“Holy Days” follows three unconventional nuns who form an unlikely bond with a young Māori boy while embarking on a last-ditch road trip across New Zealand to fight for their independence. It’s based on the novel of the same name by Dame Joy Cowley.
A Faith-Based Story With Broad Appeal
Faith is at the center of “Holy Days,” with the central characters being a trio of Catholic nuns. While this is the case, it doesn’t mean you need to be a believer to enjoy the film.
While still catering to a religious audience, really, it’s a movie for everyone – exploring themes of friendship, grief and community as a whole.
The characters are what make “Holy Days” the movie that it is. Jacki Weaver (Sister Mary Clare), Miriam Margolyes (Sister Luke) and Judy Davis (Sister Agnes) have phenomenal chemistry. While they never have much time to shine individually, each brings their own quirks to make for memorable character moments.
From the outside, nuns can appear to be strict or old-fashioned. These nuns are anything but that. They’re charismatic, energetic and … don’t always make the right decisions. It’s because of this that they can be relatable to just about anyone – though it’s likely that certain viewers will find their moral ambiguity (stealing, drinking, smoking, etc.) questionable from a religious standpoint.
Charm, Creativity and a Standout Performance
Elijah Tamati (Brian Collins) is the true standout, however. Not only does Tamati bring a range of highs and lows to the screen through his performance, but writer-director Nat Boltt visualizes the character’s journey in unique ways. Utilizing stop-motion animation, “Holy Days” brings his imagination to life.
Not only that, but the technique is also used to aid in transitions and time jumps during the 101-minute runtime. This adds creative flair to the film’s core identity while alleviating some of the budgetary restraints in the process. The New Zealand landscape also adds depth to the movie’s visual palette. Director of photography Thomas Burstyn captures various environments that are full of beauty.
Even as the story grows light in the middle segment, “Holy Days” remains charming.
“Stole! You did a sin. You should be prostituted!”
Karl Sölve Steven’s score is extremely versatile. Through mixing soft chords, soothing vocals and rhythmic thumps, every scene has a hopeful, uplifting touch. This adds to the lighthearted tone that the movie goes for.
Heart Over Depth
While “Holy Days” does fly by, this can be to a fault at times. Many important moments within the film are glossed past, which results in an underdeveloped overarching narrative. The characters themselves are likeable enough to make the journey worth it, but the destination isn’t completely earned.
Tonal imbalances can also creep in at times, as it attempts to be both sentimental and absurdist. More often than not, though, the film’s charm outweighs these inconsistencies.
“Holy Days” spreads meaningful messages that viewers of all backgrounds can get behind. It’s lighthearted and comfortable, while remaining relatable every step of the way. It’s a simple movie that you just can’t help but smile at.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
