Why Location Matters (and Why This One Worked)
Usually, Hallmark movies are filmed in British Columbia, Canada, pretending to be Vermont or Chicago. This one was filmed in Victoria and around the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. It looks expensive. The lighting has this golden-hour glow that lasts for the entire ninety minutes.
The production design team clearly understood the assignment. The contrast between Elizabeth’s rigid, monochromatic world and the vibrant, messy energy David brings is visual storytelling 101, but it’s done with a soft touch. It’s the small things—a shared plate of oysters, a rainy walk, the way David looks at her when she’s not looking.
Breaking Down the "Brother’s Fiancée" Trope
This is a risky trope. If you do it wrong, the lead guy looks like a jerk and the lead girl looks flaky. But the writers were smart here. George (the brother/fiancé) isn't a villain. He’s just... not it. He’s busy. He’s distracted. He views Elizabeth as a partner in planning, not a partner in life.
When George gets stuck at an airport (a classic plot device), David has to step in to help Elizabeth finish the engagement party preparations. This forced proximity is the engine of the movie.
- They go on "practice" dates.
- They taste-test food.
- They revisit childhood haunts.
It’s during these moments that the title makes sense. It wasn't a sudden spark; it was an old ember that never quite went out. David has clearly loved her since they were kids. He left town because staying and watching her marry his brother was a special kind of torture he wasn't ready for.
The "Oyster" Scene Everyone Remembers
There’s a specific scene involving oysters and a bucket list. Elizabeth has a list of things she wants to do, and David starts checking them off with her. It’s not about the activities themselves. It’s about the permission to be adventurous.
Most people watching these movies are looking for an escape, but It Was Always You Hallmark offers something more: a reminder. A reminder that it’s okay to change your mind. Even if the wedding invitations are sent. Even if everyone expects you to stay the same.
Beyond the Script: The Hynes Effect
Tyler Hynes has a "thing." Fans call themselves "Hynies," which is a bit much, but it speaks to his impact. He does this thing where he listens. Like, really listens to his scene partner. In a genre where dialogue can sometimes feel like a ping-pong match of platitudes, his pauses feel authentic.
He brings a sarcasm to David that’s rare for Hallmark. He’s funny. He’s a bit of a tease. This makes the romantic payoff much more satisfying because it feels earned. When he finally tells her how he feels, it’s not a grand, cinematic speech with a thousand roses. It’s quiet. It’s heavy.
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What Critics and Fans Said
The ratings for this movie were massive. It premiered during the "Love Ever After" event in February 2021 and immediately became a fan favorite. On platforms like IMDb and Letterboxd, it consistently ranks higher than the average cable rom-com.
The consensus is usually the same: "I don't usually like these movies, but I liked this one."
Why? Because it treats the characters like adults. They have histories. They have regrets. Elizabeth’s struggle isn't just about which guy to choose; it’s about which version of herself she wants to be. Does she want to be the woman who organizes everyone else’s life, or the woman who actually lives her own?
Comparing It to Other 2021 Releases
2021 was a weird year for movies. We were still coming out of the pandemic, and the demand for "comfort TV" was at an all-time high.
- Playing Cupid: Cute, but a bit juvenile.
- Mix Up in the Mediterranean: Fun, but a little too focused on the gimmick.
- It Was Always You: The clear winner for emotional depth.
The movie manages to be cozy without being cloying. That’s a hard line to walk. If you lean too far into the sweetness, it becomes unwatchable for anyone over the age of twelve. If you lean too far into the drama, you lose the Hallmark brand identity. Director Michael Robison managed to keep it right in the sweet spot.
The Significance of Kimberly Sustad
While Sustad isn’t the lead here, her presence matters. She’s a Hallmark staple and a close friend of the leads in real life. That off-screen friendship translates to an on-screen ease that you can’t fake. The supporting cast, including Giles Panton as George, does a great job of not being "too" annoying, which makes Elizabeth’s choice actually feel like a dilemma rather than an obvious escape.
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Is There a Sequel?
This is the question that haunts the Hallmark forums. Fans have been begging for It Was Always You 2 since the credits rolled. As of 2026, there hasn’t been an official announcement.
Hallmark is notoriously hit-or-miss with sequels. They’ll do six The Wedding Veil movies but leave a standalone gem like this one untouched. Honestly? Maybe that’s for the best. The ending was perfect. David and Elizabeth heading off to see the world, finally free of the expectations of their small town. Sometimes a "happily ever after" is better left to the imagination.
The "Look" of the Movie
The fashion in this film also deserves a shoutout. Elizabeth’s wardrobe transition is subtle. She starts in very structured, neutral tones—creams, beiges, stiff fabrics. As she starts hanging out with David, her clothes get a bit more relaxed. More color creeps in. It’s a classic costume design trick, but it works so well here because Krakow carries it with such grace.
And David? David is in flannels and leather jackets. It’s the "bad boy" starter pack, but because it’s Tyler Hynes, it feels lived-in. Like he’s actually owned those boots for ten years.
The Actionable Takeaway for Hallmark Lovers
If you’re looking to recreate the vibe of this movie or dive deeper into the genre, here is what you should actually do:
Check out Tyler Hynes’ other work, specifically The Unexpected Christmas or An Unexpected Christmas. He brings that same "real person" energy to those roles.
If you loved the "reclaiming your life" theme, watch The 27-Hour Day. It covers similar ground but focuses more on the work-life balance aspect.
Go to Victoria, BC. If you’re a superfan, visiting the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is a must. You can literally sit on the patio where some of the most iconic scenes were filmed. It’s a beautiful spot, even if you aren't trying to live out a movie fantasy.
Host a "rewatch" night. This movie is better the second time because you notice the small glances David gives Elizabeth early on. The foreshadowing is actually pretty decent for a TV movie.
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Final Thoughts on the Legacy of It Was Always You
Ultimately, It Was Always You Hallmark succeeded because it respected its audience. It didn't assume viewers were just looking for a wedding at the end. It assumed they wanted to see a woman find her voice.
The chemistry between Hynes and Krakow is the gold standard for the network now. Every time a new movie is announced, fans compare the leads to "David and Liz." That’s a high bar to clear. It’s a movie about the bravery it takes to be messy, to hurt people you love so you don’t end up hurting yourself, and to finally admit that what you wanted was standing right in front of you the whole time.
If you haven’t seen it, find a way to stream it. If you have, watch it again. It’s one of the few that actually holds up under scrutiny.
How to Watch It Right Now
You can usually find it on the Hallmark Movies Now app or catch it during one of the network's frequent marathons. It also pops up on Peacock from time to time depending on their current licensing deals.
- Step 1: Check the Hallmark Channel schedule for "Love Ever After" reruns.
- Step 2: Look for the DVD or digital purchase on Amazon if you want to own it without relying on streaming rotations.
- Step 3: Follow the actors on social media; they often post behind-the-scenes tidbits that give more context to the filming process.