In a heartwarming interview, Christina Milian and Devale Ellis discuss their roles in the Netflix film "Meet Me Next Christmas" and how music can be a powerful force in bringing people together. The actors share their personal experiences and insights, offering a unique perspective on the film's themes and the enduring appeal of music in our lives.

Unlocking the Unifying Power of Music

The Transformative Bond of Music

As a singer-songwriter, Christina Milian has always been drawn to the way music can connect people. "That's always been my purpose when I did music," she explains. "People are happy, it makes you feel. It's a beautiful bond that music has." Milian's character, Layla, is on a mission to reunite with a chance encounter from the previous Christmas, and the Pentatonix concert serves as the backdrop for their potential reunion. Milian's own experiences have shown her the power of music to bring people together, even if a movie-worthy reunion hasn't happened at one of her shows.

Music as a Conduit for Connection

Devale Ellis, who plays the concierge Teddy, echoes Milian's sentiments about the unifying nature of music. "The vibe, the frequency allows people to find a joint commonality regardless of where they're from," he says. "If people can bond over music, typically they can bond over other things." Ellis believes that the shared experience of music can be the foundation for deeper connections, a sentiment that is reflected in the film's narrative.

Embracing Imperfections and Having Fun

One of the key moments in "Meet Me Next Christmas" involves Layla and Teddy competing in a dance contest to win concert tickets. Milian was initially concerned about how her dancing skills would be perceived, but she ultimately decided to embrace the imperfections and have fun with the scene. "Part of me is like, 'They're going to judge me if I'm not Christina Milian,'" she admits. "Christina Milian also has her insecurities about all that stuff, so I was like let's just be Layla." Ellis, on the other hand, found himself out of his element when it came to the concierge work, but he approached it with the same spirit of playfulness.

Diversifying Roles and Expanding Horizons

Both Milian and Ellis are using "Meet Me Next Christmas" as an opportunity to showcase their versatility as actors. Milian has had previous success with Christmas movies, but she is also producing her own projects, such as the thriller "Body Language," to expand her creative horizons. Meanwhile, Ellis is excited to demonstrate his range, having played more intense roles in the Tyler Perry series "Sistas" and "Zatima." The actors are embracing the chance to take on different characters and challenge themselves, reflecting their desire to grow and evolve in their careers.

Cherishing the Holiday Spirit

As the holiday season approaches, Milian and Ellis are looking forward to their own Christmas celebrations. Milian and her family will be spending the holidays in a chateau in France, where she plans to indulge in the local cuisine and traditions. Ellis, on the other hand, will be traveling to Jamaica with his in-laws, but he's also excited to spend quality time with his family at home. Both actors are eager to embrace the festive spirit and create lasting memories with their loved ones."Meet Me Next Christmas" is a heartwarming exploration of the power of music to bring people together and the importance of embracing the holiday spirit. Through the performances of Milian and Ellis, the film reminds us that the true magic of the season lies in the connections we make and the joy we share, both on and off the screen.