Holy Days

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https://kismetmovies.com/releases/holy-days

Date Reviewed: 30/07/2026

With Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey dominating cinemas with its epic tale of homecoming, Nat Boltt's Holy Days arrives as a quieter but heartfelt exploration of longing, family and faith. It may lack gods and monsters, but it shares Homer's enduring themes of hope, hubris and the search for home.

Based on Dame Joy Cowley's novel, Holy Days follows Brian (Elijah Tamati), a grieving boy determined to reach Aoraki/Mount Cook, believing he can reunite with his late mother. He believes that stepping off the highest peak into the clouds will lead him straight to her. Along the way he joins three elderly nuns trying to save their convent, setting off on an unlikely road trip across New Zealand that is funny, moving and full of unexpected adventure.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its authentic recreation of 1970s New Zealand. As someone almost exactly Brian's age, I was immediately transported back to my own childhood. The music, lingo, hippy fashions, family life, bumping around a Holden without a seatbelt and free pace of the era all ring true. Having also attended Catholic school, I found the convent scenes especially nostalgic, yes, even the smell. The film doesn't mock faith; instead, it celebrates the compassion, humour and imperfections of the people who devoted their lives to it, dryly capturing the sharp-witted exchanges, such as Sister Agnes remarking, "Yeah, maybe old, but at least I'm not pregnant."

The spectacular New Zealand landscape is more than just a backdrop. From coastal roads to the breathtaking Southern Alps, the scenery becomes part of the journey, reflecting the characters' search for healing and belonging.

The performances are led by three acting heavyweights. Judy Davis is superb as the formidable Sister Agnes, delivering both razor-sharp wit and quiet emotional depth, offering gentle wisdom along the way, reminding us that "Death is a miracle, Brian. One of life's great journeys. The greatest. And journeys are not to be feared."

Miriam Margolyes is equally memorable, moving effortlessly between comedy and vulnerability as Sister Luke, softly reassuring the young boy that "Things happen when you least expect them, Brian... God shows us by opening little doors. You don't go through, nothing happens." Jacki Weaver brings warmth to Sister Mary Clare, although the script doesn't give her quite the same opportunity to shine as her co-stars.

Young Elijah Tamati holds his own alongside this remarkable cast. His portrayal of Brian is natural, sincere and never overly sentimental, making the emotional core of the film more believable.

The film's only misstep, for me, is its occasional use of stop-motion animation. Intended to reflect Brian's imagination and emotional world through the visual perspective of a snow globe, the sequences sometimes interrupt the rhythm of an otherwise grounded and emotionally rich story. Younger audiences may embrace them, but I found them slightly distracting.

Watching Holy Days at Backlot Studios' intimate cinema made the experience even more enjoyable. What struck me most was the audience's reaction. Older patrons laughed heartily throughout, while younger viewers were drawn into Brian's adventure. It's a rare film that genuinely connects across generations.

At a time when many films compete to be louder, darker and more spectacular, Holy Days succeeds by doing the opposite. It is warm, funny and deeply compassionate-a celebration of family, friendship, ageing and the quiet courage of carrying on after loss.

This is the most wholesome night I've had at the movies in a long time. Don't overlook this little sleeper. It reminds us that sometimes the greatest adventures are not about conquering the world but finding our way back to each other.

Highlights

• Masterclass in acting by Davis and Margoyles
• Visually, the film is a love letter to New Zealand
• In a world of AI and dark thrillers, this simple story has a soul 

Who's it for? 

• Perfect for families, from the young ones to the grandparents, and don't worry about inappropriate content.
• Viewers who grew up in the '70s will love it, especially those who attended a Catholic school back then.
• Anyone who enjoys a classic road movie or lighthearted adventure stories. 

Director Nat Boltt | Cast Miriam Margolyes, Judy Davis and Jacki Weaver | Genre Drama | CountryNew Zealand | Running Time 101 mins | Rating PG | Release Date 6th August 2026

Reviewed by Mary Sinanidis