Hallmark fans have long known that Kristoffer Polaha is a talented actor, whether playing gritty detective Travis Burke in the “Mystery 101” franchise or debonnaire 1940s actor Jack Huston in “A Biltmore Christmas.” But this weekend, the beloved star appears as fans have never seen him before.
Playing a struggling stand-up comedian in the quirky and thought-provoking “Mimics,” Polaha shines in his directorial debut, premiering at 400 theaters across the U.S. on February 13, 2026. The question is: can Hallmark fans who adore low-conflict love stories and cozy mysteries handle this deep and, at times, dark “horror-romance?” Here are three reasons we think you may actually love this twisted tale…
1. The ‘Mimics’ Cast Delivers Stellar & Surprising Performances Too Good to Miss
Panoramic PicturesPolaha not only directed “Mimics,” but stars in the independent film as Sam Reinhold, a quirky and struggling celebrity impersonator who lives in Reno, Nevada (Polaha’s real-life hometown) with his grandpa — played by Stephen Tobolowsky, familiar to Hallmark fans as nerdy Ned in the “Haul Out the Holly” franchise.
While making ends meet as a grocery store stockboy, Sam is approached by a talent agency that promises to make him a superstar, but only if he incorporates a ventriloquist dummy into his act. It’s a delight to watch Sam’s dreams come true until the seriously creepy puppet he’s paired with wreaks havoc on him and his inner circle.
Whether floundering onstage with a lifeless sock puppet or navigating his budding romance with a grocery store clerk played by the captivating Mexican-American actress Mōriah, Polaha delivers a convincing, layered performance in “Mimics.” Hallmark fans will be taken in by his vulnerability and tickled by his physical comedy and uncanny celebrity impressions.
Meanwhile, Tobolowsky will crack your heart open with his character’s undying love for his grandson, while Jesse Hutch — who’s appeared in multiple Hallmark and Great American Family projects in recent years — wows as Sam’s sinister boss. Truthfully, the entire cast is stellar, nailing their roles in just three weeks (a feat Polaha realized he could pull off after filming so many Hallmark movies in 15 days).
2. Kristoffer Polaha Goes From Homely to Hunky in ‘Mimics’
Panoramic PicturesRom-com fans love a good makeover, watching a shrinking violet shift to “She’s All That” status, and “Mimics” does not disappoint in that department.
Sam’s body language and appearance shift dramatically — clearly, fame becomes him. He goes from a long-haired, yellow-vest-wearing stockboy to a “Saturday Night Fever”-esque hunk sure to have Hallmark fans swooning.
But he’s not the only one; Mōriah’s character, cashier Virginia, subtly blossoms, too. As her relationship with Sam intensifies and the depth of her backstory is revealed, she gets her own hero-worthy makeover, going from after-work sweats to a date-night dress in 10 minutes flat.
3. ‘Mimics’ Includes a Scary Good Romance Hallmark Fans Will Love
Panoramic PicturesFor lack of a better term, “Mimics” is categorized as a “horror-romance,” a description Polaha told EntertainmentNow feels too harsh, so he suggested “light-fright romance.” But the truth is, it lands somewhere in the middle.
There’s nothing gory like in a true horror flick, but there’s more blood than you’d see in a Hallmark mystery (which is usually zero) and more death and dark secrets than a small town caterer could probably manage. Also, if you spook easily, keep both hands on your popcorn. But “Mimics” won’t leave you breathless with fear or give you nightmares (unless the mere thought of a demented puppet does the trick!). The fright factor is campy and creative, and it’s all done for a reason.
The budding romance between Sam and Virginia is sweet and innocent — perfect for Hallmarkies — but the circumstances they’re dealing with are anything but. Her wisdom and concern for Sam give “Mimics” an underlying message and meaning that are not preachy, but thought-provoking and hopeful.
The timing could not be more perfect for the “Mimics” premiere, falling on Friday the 13th and Valentine’s Day weekend. So branch out a little, Hallmarkies, and check if there’s a showing near you; if tickets sell well during opening weekend, its availability will likely expand to more theaters next week.
I adore KP and love his acting skills…however, Mimics is simply not my genre and I’ll be taking a pass.
Wishing Kristoffer all the best with this movie this weekend. He is a talented actor that really delivers and gets watched on Hallmark.