If you’ve ever looked at a quiet, orderly convent and thought, “You know what this place really needs? A desperate young boy, three rebellious elderly nuns, and an madcap cross-country dash,” then boy, do we have the cinematic salvation you’ve been praying for.
Having recently previewed the film in the charmingly intimate, pocket-sized screening room of Melbourne’s Backlot Studios, my plus one and I can happily report that Holy Days is a riotous, high-octane Kiwi comedy that hits the screen with the force of a heavenly thunderbolt. Directed by Nathalie Boltt in her feature debut, this trans-Tasman caper proves that you’re never too old for an adventure, and thank goodness for that.
Set in 1970s New Zealand, the story follows young Brian, a grieving kid convinced he can reach his late mother through their sacred Māori mountain on the South Island. When he discovers the local bishop is trying to shut the place down, Brian sparks a desperate, rogue mission to the southern half of Aotearoa alongside three delightfully eccentric sisters on a mission to save their home. It’s a road trip movie that gleefully throws out the rulebook, trading quiet contemplation for outwitting crooked officials, nuns racing hippies, and cashing in miraculous betting wins.
Of course, the real miracle here is the powerhouse cast, which reads like an absolute Mount Rushmore of acting royalty. You’ve got Jacki Weaver, Miriam Margolyes, and Judy Davis locking arms (and horns) as the unconventional sisters, bringing a masterclass in comedic timing, sharp tongues, and fierce, unyielding loyalty. Watching these three screen legends chew the scenery while navigating a crisis of faith is worth the ticket price alone. They ground the madcap energy in something genuinely touching, reminding us that family isn’t just about who you’re born with, it’s who you’ll happily commit minor felonies with on the highway.
It’s funny, it’s deeply moving, and it never takes itself too seriously. When I say that we were brought to tears in multiple scenes, I mean it with both laughter and grief – these sisters truly tug at our heartstrings. Whether you’re in it for the divine intervention or just a solid laugh, Holy Days is the kind of feel-good crowd-pleaser that will leave you completely converted. So go on… say a little prayer, grab your popcorn, and prepare to have your spirits thoroughly lifted. Amen to that.
– Tom
