Review: Andrew Walker and Odette Annable star in Derby-themed Hallmark film ‘Kentucky Roses’

Andrew Walker and Odette Annable in ‘Kentucky Roses.’ Photo Credit: Hallmark Media.

Actors Andrew Walker and Odette Annable star in the new Kentucky Derby-themed Hallmark film “Kentucky Roses,” which premiered on May 2nd, just in time for this year’s Kentucky Derby.

Clare Niederpruem directed from a screenplay by Jamie Pachino.

The synopsis is: A greenhouse worker Sadie Moore (Odette Annable) and Ash Taylor (Andrew Walker), the son of Churchill Downs’ CEO, form an unlikely pair, coming together to save the Kentucky Derby rose blanket and uncovering a generational love story along the way.

Andrew Walker delivers a towering and suave performance as Ash, which brings out his signature easy-going charm but it also adds more emotional depth than usual.

His character feels grounded because he is torn between ambition and honoring his family roots, and Walker is able to convey that puzzling internal conflicts in a convincing manner.

Odette Annable is lovely and appealing in the female lead role of Sadie, and she will certainly sustain the audience’s attention for its entire duration.

The chemistry with his co-star Odette Annable is natural and unforced, allowing the romance to unfold at a comfortable, satisfying pace rather than rushing toward the finish line; moreover, their affecting rapport allows for more resonance.

In addition, the father and son relationship between Ash and Frank (Gregg Henry) is explored, which tackles on such themes as reconciliation and freedom.

Ash is trying to prove himself outside his father’s shadow as the CEO of Churchill Downs, so he has to overcome tension, which is mediated by his mother (played by a memorable Brynn Thayer), to reconcile and find common ground with his family.

Particularly impressive about this rom-com is how it balances the romantic moments with the themes of tradition, taking cares, and reinvention. That emotional layer gives “Kentucky Roses” a little more weight than your average Hallmark movie.

The movie is set against the lush, tradition-soaked backdrop of the Kentucky Derby, so it leans fully into its setting and cinematography without feeling gimmicky. In fact, Churchill Downs feels like its own character in the movie.

The sole drawback is that there are a few plot turns that feel slightly predictable, especially for seasoned viewers of the genre, but that is bound to happen in the majority of the Hallmark projects out there.

The Verdict

Overall, “Kentucky Roses” is a winning new Hallmark rom-com. It is uplifting and heartwarming, anchored by endearing acting performances from Andrew Walker and Odette Annable (who is Autumn Reeser-caliber good as Sadie).

The pageantry of the race, the elegant fashion, and the sense of generational legacy all come together beautifully in this Derby-themed romance movie.

Hopefully, this is a harbinger that there will be more films starring Andrew Walker and Odette Annable in the future.

This is exactly the kind of warm, feel-good escapism one can hope for from a Hallmark film.

Whether one is a longtime Hallmark fan or just in the mood for a sweet romantic comedy with a distinct setting —in this case Kentucky — this movie is worth checking out. “Kentucky Roses” earns 4.5 out of 5 stars. Well done.