Thanks to Emma and Strike Media, I’ve got a screener review to share. Opening in Irish and U.K. cinemas on 14 August is Holy Days.
Title: Holy Days
Director: Nathalie Boltt
Premiered: 05 February 2026 (Santa Barbara Film Festival – United States)
Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes
Brian (Elijah Tamati) is dealing with a lot. His mother recently passed away and he’s not quite sure how to process his grief. He’s quick to lose his temper over small things and has become a bit of a handful at home. The home life is a particular point of angst for Brian because his dad has remarried. Brian feels his stepmother, Liz (Nathalie Boltt, who also directs), is trying to replace his mother.
The one place that Brian can find solace happens to be at a convent. Because he’s acting out and swearing, he does his best to repent at confession at the local and almost-forgotten convent. While Father Findlay (Jonny Brugh) appears annoyed by the boy’s presence, Sister Agnes (Judy Davis), Sister Mary (Jackie Weaver) and Sister Luke (Miriam Margolyes) have all grown close to Brian and appreciate having him around.
One day, Sister Agnes learns that a developer has been eyeing the convent in hopes of buying and demolishing it. In order to save their convent, the three sisters decide to set out to the South Island. Their destination: a former sister who also happens to be Brian’s great-aunt, and the deed she holds that could save everything.
The unlikely group of Brian and the three sisters decide to “borrow” Father Findlay’s car and away they go.
Holy Days takes your traditional road trip and puts its own twist on it. It could have been a straight comedy and just had the three sisters take the journey. However, adding Brian to the mix also adds the heart of the film. The sisters know that they’re providing a “safe space” of sorts for Brian, and whether he knows it or not, Brian provides the sisters with some much needed younger eyes and ears on the road.
Whether it’s the sisters and their back-and-forth banter, a quick quip from Brian, or seeing how the sisters get out of a speeding ticket, there is comedy here for all ages. At the same time, there are also struggles that will appeal to different ages as well.
Elijah Tamati is great as Brian. He’s a cute kid who is able to tap into the emotions needed for the character of Brian to be likable. The casting of the sisters was also a highlight. Davis, Weaver, and Margolyes each bring a distinct comedic energy to the table and together they’re a fun group that you want to see succeed.
There are a couple of emotional moments, one I didn’t see coming, but they each feel earned. Nothing is too heavy-handed or feels like it’s just checking a box.
Holy Days knows exactly what it is: a wholesome, feel-good family comedy-drama. Nothing more, nothing less.